NEA-Santa Fe Actionline --Online

E-Mail Address for NEA-Santa Fe

2009-08-04T11:49:00.000-07:00

If you need to get in touch with NEA-Santa Fe, send us an email:

neasantafe@gmail.com

The employee rights hotline remains the same:

505-986-2851

Welcome Back to School!!!!!!

2009-08-04T11:34:00.001-07:00

NEW LEADERSHIP FOR NEA-SANTA FE
NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEMBERS
NEW PRIORITIES FOR OUR LOCAL
AND A WELCOME BACK PARTY, AS THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR BEGINS!
Mark your calendar for our welcome back party on Friday, August 21, 2009, from 4-7 p.m. at NEA-NM headquarters. Refreshments, beer and wine will be provided! Take some time before classes begin to reconnect with old friends and meet new people.

Working in the field of public education isn’t easy. If it were, you could do it alone. Fortunately, as NEA-Santa Fe members, you don’t have to. This coming year you will see new leadership, new priorities and a renewed commitment to improving public education through attracting and retaining the professionals we need to do the job of teaching our community’s children.

New Leadership: After serving more than three years as NEA-Santa Fe’s president, Grace Mayer resigned for personal reasons on June 25, 2009. A special thanks to Grace and her executive board for such hard work. As vice-president, Laurie Longiaru became president, and she appointed John Morrison as acting vice-president. Laurie and John share a passion for making our school system the best it can possibly be. This is Laurie’s tenth year as a teacher in the Santa Fe Public Schools and an NEA member. Before teaching, Laurie practiced law in New Mexico and California. She received her law degree from the University of California at Berkeley. She is the mother of two daughters, ages 19 and 16; one is a graduate of the Santa Fe Public Schools system who just successfully completed her first year of college, and the other currently attends Santa Fe High School.

John has been teaching in the Santa Fe Public Schools as an NEA member since 2001. Prior to teaching in New Mexico, John served as a Legislative Assistant for then-Congressman Bill Richardson for five years in Washington, D.C. He has a Masters degree from Fordham University in International Relations and is beginning his eighth year as head baseball coach at Santa Fe High School. He and his wife Lisa have two children, ages 7 and 10.

New Priorities: We are committed to improving communication with you. We will keep you apprised through regularly distributed newsletters and fliers and by posting new information on the NEA-Santa Fe Action. We want to hear your ideas and concerns. The schedule for next year’s membership meetings is on the back of this letter. In addition, once the school year begins, Laurie will maintain regular office hours when she will be available to discuss any and all matters of concern. Look for more information on this soon in our newsletter and blog!

We will prioritize the need to streamline systems to make it easier for you to access the many benefits NEA membership offers. Whether you wish to address an employee rights issue, influence pending legislation or get tips for preparation of your Level II or III dossier, we are here to help.

New Opportunities: Finally, we will strive to increase grassroots involvement in NEA-Santa Fe. Your support and active participation is the backbone of our organization. For this reason, we are asking you to become an Association Representative (AR) for your school site. Superintendent Gutierrez has agreed that each school site will provide a brief period of time during the first few days of school for the election of ARs. If you have served as an AR in the past, please continue to do so. If you haven’t ever been an AR, and you have ideas to contribute to NEA-Santa Fe, please run for election! We will provide several comprehensive trainings on the important roles played by ARs beginning at our membership meeting on September 24. Please help to facilitate these important AR elections at your school. You need only observe a few simple procedures:

(1) Only NEA members can run for the position of AR;
(2) Only NEA members can vote in the election;

(3) Each school site can elect one AR for every ten bargaining unit members. Bargaining unit members include all teachers, counselors, librarians, educational assistants, ancillary personal, and cafeteria workers at your site whether they are NEA members or not.

Once nominations have been made, voting can be done by a show of hands or by asking each voter to write his/her choice(s) for AR on a sheet of paper. After the election has been held, please notify NEA – Santa Fe at neasantafe@gmail.com.

At our first membership meeting on September 24, we will also be holding an election for the positions of executive vice-president, membership chair and legislative and political action chair. If you would like to nominate someone to any of these positions, send an email to NEA – Santa Fe at the above address no later than September 10. You must have been an NEA member for the past year to either nominate someone or be nominated for one of these positions.

We’re looking forward to working with you this year!

Laurie Longiaru and John Morrison

AR MEETINGS FOR 2009-2010

2009-07-22T14:15:00.000-07:00

AR meetings are held at the NEA-NM building at 2007 Botulph in Santa Fe.

September 24, 2009

November 19, 2009

January 14, 2010

March 18, 2010

April 29, 2010

WRAPPING UP THE OLD

2009-07-17T10:35:00.000-07:00

The collective bargaining contract is in the process of being proofread and printed for distribution at the beginning of the 2009-2010 school year. For highlights of the changes in the contract, visit this link

RALLY FOR SFPS AT STATE CAPITOL & MEMBER BENEFITS NEWS

2009-02-26T20:27:00.001-08:00

Several hundred people (members of the community and Santa Fe Public School employees), participated in the Stand Up for Santa Fe Public Schools Day in the Rotunda of the State Capitol on Wednesday, February 25th. NEA-Santa Fe had a table with Read Across America information. More than a hundred people signed postcards to state legislators stressing the importance of increased state funding. Then dozens of school employees visited the offices of elected officials. NEA-Santa Fe continues its collaboration with SFPF to go on buses to the state capitol to visit the offices of state legislators.

The NEA Member Benefits representative, Snookie Krunbiegel, visited northern New Mexico during February giving presentations about financial decisions during tough times. One conversation she had with Connie, an NEA member, highlights the content of what she said to many members during formal and informal presentations. Listen to the audio podcast for ideas that you will find useful.

ONE NEW SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER, ONE OLD WINS ELECTION

2009-02-04T09:14:00.001-08:00

The school board election yesterday brought victory to Barbara Gudwin and a different future for Martin Lujan. Frank Montano won narrowly. For the complete story in the SF New Mexican, visit this link.

SCHOOL BUSES ON THE TRAIL TO THE STATE CAPITOL

2009-01-28T13:17:00.000-08:00

Because members of NEA-Santa Fe understand the importance of visibility and political involvement, they’re signing up to travel on school buses to the state capitol during February to make their voices heard about the urgent need to fund public schools sufficiently. The effort is in cooperation with Santa Fe Public Schools which is providing the transportation and working with NEA Association Reps and the local’s representatives to plan.

February 25, 2009 will be a focal point when advocates for the city’s schools gather for Stand Up for Santa Fe Public Schools Day at the state capitol. Speeches, exhibits, and visits to legislators are expected to drive home the point to state elected officials that the schools in the state’s capitol deserve the funding and resources needed to do the job. The Open Forum is from 4:20 to 6 p.m. in the Rotunda of the State Capitol.

There will be six opportunities during February for school employees to board buses at their schools, or schools within a close proximity, and ride to the Roundhouse to lobby. The buses are a convenient way to participate and not have to worry about parking in the capitol district. NEA Association Reps have signup sheets for their schools. Administrative personnel are making announcements over the intercom, at staff meetings and building newsletters.

Ride to the Capitol with our SFPS employees, board members and community members who support our public schools.

Thursday, Feb. 5, 4:15 p.m., ESC-610 Alta Vista— Leave 3:45, Return 5:30 PM
Thursday, Feb. 12, 4:15 p.m., Chaparral Elementary— Leave 3:45, Return 5:30 PM
Thursday, Feb. 19, 4:15 p.m., Santa Fe High School Staff Parking Lot— Leave 4:10,PM, Return 5:40 PM
Monday. March 2, 4:15 p.m., Sweeney Elementary— Leave 3:45 PM, Return 5:30 PM
Thursday, March 5, 4:15 p.m., DeVargas Mall— Leave 3:45 PM, Return 5:30 PM
Thursday, March 12, 4:15 p.m., Alameda Middle School— Leave 3:45 PM, Return 5:30 PM

To urge our lawmakers to SUFFICIENTLY fund our public schools. It will mean $11 million for SFPS to meet the needs of our students –74% are on free/reduced lunch and 45% who are English Language Learners.

On February 25th at the state capitol is Stand Up for Santa Fe Public Schools Day. The Open Forum at the Rotunda is from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2008-11-27T09:36:00.000-08:00

Rest up for the holidays! There's a challenging 60-day legislative session ahead.

