February 12 SREA newsletter

Change, not more of the same!

Declining salaries in recent years…an inability to complete bargaining in a timely manner…no connection with state and national public education affiliates…stagnant leadership with little input provided by members…little to no legislative lobbying program…no language granting annual contract teachers continued employment for having good evaluations…How much more ground will be lost?

“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.”
-Benjamin Franklin

More and more, employees are speaking up about the need for having a new organization representing them. “It’s time for a change, not more of the same,” says Lisa Carothers, Holley-Navarre Primary teacher. “For too long, the real issues affecting employees in our schools have been ignored while it’s been business as usual with the current union. I believe that with Santa Rosa EA we can start to regain what we’ve lost and put the issues of the members – and not just the leaders – on the front burner.”

NOW is the time to make the switch to Santa Rosa EA. Currently, we are collecting Showing of Interest Cards to petition for an election to challenge the current organization for bargaining rights. Please complete the card (please fill out the correct form – the top is for teachers and the bottom for Education Support Professionals), and send it one of two ways:

1. Mail to Santa Rosa EA, P.O. Box 723, Milton, FL 32570
2. Email us at [email protected] to arrange for your card to be picked up at your worksite

HUNDREDS have signed cards as a result of our efforts, and we plan to get HUNDREDS more to sign for Santa Rosa EA. Come, join the change. NOW is the time!

State News

Lawmakers question value of high-stakes testing
Florida’s system of high-stakes testing is now receiving extra scrutiny from state lawmakers. Some members of a House committee on school quality questioned Wednesday whether the downsides to frequent testing and school grades outweigh the benefits, particularly after a state education official told legislators that Florida does more testing than is required by federal law.

Join Our Action Alert List
It’s important to understand that every decision made in our schools have a political origin. Legislators make laws that govern almost everything you do on the job, and often they make decisions without consulting the people who are impacted the most. This is why it is so important for members to take action. We need to hold lawmakers accountable and the only way to change what’s happening in Tallahassee is to get involved. You can also text feaactivist to 31996 to receive alerts via text message.

National News

DeVos Survives Confirmation Battle But Her Agenda May Not
The historic mobilization of educators, parents and community members has denied the Trump administration a mandate to take over our public schools.

Union 101: Making the Most of Membership
For new educators who want to learn more about what you’ll get for your dues investment, here’s a primer on what NEA membership means.

Don’t forget: The big picture matters.