Local News
Escambia teachers and education staff professionals reach contract agreement
On Friday, the Escambia Education Association announced that it reached a tentative agreement with the district on all items for its 2016-17 contract. Highlights of the agreement include increases of 1% retroactive for teacher and support employees with an additional $200 for teachers with “Effective” or higher evaluation ratings. Escambia now joins Okaloosa in having negotiations completed for the year, while Walton employees are currently midway through bargaining.
SRPE has yet to schedule any bargaining sessions for this year, as no public meetings are noticed and no updates exist on the SRPE website… Maybe it is time for a change? Complete your interest card today!
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In Santa Rosa EA, it is important to get input from ALL stakeholders so that we continue to be an organization which wants to hear from its members. Your feedback is essential to accomplishing this goal so Santa Rosa EA can develop and deliver programs which are meaningful and helpful in your work. Please take a few minutes to complete this electronic survey.
State News
FEA appeals ruling on standing in tax credit voucher lawsuit to Supreme Court
The Florida Education Association (FEA) filed an appeal earlier this week to the Florida Supreme Court on rulings by lower courts denying FEA and other groups and individuals standing in a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the state’s tax credit voucher program.
FEA President Joanne McCall explained, “The lower courts have ruled that teachers and our partners in this lawsuit aren’t allowed to challenge the constitutionality of the tax credit vouchers. …A decade ago, the courts ruled that a previous voucher scheme was unconstitutional. They should examine this voucher plan as well.”
The newly enacted program establishes a state program to pay for the education of children in largely unregulated private schools, diverting funds that otherwise would support free public schools required by the Florida Constitution. Read more about the case HERE.
Introducing Joanne’s Backpack!
FEA President Joanne McCall is happy to announce the official launch of her new website – www.Joannesbackpack.org! This site will be used to blog regularly about public education issues, Florida politics, information about what’s going on around the state and much more. You will also find resources for FEA members, including the links to member benefits sites for FEA and our national affiliates – AFT and NEA.
National News
What Are the Best Measures of School Quality? Educators Speak Out
Under ESSA, accountability plans must track the things that really matter for student success. Which indicators do you believe are most important?
Member Benefits Corner
Union Plus Auto Buying Program
Labor Day is a great time to find car deals, and Union Plus has special member pricing and member rebates, plus additional benefits that could be worth over $3,000.
NEA Cash Rewards World MasterCard
Members have access to great features on this NEA credit card, like 1% cash back on all purchases and 3% cash back on gas. Earn a $100 bonus if you make at least $500 in purchases in the first 90 days.