SUFFICIENT FUNDING STATE CAMPAIGN

2008-11-21T12:35:00.001-08:00

It's American Education Week and the campaign for sufficient funding was kicked off this week when hundreds of representatives from school districts around the state gathered at the state capitol. Members of NEA Santa Fe were there as well.

Select this link to find out what the Santa Fe New Mexican had to say about the event.

GET OUT THE VOTE PARTY

2008-10-16T13:06:00.001-07:00

GOTV Campaign Festivities! Thursday, October 23rd. 4:30-7:00 PM. Campaign briefing and dinner, followed by member-to-member phone calls to help elect pro-public education candidates! Program begins at 4:30 pm. Come anytime before 7 pm to join in the festivities!

Where: NEA New Mexico-Santa Fe Office
2007 Botulph Road, Santa Fe
505-982-1916

COMMUNITY BUILDING:What does that look like for you?

2008-10-16T12:34:00.000-07:00

The NEA-Santa Fe Executive team invites members to define their Association’s goals for the upcoming year based on this single theme, Bridging Community. We want to use this opportunity to bolster community with our colleagues at our sites directly and broaden our outreach in our community. At our last members’ meeting, we discussed many ideas including.

• Setting up carpooling or Teacher Walk to Work Days;
• Planning after-school tutoring programs for at-risk students;
• Working with the public libraries to volunteer and read to young children;
• Organizing groups to clean up neighborhood parks or start a community garden;
• Making a pledge to fully participate in your local Union activities, state trainings and local politics to urge our legislature to sufficiently fund public education;
• Plan a fundraiser to purchase books to be distributed during NEA’s Read across America.

Whatever you decide, your leadership team is here to support you with resources and a collaborative spirit to get the work done. If you would like to propose an idea that may require monetary resources or have an idea you want to put into action, please review the following criteria.

Submit a one-page description of your idea that includes the following:
Your name and contact information including home telephone number.
A short proposal and the specific community population you are trying to reach.
Budget of expenses or man/woman power you may require.
What the ultimate goals of your efforts will result in.
How you would like the executive team to assist you.
Submit the proposal by e-mail to Gracemayer11@comcast.net

THE NEXT AR MEETING:
November 5, 2008, 4:30-6 p.m. NEA-NM Building, 2007 Botulph, Santa Fe

NEA-SANTA FE EMPLOYEE RIGHTS HOTLINE: 505-986-2851

DISCOUNT HOTEL STAY FOR NEA MEMBERS

2008-10-08T10:34:00.001-07:00

The ClubHouse Inn and Suites of Albuquerque has provided a negotiated room rate of $79 plus tax, single/double for NEA-New Mexico members. The rate includes a full hot breakfast buffet and evening cocktails. So, if you are planning a trip to the Albuquerque area and need a place to stay, here is an option for you to try.

HIGHLIGHTS OF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT

2008-09-30T11:07:00.000-07:00

--HOURS AND WORKLOAD/PREPARATION TIME: 7 hour workday, 1/2 hour duty free lunch. Five hours/week of preparation time each week.

--SICK LEAVE/BANK/BUY-BACK: 10 days sick leave (6 sick) (4 personal days). Active employee buy back of sick leave starting at year 5.

--ASSOCIATION REPRESENTATIVE AT SCHOOL SITE AND GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES: All members are enocuraged to solve problems at the lowest possible level. Contact an AR on site or a NEA member colleague. If there is a clear violation of the contract, call the Employee Rights Telephone number: 505-986-2851.

OUTSTANDING SCIENCE TEACHER AWARD

2008-09-30T11:06:00.000-07:00

The New Mexico Academy of Science is soliciting nominations for their annual Outstanding Science Teacher Award -- one for an elementary teacher and one for a secondary-school teacher. Anyone in the district can make the nomination and submit it with supporting evidence to our Awards Committee. The winning teachers will receive an engraved Nambe plate, $250, and other gifts. The deadline for the nomination process this year is Friday, October 10, 2008. Call 505-762-0878 for more information.

ARE YOU AWARE THAT. . . ?

2008-08-21T12:04:00.001-07:00

• In 1986-1987 the public schools in New Mexico were appropriated 51.6% of the state’s total recurring budgeted revenue.
• 1990-1991 was the last year the Legislature funded public schools at 50 percent of the state’s total recurring budgeted revenue.
• In 2000 – 2001 public schools in New Mexico were receiving 46.37% of the State’s total recurring revenue budget.
• In 2007 – 2008 public schools in New Mexico are receiving 43.8% of the State’s total recurring revenue budget.
• For the 2008-2009 school year, public education’s share of the state’s total recurring revenue fell to 43.3%, with only 36% of new dollars being appropriated to public schools. •

WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL!!!

2008-08-14T07:50:00.000-07:00

NEA-Santa Fe greeted over 100 new employees this week who gathered at Santa Fe Community College to hear presentations from NEA as well as district representatives. Welcome 52 new NEA members. We're looking forward to including more of you in the next few weeks. Susan Turner at Santa Fe High is NEA-Santa Fe's Membership Chair.

MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS FOR 2008-2009

2008-07-31T10:31:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars for the upcoming 2008-2009 school year. All meetings are from 4:30-6 p.m.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009

All meetings are held at NEA-NM headquarters.

EMPLOYEE RIGHTS LINE:

NEA-Santa Fe has a new Employee Rights telephone number to assist all bargaining unit members with concerns and possible grievances:

505-986-2851

BARGAINING AGREEMENT NEWS

2007-11-13T14:53:00.000-08:00

The tentative agreements finalized this morning provides a better than 5% average for all categories of classified employees covered under the bargaining agreement (all employees, except custodial and maintenance). Educational Assistants averaged 5.7%, Library Para-professionals averaged 5.29%, Secretaries averaged 5.27%, and food service workers averaged 5.36%. Transportation workers received an average increase well above 5% in an earlier executed memorandum of understanding.

The tentative agreement provides an average raise of 7.05% for licensed personnel included in the teacher/ancillary salary schedule(all ancillary personnel—counselors, special education professionals, etc—are included in the three-tier system embodied in the teacher/ancillary salary schedules). No employee in tier I or II received less than a 4.5% actual salary increase. Many Tier III teachers and ancillary personnel received as much as 11% increases and no one in Tier III received less than 5%. The salary increases will go into effect with the December 21 pay check.

AR MEETING TOMORROW

2007-11-13T13:30:00.000-08:00

Dear All NEA-SF Members,

NEA-SF AR/MEMBER MEETING IS SCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 14TH
4:30-6:30 at NEA-NM 2007 Botulph road *please post at all sites

Thank you, for your participation in last weeks Rally and School Board Meeting.
Thank you, Eldorado Elementary School members and your PTC for your leadership and kicking off the early morning rally at your school.

As colleagues working together united for change, we can influence the public education system in a positive way for our students and the SF community while improving our wages and working conditions.

This is an honorable endeavor. This is our professional responsibility. We will be successful.

The NEA-SF Collective Bargaining team will be meeting with the District on Tuesday morning. We expect a counter proposal from them on salaries for teachers. Other staff salaries have been agreed upon.

I especially want to thank those of you who brought your children and families to the School Board meetings, our community and our employer need to start valuing family and community and deliver our raises and the respect we all deserve.

Thank you! to our dedicated Bus Drivers who show their solidarity and gratitude to OUR Union membership for successfully working to increase their pay last year by showing -up to every meeting and rally we have to advocate for others.

We need to keep the pressure on and continue to write letters to the editor of the newspapers.
letters@sfnewmexican.com jnorth@abqjournal.com editor@sfreporter.com

Wednesday we will work together on the next plan of action if Tuesday's bargaining session proves to be unsuccessful.

United together for Change!

Grace Mayer NEA-SF President

NEGOTIATIONS CAUSING COMMENT

2007-11-06T09:48:00.001-08:00

"Fliers urge teachers to take sick day" by John Sena

Anonymous fliers posted at Santa Fe High urge teachers to call in sick Tuesday as a protest for better salaries. Many teachers say they disagree with the strategy; the district and the teachers’ union are in the midst of negotiations.

