Local News
Did You Know?
In late 2015 several SRPE members wanted to know more about the finances of their union. After several requests they eventually were granted a meeting. During this meeting the members were shown brief reports on a screen displaying very little information, were provided incomplete and vague responses to simple inquiries and even were refused answers to several questions. As a result, a lawsuit was filed challenging SRPE’s choice to block financial information willfully from its members.
In a surprising move, SRPE now has decided to provide some of the financial documents, but plans to ask the Public Employees Relations Commission to issue an order restricting the use of these documents from being used against Rhonda Chavers and SRPE on the grounds that the information is “proprietary.” This strange turn of events begs several questions:
- Why is SRPE making legal maneuvers to prohibit financial information from being viewed by its members?
- What are they trying to hide?
- How is it appropriate for a nonprofit employee organization to block its own members from knowing how their dues money is spent?
Perhaps it’s time for a change. If you want to have a transparent organization with professional representation, a full service legal department, meaningful professional development and a robust member benefits package, the Santa Rosa EA is here for you. Showing of Interest cards are being collected to petition for an election so employees can choose an alternative to serve their interests. Please complete the Showing of Interest card (please fill out the correct form – the top is for teachers and the bottom for education staff professionals), and send it one of two ways:
- Mail to: Santa Rosa Education Association, P.O. Box 723, Milton, FL 32570
- Email us at [email protected] to arrange for your card to be picked up at your worksite
Cultivating a Culture of Success in Your Classroom—for new teachers only!
New teachers, would you like to learn more about strategies to help you create success in the classroom? Come to Avalon Middle on September 13th from 4-6 pm to participate in a training designed JUST for new teachers! FEA Regional Specialist and elementary teacher Charley McClaren will be presenting research-based strategies to make your lessons more meaningful while learning techniques for effective classroom management.
State News
Miami-Dade announces less testing, more teaching time
On Wednesday morning, Miami-Dade Superintendent Alberto Carvalho announced that the district is doing away with a series of exams to free up more time for instruction. Starting this year, schools will no longer administer 12 mid-year assessments in English language arts and math, which will free up 185 minutes of classroom time for students in grades 3 through 8. Read more…
Florida lawmakers eye teacher certification rules
Two key Florida lawmakers say they’re looking to “blow up” the state’s teacher certification regime, giving school administrators greater authority to hire instructors who don’t follow traditional paths to careers in the classroom.
National News
ESSA Regulations Expanded: Will They Be Enough?
New regulations to implement the Every Student Succeeds Act should go further in closing opportunity gaps in education.
How To Drop Suspensions By 70 Percent
Adopting restorative discipline practices made a huge impact at these elementary and middle schools.