CLICK HERE for this week's (11/2) article in the New Mexican

NEXT AR MEETING

2007-11-05T10:36:00.001-08:00

The next meeting of NEA-Santa Fe is Wednesday, November 14, 2007 at 4:30 p.m. at the NEA-NM headquarters building, 2007 Botulph Road in Santa Fe.

RALLY FOR RAISES AND RESPECT!

2007-10-29T13:53:00.001-07:00

Dear NEA-SF Members and friends,

We had a great show of support for increased wages at the last School Board Meeting. It was an invigorating night of passionate voices united in support of all union members and the students of this community. Our dedication and professionalism is undeniable. Our personal and professional concerns illuminated the many challenges and reality of working in education for the SFPS district.

OUR WORK IS FAR FROM OVER
WE MUST RALLY FOR RAISES AND RESPECT!

We need leadership that is willing to take a hard look at what we are up against. Leadership that will honor their commitments and increase Teachers and staff salaries. The School Board is elected to represent its constituents, the community of Santa Fe, that is everyone of us. We are calling for full financial disclosure from this district. We need an independent audit to find out how public funds are being spent.

This current SFPS district Administration characterizes our teachers as "complainers" they show no support for the tremendous work we do. They threaten and intimidate NEA-SF leaders and all our members from using district e-mail to communicate, they put out erroneous information weekly and deceive employees and the public for their own purposes.

WE NEED TO RALLY FOR OUR RAISES OUR RIGHTS AND THE RESPECT WE ALL DESERVE!
Groups of employees need to organize now and get themselves, their families, students and the community involved in supporting adequate pay raises for educators and staff at SFPS.
Level II teachers all 450 of you need to take action now!

ATTEND THE NEXT SCHOOL BOARD MEETING TUESDAY NOVEMBER 6TH
4:30 610 ALTA VISTA
RALLY TOGETHER BEFORE THE MEETING

Write letters to the School Board tell them to honor their commitments.
Write letters to the newspaper, the community deserves to know the truth about how the district spends public money and our students deserve qualified teachers and staff .

letters@sfnewmexican.com
jnorth@abqjournal.com
editor@sfreporter.com

Unite for change! Our future and our students future depends on it!

Grace Mayer NEA-SF President

.

CALL FOR 5% RAISES AT BOARD MEETING

2007-10-17T07:31:00.000-07:00

Abigail Fox, a math teacher at Santa Fe High School, cheers in response to a call for a 5 percent raise during a Santa Fe school board meeting at E.J. Martinez Elementary School on Tuesday. Photo from the New Mexican

CLICK HERE FOR NEW MEXICAN ARTICLE

BOARD MEETING THIS WEEK: October 16th

2007-10-15T08:49:00.000-07:00

The regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Tuesday, October 16th starting at 4:30 p.m. at E.J. Martinez Elementary School.

As always, it is important for employees of SFPS to attend and make your views known.

THE WORD IS OUT ABOUT SOMETHING WE EXPERIENCE EVERY DAY

2007-10-11T08:15:00.001-07:00

Finally, we're seeing in the news media what is a fact of life every day in Santa Fe Public Schools. The lack of subs is a serious problem. NEA reps were at Capital High Tuesday of this week in the lounge during A and B lunch. We heard this everywhere we turned. Staff members at Capital are meeting together on the building level to take action. When will you do the same in your building?

What Does NEA Do for ME?

2007-10-08T09:17:00.000-07:00

Subject: A day of professional workshops & exhibits sponsored by NEA-New Mexico and Los Lunas Schools

Professional Development is one thing - See Below - What a list of workshops!

REGISTER ONLINE - SOON - Classes are filling up fast!

Go to our web site : www,nea-nm.org to register for the Fall Professional Conference in Albuquerque. This is an opportunity to take classes in fulfillment of PDP's and to add to your portfolios. In some districts, the locals have arrangements so members can take a professional leave day to attend this conference. In others, individuals either work out an arrangement with their administrators, or folks take personal days to attend. It's worth it!

Friday, October 19, 2007 At the Albuquerque Convention Center
401 2nd Street, NW Albuquerque, NM Light Lunch will be Provided
Registration: 7:30 am - 8:30 am Sessions: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Registration Fee: Early: $25 (by October 11, 2007) Regular: $30 (after October 11, 2007)

Attention Education Assistants: Working with UNM Valencia College, we offer education assistants the opportunity to apply for one credit hour of continuing education. Specific workshops will qualify for the credit hour along with an additional requirement defined by UNM Valencia College. College staff will be on site with registration forms and details. New Mexico's Educational Support Professionals will get new ideas, trends, and techniques to take back to their classrooms.

Conference Topics Include:

Revitalizing High Schools & Middle Schools
Enhancing Elementary Teaching Strategies
Closing Achievement Gaps Among New Mexico Students
Fostering Wellness

BEST WISHES TO FRANK MONTANO

2007-10-03T10:40:00.000-07:00

Editorial,- Get well soon, Frank!

By THE NEW MEXICAN
October 2, 2007

If anyone personifies the Santa Fe community servant, it’s Frank Montaño. Today he’s president of the school board. Before that, he was a dedicated, conscientious and hard-working member of the City Council.

Many who’ve served where he has have done so less energetically — or more concerned about converting public office into private gain.

Not Frank Montaño. As long as we’ve known him, he’s scrambled at several jobs to make a living, then put in the long, sometimes tedious hours it takes to be an effective elected local official.

Is that what led to the heart attack he suffered Monday morning? Who knows?

We hear he’s making a good recovery. We join the many Santa Feans who’ve witnessed his thoughtful service in wishing him a rapid return to good health

ATTEND SCHOOL BOARD MEETING ON TUESDAY

2007-10-01T13:28:00.000-07:00

It is crucial that concerned NEA members attend Tuesday's School Board meeting at 4:30 at 610 Alta Vista and bring supporters and your families.

The District's salary proposal is unacceptable. We need to unite as a community of educators and workers and assert ourselves.

POSITIVE CHANGE IS POSSIBLE WHEN WE ALL UNITE TOGETHER!

Sincerely,
NEA-SF Executive Team
Grace Mayer, NEA-SF President

GOALS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

2007-09-17T09:50:00.000-07:00

1. Uphold the CBA. Educate employees of their rights and responsibilities. Successful grievances for ancillary. New employee pay for orientation. More members stepping forward to advocate for themselves. NEA-SF leadership in constant contact with HR department to resolve issues at the lowest possible level.

2. Improve public education for students in Santa Fe. Improve lowering class size and case load ratios. Provide diverse instruction. Promote recruitment and retention of highly-qualified fully-licensed educational staff. Progress made through collective bargaining, sick leave buy-back incentive. Increased salary to be more competitive for all employees. Bilingual coach, all stipends increased. Reinstatement of SPED consult. Case maximums established. Push for diverse instruction. NEA-SF challenges the need for more testing. Asks for increased electives, extracurricular activities and the elimination of substandard portables.

3. Transparency. To be open with our constituency and community about policies and actions taken by the Association in collaboration with the district. Appointing members to committees with district and reporting back. Having regularly scheduled AR meetings open to all members. For new articles, visit: www.actionline.blogspot.com

4. Strengthening the Association by increasing membership and encouraging active participation. Signed up 55 new members during the first two weeks of school. $50 rebate for new members until November 1, 2007. Site visits planned with NEA-NM.

WELCOME TO NEW NEA MEMBERS

2007-08-22T11:56:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the 55 new members of NEA Santa Fe. Some joined during the New Teacher Institute last week at Santa Fe Community College. Others signed up at our table outside the auditorium in the hallway where NEA-Santa Fe had an information table.

NEA representatives also made a presentation at the in-service for bus drivers held early this morning. NEA-SF president Grace Mayer explained the changes in the collective bargaining contract that reflect significant raises for bus drivers. Joe Martinez is stepping into the role of NEA rep at the bus barn.

$50 FREE CASH FOR NEW MEMBERS

2007-08-10T10:26:00.000-07:00

There's a one-time only offer through November 1, 2007 for a $50 cash rebate to all new members of NEA-Santa Fe. Contact the Association Rep in your building or Membership Chair Susan Turner at Alameda.

WELCOME BACK: FIRST NEA-SANTA FE MEETING

2007-08-01T13:15:00.001-07:00

The first meeting of NEA-Santa Fe is set for September 19, 2007, 4-6 p.m. at the NEA-NM headquarters, 2007 Botulph, in Santa Fe.

NEA-Santa Fe will also have an information table at the meeting of new employees on August 14, 2007 at Santa Fe Community College. NEA-NM president Sharon Morgan will give a presentation about the goals and visions of the Association.

NEA-Santa Fe will meet on a regular basis throughout the school year. Mark your calendars now for the following dates: November 14, March 12 and April 16th. Check the blog for an announcement of the other meeting dates. And if you can't remember to check the blog, subscribe. A news update will come automatically to your box. See subscription form below:

SEND AN EMAIL!

2007-08-01T06:55:00.000-07:00

Are you considering filing a grievance? Click on the link for the pre-grievance form and send us the basic information, along with your contact information.

Our Email Contact

NEWS FROM NEIGHBORING NEA LOCALS

2007-07-27T09:41:00.000-07:00

Things are happening in our sister locals in Espanola and Pojoaque. Check their online newsletters to see what's going on there:

Espanola NEA blog
Pojoaque NEA blog

LEGAL LIABILITY AS PART OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP

2007-07-08T07:38:00.001-07:00

If you have a legal problem that comes up as part of your employment, let us know. There's a legal liability policy available as part of your membership. If you have questions, send us an email.

MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE SETTLEMENT

2007-07-06T09:52:00.000-07:00

Here are more highlights of the contract, which are in addition to the MOU signed in August 2006 granting a minimum 5 per cent raise across the board.

(1) Full-time teachers and other employees on the Teacher/Ancillary Staff salary schedule receive a one-time flat salary adjustment of $322 gross pay. The adjustment was prorated if the employee is not full time or started after the beginning of the year.
(2) Student nutrition staff receive a 3.5 per cent flat adjustment on the average salary, which is $367 gross pay. The adjustment is prorated if the employee isn’t full time or started after the beginning of the year.
(3) Secretarial staff receive a 3.5 per cent adjustment on the average salary for this group of employees. The average is $508 and prorated depending on whether or not the employee is full time or has not worked the entire school year.
(4) Educational assistants receive a 2.5 percent flat adjustment on the average salary. The amount is $339, also prorated if employee is not full time or did not work the entire school year.
(5) Library paraprofessionals receive a 3 percent flat adjustment on the average salary for this group of employees.
(6) Bus drivers and mechanics are receiving the difference between $10.79 per hour and $14. An MOU signed between NEA-SF and SFPS is effective July 1, 2007 to carry forward increases to bus drivers which include $14 per hour at Step Zero all the way to $21.50 per hour for Step Thirty.
(7) Bus assistants receive a 5 percent flat adjustment on the average salary for this group of employees. The total amount is $911.18 gross. An MOU between NEA-SF and SFPS signed July 1, 2007 carries forward increases to bus assistants which include $10.79 per hour for Step Zero all the way to $17.79 for Step Twenty-Four.
(8) Stipends for various duties and activities such as coaching, team leader, department chair and so on receive an adjustment to the current stipend for additional duties and responsibilities. The increase relates to this past year and an MOU between SFPS and NEA-SF will carry these increases forward for 2007-2008. For example, if you are currently a lead teacher receiving a $1,114 stipend, the new stipend rate for lead teacher is $2000 and your check is for the difference. Retirees, if eligible, receive a check for 50 percent of their unused sick days at $100 per day.

If you have questions about your one-time salary adjustment, call SFPS’s Payroll Department at 505-467-2036.

NEW PROCEDURE FOR GRIEVANCES

2007-07-02T11:35:00.000-07:00

If you believe you have a grievance and would like to take the first steps in filing, click on the link below. Print out the form and e-mail your input, as soon as possible, to Grace Mayer, NEA-SF president:

Pre-Grievance Form

Consult the online copy of the Collective Bargaining Contract to find out the section that is being violated.

Collective Bargaining Contract

Please note changes in the General Leave Provisions for SFPS by clicking here

NEW AGREEMENTS WITH THE DISTRICT

2007-06-28T07:34:00.000-07:00

Dear Members of the Bargaining Unit:

After 14 long months of bargaining, a Tentative Collective Bargaining Agreement with the District has been reached and the ratification process is almost complete. The following is a summary outline of changes and additions to the CBA. The Collective Bargaining Team is proud of what we have accomplished. Thank you.

Grace Mayer, NEA-SF President, Co-Lead Negotiator (gracemayer11@comcast .net)
Susan Turner, NEA-SF Ex. Board, Co-Lead Negotiator
Vicki Putnam, NEA-SF Collective Bargaining Team
Julia Lalumandier, NEA-SF Collective Bargaining Team

CLASS SIZE:
Elementary Bilingual Education: The District and NEA will meet annually to determine the need for additional K-3 Bilingual ESL or TESOL certified or endorsed teachers, adjusted FTE’s will take place accordingly.
Restructuring and AYP: Efforts will be made to reduce class size and comply with state law recommendations.
Classroom Facilities/Equipment: Appropriate workstations, tables, desks shall be based on the numbers of students assigned to the classroom. Instructional spaces shall be provided with proper heating and cooling systems and adequate ventilation, lighting. Adequate workspaces will be provided for employees based on the services provided for students.
Art housed in portables and existing classrooms will be retrofitted with running water whenever possible. Current and future construction, including major renovation space for designated art rooms will be identified. 2009 GO bond funds will be identified for the specific purpose of retrofitting classrooms for art.
Ancillary Caseloads: Phase in by year
2007¬-08 2008-09
SW 38 32
SLP 40 35
OT 40 35
PT 35 35

Secondary Counselors: 350. Nurses and Elementary Counselors: NEA and the District will review annually for the purpose of reducing nurse/counselor pupil ratio. Nurses with 525:1 or more students in K-8 schools and Counselors with 600:1 or more students will receive a stipend of $1,000.00 for 2007-2008.
Maximum Teaching Load: Music (450). Art (400). EA’s assigned to a particular class shall accompany students to Music and Art and remain there to assist the teachers.
COMPENSATION:
MOU signed in August 2006 gave most employees 5% increase EA’s 9.5% increase. The following increases are additional.
Retroactive Pay Increases (2006-07):
All Teachers/Ancillary: $322.00 dollars each (to be included in the last paycheck of the contract year).
Educational Assistants: 2.7% increase
Student Nutrition: 3.7% increase, Secretaries: 3.2% increase, Library Para- professional: 3.3% increase, Bus Drivers: step 0 starting at $14.00 – step 30 at $21.50.
All Stipends/Athletics/Differentials Increased. Bilingual stipend: $3,000.00

GENERAL LEAVE:
Phase-in buyback of unused sick leave days at retirement/resignation at $100 per day.
Sick Leave must be called in to the sub system no later than 7:00am, after that employee also needs to call immediate supervisor. 24 hour advance notice shall be given to supervisor when personal leave is taken, except in cases of emergency. Approval for Personal Leave preceding and following a scheduled holiday may be limited to 10% of the staff at a school site, granted on first come first serve basis. Unused personal leave will convert to sick leave at the end of the fiscal year.
Sick Leave Days/Sick Leave Bank: Grants from the Sick Leave Bank can be used intermittently. It can also be used up to 30 days during the waiting period for Long Term Disability to begin.
GRIEVANCE:
Relevant Information: Both parties have the right to relevant information and files, not privileged in order to intelligently represent and resolve the grievance.
Level One: an original and two copies shall be filed and date stamped one given to immediate supervisor and the other hand delivered to the Association President by the Grievant.
Level Two/Level Three: grievances are filed at the discretion of the Association. A release document may be obtained from the Association by the grievant and signed if they choose to move ahead independently at their own cost.
The Association or District must notify other party with 24 hour advance notice if legal counsel will be present.
SCHOOL BASED DECISION MAKING:
A decision made pursuant to the recommendation of an advisory school council shall not be in conflict with this agreement unless the Association and the Superintendent agree to a written waiver.
SPECIAL EDUCATION:
This is a new article. It restores the consult period for H.S. and M.S. teachers not in a self-contained classroom. Provides some IEP Professional Leave time for teachers in a self-contained classroom at all levels. Elementary resource room teachers receive additional hours for case management. Training in the inclusion model for all teachers involved. Sets class size caps.

FOR THE SPECIFIC LANGUAGE OF THE 2006-2007 CONTRACT CHANGES, click here

MEDIATION SESSIONS CONTINUE

2007-04-22T09:33:00.000-07:00

Mediation sessions continue this week in the continuing effort to reach agreement between NEA-Santa Fe and Santa Fe Public Schools.

At last week's AR meeting held at the headquarters of NEA-NM, members heard the spirited concerns of bus drivers and recent changes at the bus barn. Other employees with specific concerns reported on their ongoing grievances that have been filed with the district. Association Rep (AR) are held monthly.

In other news, No Child Left Behind continues to raise questions about policies and practices
For more, click here

And in the wake of the tragic shootings at Virginia Tech last week, one Santa Fe elementary school presented a training in prevention as another way of prevention. For more, click here

MEDIATION AND OTHER NEWS

2007-04-01T15:38:00.000-07:00

On March 21, 2007 both NEA-SF and SFPS met with mediator David Martinez to begin a 30-day mediation process that is expected to go through the third week in April --hopefully to reach an agreement.

In other news:

April 1, 2007 New Mexican Article about SF High

RECENT NEWS LINKS FROM THE NEW MEXICAN

2007-03-18T08:20:00.000-07:00

Search for new SF High Principal
Legislative Wrap-Up
Labor Board Rules on Appeal

GRIEVANCE ISSUES

2007-03-14T09:08:00.000-07:00

If you have a grievable issue, contact the AR in your school or Grace Mayer, NEA-SF president. Include your school and the type of issue that concerns you.

GET OUT THE VOTE; VOLUNTEER NOW!

2006-09-27T17:39:00.000-07:00

Volunteer on the phone bank to get out the vote:

Wednesday, October 4, 2006...4-7 p.m. Drop in
Wednesday, October 18, 2006..4-7 p.m. Drop in

Phone Bank on Tuesday, Election Day: November 7, 2006...8-11 p.m.

Get in touch with Mary Howard: mfbhoward@aol.com
or Andre DeLeon: nea_sfdeleon@yahoo.com

NEA-SANTA FE UPDATE

2006-09-25T14:36:00.000-07:00

Meetings of the NEA-SF bargaining team are scheduled for the first two weeks in October. If you have any questions, call Koo Im Tong at 505-670-3124.

===============================
Another article from the press:

Times Tables
By Nathan Dinsdale
Published: August 23, 2006, Santa Fe Reporter

Teacher salaries don’t add up. A good education is priceless. A mind is a terrible thing to waste. Visa is everywhere you want to be.

Those three slogans are not mutually exclusive for those trying to make a living in Santa Fe while providing a decent education for the city’s impressionable young minds.

Teachers in the Santa Fe Public Schools (SFPS) district earn one of the lowest average salaries in New Mexico, even though they work and live in a city with one of the highest cost of living rates in the country. Koo Im Tong, president of the National Education Association-Santa Fe teacher’s union, says other SFPS employees like secretaries, bus drivers and cafeteria workers fare even worse. “I know a lot of employees who qualify for welfare and food stamps,” Tong says. “That is not acceptable.”

A minimum 5 percent pay raise recently negotiated by NEA-Santa Fe and the school district will certainly help when school starts on Aug. 28. But, considering the State Legislature mandated a statewide 5 percent average pay raise during its last session, Santa Fe teachers will likely continue to lag behind many of their New Mexico colleagues.

But talk is cheap, which is why SFR pored over various reports, statistics and budgets to compile the following figures (which cover the 2005-2006 school year unless otherwise noted) on those teaching reading, writing and arithmetic to future generations.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated average teacher’s salary in New Mexico: $42,139. Estimated average salary for an SFPS teacher: $40,512. Rank of SFPS (out of 89 school districts in New Mexico) for average teacher salary: 73rd. Median household income in Santa Fe(according to Santa Fe Trends 2006): $45,500.

Estimated average salary of public school teachers in the United States during the 2004-2005 school year: $47,808. Estimated average salary for a public school teacher in Connecticut (the highest in the country) in 2004-2005: $58,688. Estimated average salary for a public school teacher in South Dakota (the lowest) in 2004-2005: $34,040.

Estimated national rank of New Mexico for average teacher salary in
2004-2005: 40th. Average salary for a teacher in the Los Alamos school district: $47,648. Average salary for a teacher in the Pojoaque Valley Schools district: $41,425. Average salary for a teacher in the Carlsbad school district (the highest average in the state): $56,918. Estimated amount an SFPS teacher would have to make, when adjusted for cost of living, to earn the Carlsbad average in Santa Fe: $69,707.

Estimated amount a Carlsbad teacher would have to make, when adjusted for cost of living, to earn the Santa Fe average in Carlsbad: $33,079. Number of 100-sheet packages of résumé paper an SFPS teacher could buy online from the Southworth stationary company with the average SFPS teacher’s salary: 2,978. Average salary for a district superintendent in New Mexico: $90,576. Projected 2006-2007 salary for SFPS Supt. Dr. Leslie Carpenter: $118,761. Projected average pay raise for full-time Santa Fe High teachers: $1,500.

Number of full-time teachers lost at Santa Fe High between the 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 school years: 6. Actual decrease in spending on Santa Fe High teacher salaries (even with projected raises) between the 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 school years: $46,970.

© Copyright 2000-2006 by the Santa Fe Reporter

LABOR DAY CELEBRATION!

2006-08-25T10:31:00.000-07:00

Celebrate Labor Day with the Family Justice Campaign!

Where? The Roundhouse State Capitol Building, East Entrance When? Monday, Labor Day, September 4th at 12:00 Noon Featuring Music & Inspiring Words in Spanish & English

► Mariachi Buena Ventura
► Singer Bonnie Greathouse of ACORN
► Andé Marimba
► Michael Davis, President, NM NAACP
► The Honorable Ben Lujan, Speaker of the House
► Mayor David Coss, City of Santa Fe
► The Rev Msgr Jerome Martinez y Alire, Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis
► Rayos Burciaga, Somos Un Pueblo Unido

Sponsored by: NAACP ► AFSCME ► NM Coalition for Justice ► NM Department of Peace Initiative ► Drug Policy Alliance of New Mexico ► New Mexicans for a Fair Wage ► NM Coalition to Repeal the Death Penalty ► NM Conference of Churches ► NM Voter Services Coalition ► Northern New Mexico Central Labor Council (AFL— CIO) ► Santa Fe Living Wage Network ► Somos Un Pueblo Unido ►

Bring your family & a picnic lunch! For more information call 505-471-6633

"BLACKBOARD JUNGLE"

2006-08-19T13:33:00.000-07:00

An article in the Santa Fe Reporter
By Nathan Dinsdale

Published: August 16, 2006

The good news is Santa Fe Public Schools and the local National Education Association teachers union reached a temporary agreement on Aug. 10 to raise employee salaries by at least 5 percent.

The bad news is the Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) regarding the raise is basically the only thing the two sides have agreed on after months of wrangling that may land both parties in District Court.

That’s because SFPS and NEA-Santa Fe are awaiting a verdict from state Public Employee Labor Relations Board (PELRB) hearing officer Pilar Vaile on complaints filed by each side earlier this year.

The drama began in April when NEA-Santa Fe President Koo Im Tong expressed her disapproval at a school board meeting of the district’s hiring of labor lawyer Dina Holcomb (who did not respond to an interview request) to handle union contract negotiations.

The union interpreted the hiring as hostile, an assertion that SFPS lead negotiator and Deputy Superintendent Bobbie Gutierrez denies.

“That was not the district’s intent at all,” Gutierrez says. “The intent was simply to have a professional help train us because the entire bargaining team for the district is new.”

In fact, both sides of the bargaining table are new after the district’s lead negotiator retired earlier this year and the NEA-Santa Fe executive board underwent an overhaul in the spring. But inexperience isn’t the only complication.

Soon after Tong spoke at the board meeting, NEA-Santa Fe placed information about ongoing contract proposals in the mailboxes of union employees. The district subsequently halted negotiations and filed a “bad-faith bargaining” complaint with the PELRB. The union responded by filing a complaint alleging the district was refusing to bargain.

“Basically the school district took speech they didn’t like and slapped a ‘bad-faith bargaining’ label on it,” says union lawyer Andy Lewinter. “This isn’t Mexico, it’s New Mexico. The First Amendment applies to Santa Fe Public Schools employees as much as it does anyone else in this country.”

The union considers the conflict a free-speech issue while the district alleges the union violated bargaining ground rules by sharing details of ongoing negotiations.

“We never agreed to not share information with our members,” Tong says. “In fact, I think that we have a responsibility to keep our members informed.”

Instead, Tong (also a Santa Fe High math teacher) views the district’s complaint as an attempt to strip teachers of First Amendment rights while breaking the union financially. Furthermore, she says the “pointless litigation” has been rendered moot now that both sides have amicably resumed negotiations.

Certainly, news of the salary raise was encouraging, but neither side expects a contract when school starts on Aug. 28.

“It’s very unlikely,” Tong says. “But we’re not as concerned with how long it takes as we are about making sure we get a good agreement.”

That will take more time (and resources) considering the district has refused a union proposal to drop the complaints. Gutierrez says the district merely wants to clarify acceptable conduct for future negotiations.

“This has never been punitive on our part,” Gutierrez says. “We are simply looking for some guidance and direction about how to play by the rules and engage in good-faith bargaining on both sides.”

Some guidance may come when Vaile announces her verdict later this month, but it won’t be the final word. The union plans to appeal an adverse decision if necessary.

“This is an important constitutional issue,” Lewinter says. “Teachers should be able to stand up and voice their opinions without worrying that they’ll wake up the next day with a complaint filed against them.”

© Copyright 2000-2006 by the Santa Fe Reporter

TEMPORARY AGREEMENT REACHED

2006-08-11T14:41:00.000-07:00

SF Public Schools: Union workers will receive 5 percent raise

By JOHN SENA, The New Mexican
August 11, 2006

Santa Fe school officials and the union that represents a majority of the district's employees reached a temporary agreement Thursday that gives a minimum 5 percent raise to union employees.

The raises are more than mandated by legislators this spring, when they called for a 5 percent average raise. The mandate could have meant some workers receive larger raises than others as long as they equaled the 5 percent average.

Board members called for the 5 percent minimum during budget talks so Thursday's agreement didn't come as a surprise.

``We're very pleased to go ahead and implement pay raises,'' said Bobbie Gutierrez, deputy superintendent and lead negotiator for the district.

National Education Association-Santa Fe officials cautioned the agreement is only temporary and they will continue to negotiate for higher salaries.

Gutierrez said if negotiations result in additional raises, those will be made retroactive.

By signing the temporary agreement, the NEA guaranteed its employees that raises will be in place at the beginning of the school year, something that hasn't happened in recent years. Last year, workers didn't receive contracts until after the holiday break.

Negotiations between the school district and the NEA usually begin in late spring.
The agreement calls for the district to give a 9.5 percent raise to educational assistants, which is in line with mandates from legislators.

With the raises, the average salary for teachers, not including benefits, is $41,782, according to district officials. The Santa Fe area's median family income is $58,200, according to the federal Housing and Urban Development Department, which adjusts that amount based on family size.

Thursday's deal comes after a contentious period between the school district and union officials. The district claimed the union had violated ground rules by distributing negotiation details in teachers' mailboxes. Union officials disputed the claim.

As a result, both parties filed complaints with the state's labor relations board. The labor board has held two hearings, but a decision is still pending.

Despite the complaints, both school and union officials said the agreement went toward repairing relations between the two groups. ``I believe this is a very positive step,'' said Koo Im Tong, NEA-Santa Fe president.

Contact John Sena at 995-3812 or jsena@sfnewmexican.com.

GO TO LOCAL'S WEB SITE

2006-07-31T07:36:00.000-07:00

There's a web site for NEA-SF. Go to:

NEA-SF web site

For the member password, contact:

tendogs@mac.com, 930-9008

ANOTHER UPDATE

2006-07-31T07:35:00.000-07:00

Teachers Union, School District Get Lesson
Both Parties Told To 'Bargain Better'

BY RAAM WONG Journal Staff Writer (as published in the Journal North

ALBUQUERQUE - The state Labor Board on Monday (July 10, 2006) gave the feuding Santa Fe school district and the teachers union a lesson in sandbox diplomacy: "Play nice."

During a hearing, an officer with the state Public Employee Labor Relations Board refused to throw out dueling complaints filed by the district and the National Education Association of Santa Fe. Both sides charge that the other has refused to bargain in good faith during teacher contract negotiations that have been on hold since late May. The NEA presented its case against the district at the hearing Monday, while a hearing for the district's complaint was set for July 31.

Pilar Vaile, the hearing officer, said she was inclined to support the district's claims over the union's. Meanwhile, the district and the union have made tentative steps toward returning to the bargaining table. Their respective bargaining teams met for two hours on Friday and hope to meet again, with the assistance of a mediator, this Friday.

Vaile said it was relatively early in the negotiating process to be so bogged down. "You all need to play nice," said Vaile, sitting at the head of a conference table with union and district officials sitting across from each other. "You need to bargain better."

The two sides had barely begun negotiating this spring when the talks broke down in one of the most significant conflicts between the district and the union in recent memory. The district objected when the union, among other things, distributed district demands, or "re-openers," in teacher lounges and discussed wage issues before the school board.

The district responded by canceling a bargaining meeting and filing a complaint stating that the union had violated the confidentiality rules of the talks with its actions.

NEA officials disagree. They say the union did not violate the ground rules, and even if it did, the rules were nonbinding and not necessary for the talks.

Vaile indicated support for the district's position. She said that case law has shown that the violation of ground rules by one side can justifiably be used by the other to refuse to negotiate. For its part, the union's complaint states that the district has refused to bargain in good faith. As evidence, the NEA's attorney played a tape of a voice mail message left by Bobbie Gutierrez, the district's lead negotiator, to Koo Im Tong, the NEA president. In the May 26 message, Gutierrez said a complaint had been filed and that contract negotiations were being canceled "until further notice."

The union contends that the message implies that the district was refusing to take part in negotiations until a ruling is made by the state labor board. "There have not been actual bargaining sessions," NEA attorney Andrew Lewinter said. In testimony, Gutierrez responded that her only intent in leaving the message was to cancel the only bargaining meeting left on the calendar. The district was - and still is - willing to return to negotiations, SFPS attorney Dina Holcomb said, pointing to three recent efforts to jump-start the talks. District officials say they're looking for advice from the board on how to proceed. "We have had a strained relationship in negotiations, and we don't know where to go from here," Holcomb said.

ARTICLE FROM THE NEW MEXICAN

2006-06-29T10:55:00.000-07:00

Dispute could further delay approval of teacher salaries

BY JOHN SENA | The New Mexican
June 25, 2006

The New Mexican The district and the teachers’ union each filed a complaint with the state Public Employees Labor Relations Board, which could take a couple of months to resolve the dispute.

A dispute between the Santa Fe school district and the teachers’ union could mean teachers work even longer into next school year without a contract.

While some years teachers have waited as late as Octo-ber for the school board to approve their salaries, the latest dispute over negotiations could push the date even further.

“Of course, that’s a pos-sibility, and we’re always concerned about that,” Board President Mary Ellen Gonza-les said. “We’re really hoping that does not happen.” The district and the teachers’ union each filed a com-plaint with the state Public Employees Labor Relations Board, which could take a couple of months to resolve the dispute. Talks aren’t expected to resume until the board makes a decision.

“We’re distressed about the fact that there’s a bump in the road,” Gonzales said.

Santa Fe school officials said they won’t bargain with the teachers’ union because they claim the union violated a set of ground rules. The union’s president said the rules were not broken and are not legally binding.

The school district has filed a complaint with the labor board claiming the union violated a requirement that negotiators not discuss negotiation issues with either bargaining-unit employees or elected officials.

The union filed a cross complaint with the labor board, claiming that by refus-ing to return to the negoti-ating table, the district has violated the current collec-tive bargaining agreement.

The union is asking that the labor board order the district to return to negotiations.

Koo Im Tong, president of National Education Associa-tion- Santa Fe, said she didn’t violate any ground rules because she addressed the school board about workers’ salaries before they were under negotiation. When the union put a newsletter in teachers’ mail boxes with a couple of the school district’s proposed changes to the col-lective bargaining agreement, it was merely trying to inform union members, Tong also said.

“We were interested in informing our constituents,” Tong said. “We have a legal obligation to represent all members of our bargaining unit, whether they pay dues or not.” By agreeing to confidenti-ality, Tong said, the union is limiting its negotiating power because the district could request any changes they wanted without the public knowing.

At least two other school districts and their teachers’ unions have some sort of con-fidentiality agreement when it comes to negotiations.

Rigo Chavez, spokesman for Albuquerque Public Schools, said the district and the Albuquerque Teachers’ Federation have ground rules. “They’re not supposed to discuss negotiations outside the negotiating table,” Chavez said.

Kim Vesley, Rio Rancho Public Schools spokes-woman, said while there is nothing in writing about con-fidentiality, her district and its teachers’ union usually maintain confidentiality during negotiations.

Efforts to reach union officials in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Las Cruces and Gallup were unsuccessful.

Pilar Vaile, deputy director of the labor board, said both parties have filed motions to dismiss the other’s claims, and a hearing is scheduled for July 10.
Vaile wouldn’t speculate about how long it might take to resolve the issue, only that most disputes usually take about two months. Vaile said, the process could drag.

Sarah Schlosser-Moon, spokeswoman for the district, said the district is willing to return to negotiations as long as there are ground rules in place.

“The district believes that both sides must know and abide by our agreements in order to establish trust and good-faith bargaining,” she said.

Contact John Sena at 995-3812.

NEWS FROM THE JOURNAL NORTH

2006-06-26T02:44:00.000-07:00

Raam Wong, Staff Writer for Journal North published the following article last week
(Albuquerque Journal)

The Santa Fe Public Schools district and the teachers union are at a stalemate over contract negotiations that include SFPS proposals to overhaul employee sick day and grievance processes. SFPS pulled out of the negotiations in May after the National Education Association of Santa Fe distributed copies of the district's opening demands
in teacher lunch rooms around the city.

In initial negotiations, SFPS asked to reopen two parts of the collective bargaining agreement. First, it sought to require teachers to provide notice of their absences in advance of a sick day. Second, the district sought to overhaul the employee grievance process. The so-called reopeners were described to the Journal by the NEA and confirmed by a school board member.

The standoff is one of the most significant disputes between the union and the district in recent memory. It has been marked by union demonstrations outside district headquarters and has led both sides to hire labor attorneys to assist in negotiations.

In a May 26 complaint to the state labor board, the district contends that the union violated ground rules for the negotiations when it revealed aspects of the confidential deliberations. "In the past, negotiations have always been held privately," school board President Mary Ellen Gonzales said. Gonzales said the SFPS reopeners called for more than the district was actually seeking. Doing so gives the SFPS bargaining team flexibility to negotiate, she said.

The proposal for changing the sick leave policy was written "in order to give our negotiators plenty of room to negotiate," Gonzales said. "We never expected that to be made public." SFPS attorney Tony Ortiz added, "If there is exposure of positions (in the public), that can be used to bring pressure down on the negotiating parties."

NEA President Koo Im Tong disagreed. She said the confidentiality rules allow the district to make "outrageous" demands outside of the public eye. Tong said that a previous NEA bargaining team, which has since been dissolved, was mistaken in agreeing to the ground rules. "By agreeing to confidentiality, unions really limit a lot of their power," Tong said.

On Tuesday, SFPS officials declined to return to the bargaining table, saying they would instead await the Public Employee Labor Relations Board hearing on July 10. In its response to the district's complaint, the NEA states that the ground rules were nonbinding, unfair and not required under the Public Employee Bargaining Act.

The union has filed its own complaint alleging that the district is failing to negotiate in good faith by refusing to return to talks. Attorneys for both sides said this week they were prepared to resume negotiations. But neither appeared willing to give in on ground rules. "What we really want is to get back to the bargaining table," said NEA attorney Andrew Lewinter, who opposes the ground rules. Ortiz, the district's attorney, said, "If they want to propose some reasonable guidelines that everyone can live by, then we're all ears."

The current collective bargaining agreement was agreed to in 2003 and will last through June 2009. Each year, both sides are allowed to reopen three areas of the contract for negotiations. The NEA is seeking three changes, while the district is seeking two. The union wants to establish new school-based management teams that would design class schedules, course offerings and other matters important to teachers at individual campuses.

The NEA also is seeking limits on the number of students that employees such as counselors and art teachers are responsible for. Third, the union wants the district to increase support for special education teachers. This would include freeing time for teachers to offer more individual counseling to students.For its part, the district wants to change its sick day policy. Doing so would help schools prepare for days on which large numbers of teachers are going to be absent, officials say. The union opposes the idea. "Most people don't know in advance when they're going to be sick," Tong said. SFPS also wants to overhaul the grievance process. Among the changes would be redefining grievances, placing grievances in an employee's personnel file and requiring employees - instead of the union - to set aside a $3,000 deposit for possible arbitration.

MELODY TO BE INDUCTED INTO HALL OF FAME!

2006-06-26T02:36:00.000-07:00

Melody McCormick will be inducted into the NEA-NM Hall of Fame this fall the weekend of Fall Delegate Council. This spring Central region honored Melody and others at a special luncheon held in Santa Fe where she received flowers and a plaque. Over the years so many SFPS employees have been helped by her wisdom and many years of experience. Thank you, Melody.

PANDEMIC FLU PLANNING

2006-05-15T14:31:00.000-07:00

The state education department has released the URLs that provide information about pandemic resources in the event of an avian flu pandemic. The information can be accessed through: www.ped.state.nm.us

A training for educators and staff will be held in July sponsored by the New Mexico Coalition of School Administrators. The state health department, in a press release circulated in early May, stated that the agency will be involved in the following: the identification and testing of "...potentially affected birds, creating a triage line for people concerned about the bird flu, working with other government partners to assure highways, phone service, utilities and other supports are maintained and working with the federal government to assure the release of needed medical supplies."

SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS' E-MAILS

2006-03-16T17:01:00.000-08:00

IF YOU WANT SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS TO HEAR YOUR CONCERN ABOUT THE PROPOSED PAYCHECK SCHEDULE, CONTACT THEM DIRECTLY. For a history of NEA-SF's involvement with the issue, scroll down these postings back to January 28, 2006.

Martin Lujan, President District 3 - Alvord, Carlos Gilbert, Gonzales, Tesuque, BECC *Oath Taken: 3/1/05. Term Expires: 2009 mglujan1@yahoo.com

Carmichael Dominguez,Vice President District 4 - Agua Fria, Cesar Chavez,Sweeney, Ramirez Thomas, Ortiz, Capital High *Oath Taken: 03/04/03. Term Expires: 2007. pepito2k@msn.com

Mary Ellen Gonzales, Secretary District 1 - Chaparral, EJ Martinez, Kaune, Pinon, Capshaw, Santa Fe High *Oath Taken: 03/04/03. Term Expires: 2007. maryelle.gonzales@comcast.net

Marcy Litzenberg, Member District 2 - Acequia Madre, Atalaya, El Dorado, Wood Gormley *Oath Taken: 03/04/03. Term Expires: 2007 MLitzenberg@aol.com

Frank Montano, Member District 5 - Larragoite, Kearny, Nava, Turquoise Trail, DeVargas, Salazar, SER/SFPS Career Academy *Oath Taken: 03/01/05. Term Expires: 2009 frankmontano2@netzero.com

EDUCATION BLOGS

2006-03-16T16:55:00.000-08:00

There are millions of blogs. The number is staggering. You might be interested in some other education blogs (BTW, these are not NEA blogs but they are of interest):

http://www.eduwonk.com
www.educationwonk.blogspot.com
www.wildwilliam.blogspot.com
www.firstyearteacher.blogspot.com

DATE OF AR MEETING MOVED

2006-03-07T01:51:00.000-08:00

The date of the AR meeting has been moved from Thursday, March 9 to March 16 so there can be a quorum of the executive board present. Come and celebrate St. Patrick's Day at NEA-NM headquarters. Call 670-7220 if you are interested in being nominated for a position.

FEEDBACK ON ONLINE ACTIONLINE

2006-03-04T09:22:00.000-08:00

"I just read the blog for the first time. KUDOS and thank you for a valuable source of support and information. The blog helped me feel less isolated about school and district isues. Thanks again."

FREE MONEY FOR SUMMER SCHOOL AT UNM

2006-03-01T09:50:00.000-08:00

The University of New Mexico holds classes in Santa Fe as well as Albuquerque. The Keleher and McLeod Scholarship Fund makes funding available to NEA members to attend UNM each summer. Apply by April 15, 2006. The application form is in the next issue of The Advocate's Voice which will be published late this week and mailed to your home starting next week. Take advantage of this valuable resource.

ANOTHER POINT OF VIEW

2006-02-28T10:27:00.000-08:00

In the spirit of having our blog represent a full range of opinion, here is the equivalent of a letter to the editor of our blog. Comments can be included under each posting. This comment is posted here to get the ball rolling.

I would like to remind NEA representatives that there is a (perceived) minority opinion out here that believes that the calendar change is a positive move. Parents have been asking for this for years. Each year students miss the beginning of school because vacations, visits to family, camps are not done. Many of us work in schools that are not air conditioned and the weather in August is more likely to be hot and uncomfortable than it is in mid June.

I know you received a substantial response to the questionnaire from employees who are concerned about the pay gap, but many of us didn't respond because we felt that the calendar change was positive for students and teachers and that given adequate notice we could make financial adjustments on our own. Others responded but didn't feel that it was an indication of protest over the change --just voicing an opinion about how to best handle the financial implications.

Sincerely,
Shari Cassutt
Acequia Madre

HOLOCAUST WORKSHOP

2006-02-28T10:20:00.000-08:00

"New Mexico: Teaching about the Holocaust: A Conference for Language Arts & Social Studies Classroom & Pre-Service Teachers Grades 7-12" will be held on March 11.
This workshop, designed specifically for secondary classroom and pre-service teachers in public and private schools in the Albuquerque, New Mexico area, will explore methodologies and rationales for teaching the history of the Holocaust and the use of literature and technology to teach about it. There will also be a presentation and discussion with a Holocaust survivor. Participants will receive free educational materials. The workshop is sponsored by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. For more information, contact jnorton@amadorcoe.k12.ca.us

GETTING READY FOR MEMBERSHIP DRIVE

2006-02-24T10:00:00.000-08:00

ARs and building contacts for NEA-Santa Fe are preparing for the upcoming membership drive that is planned starting March 6, 2006. Visitors to your schools are gearing up to visit early in the morning, at lunch, and at the end of the school day. If you have any questions, call Marguerite Kearns at 505-986-2856.

CALENDAR CHANGES WITHDRAWN (FOR NOW)!

2006-02-22T05:50:00.000-08:00

The SFPS School Board on Tuesday withdrew (for now) the proposed calendar changes for the coming school year. Because of the large response to the NEA-SF survey and in particular testimony teachers from Capital High School at the Board meeting yesterday, the Board has requested the Calendar Committee reconvene to attempt to resolve the pay gap problems caused by the proposed calendar.

This does not mean that anything will necessarily change, but it does allow more time for more input to resolve this conflict. The Business Office has indicated that they have limited abilities to implement any substantive changes to the pay cycle for the current year. Changes for next year pay cycle could be made through collective bargaining, but any delay in the calendar will ultimately result in at least a week this year without income, no matter what the check cycle is.

NEA-SF President Laura Hlinak recommended the following solution: that the Board commit the entire amount of money resulting from the recent increase in funding from the state, as a result of a change in the unit value, to resolving the pay gap. The Board made no response to this, but clearly, employees CAN make a difference. Deputy Superintendent Bobbie Gutierrez is looking to reconvene the Calendar Committee on Tuesday, February 28 at 4 p.m. Employees who are concerned about the pay gap and calendar design are encouraged to get involved NOW.

A special thanks to everyone who has followed the issue and taken action!

PASS IT ON!

2006-02-20T10:39:00.000-08:00

Turquoise Trail Charter School is currently seeking to hire a half-time bilingual teacher with experience in kindergarten and first grade, effective immediately. Focus is on providing small group instruction in Spanish literacy. Retired bilingual teachers who might want to return to work half-time are encouraged to apply. Please contact Sandy Davis, principal, at 467-1702 (fax 474-7862).

ACT ON THE ACTIONLINE

2006-02-19T05:16:00.000-08:00

Don't say we didn't ask. The e-mail addresses for SFPS school board members are listed below. Send them an e-mail about how you feel about the revised paycheck schedule. Our NEA-SF team has been working hard meeting with district officials. You filled out the survey. Now is the time for action!

PAY GAP? ARE YOU ANGRY ENOUGH TO...?

2006-02-17T09:05:00.000-08:00

by Laura Hlinak

When the Santa Fe School Board adopted the 2006-07 calendar in January, they directed the business office to work with NEA-SF to find a way to minimize the financial impact to employees.

NEA-Santa Fe conducted a survey to find out what solutions might work for employees who would be financially affected by the 06-07 school calendar. Over 200 employees from 21 sites responded, with the most popular response being to receive paychecks twice each month instead of every two weeks. NEA-SF met with business office representatives, including John Wolfe, last week.

The business office nixed that option. Technically, that change would be very difficult for them to implement and given our experience with the AS400, that isn’t hard to believe. We asked if the summer paychecks could be paid sooner. Even that option was frowned upon, but they said they would consider that, but made no promises.

Now we have to wonder how much of the business office’s reluctance is due to their own disinterest in finding a solution instead of lack of technical capability. John Wolfe’s remarks to Capital High School staff on Thursday to take your complaints to NEA is completely inappropriate. We already took a reasonable -–and popular–- solution to them and were turned down.

The Business Office had no solution except to withhold the third March paycheck until August, which creates a four week pay gap in March instead of August. The mandate from the school board to find a solution went to the business office staff, and when faced with a complaint about their “can’t do solution,” their response was to shift the responsibility to NEA, which has no authority to implement any solution.

NEA-SF recommends that you attend the school board meeting Tuesday, Feb. 21, to let the board members know that you expect more effort from the Business Office to find real, working solutions for us. The Board Meeting starts at 430 p.m. at Kaune Elementary School. You can show your support during the NEA report during the first part of the meeting, and also address the board at the public forum later in the meeting.

If you are unable to attend the meeting, write a call or email your school board members.
Martin Lujan, President District 3 - Alvord, Carlos Gilbert, Gonzales, Tesuque, BECC *Oath Taken: 3/1/05. Term Expires: 2009 mglujan1@yahoo.com

Carmichael Dominguez,Vice President District 4 - Agua Fria, Cesar Chavez,Sweeney, Ramirez Thomas, Ortiz, Capital High *Oath Taken: 03/04/03. Term Expires: 2007. pepito2k@msn.com

Mary Ellen Gonzales, Secretary District 1 - Chaparral, EJ Martinez, Kaune, Pinon, Capshaw, Santa Fe High *Oath Taken: 03/04/03. Term Expires: 2007. maryelle.gonzales@comcast.net

Marcy Litzenberg, Member District 2 - Acequia Madre, Atalaya, El Dorado, Wood Gormley *Oath Taken: 03/04/03. Term Expires: 2007 MLitzenberg@aol.com

Frank Montano, Member District 5 - Larragoite, Kearny, Nava, Turquoise Trail, DeVargas, Salazar, SER/SFPS Career Academy *Oath Taken: 03/01/05. Term Expires: 2009 frankmontano2@netzero.com

COMPROMISE BUDGET HAS 5% SALARIES RESTORED

2006-02-16T11:35:00.000-08:00

As this legislative session winds down on February 16th, a compromise version of the General Appropriations Act has passed both the House and Senate and is on its way to the governor. The plan increases school funding overall by some $5.4 million and the school equalization guarantee by $5.2 million.

The compromise raises school employee salaries to an average 5%, including the advancement of level three teachers to next years $45,000 minimum, which increases the average for teachers to about 5.5%.

The language also includes an average 9.5% increase for educational assistants. The language requiring an average, rather than across the board increases, is important to make sure that career employees who may not have received significant increases as three-tiered licensure was implemented can be treated fairly. This language makes collective bargaining even more important as a process to insure that school employees can be a part of the decision-making on salary schedules.

Visit the NEA-NM web site for more details: www.nea-nm.org

NOW WE'RE TALKING...

2006-02-14T10:49:00.000-08:00

It's great to have some topics on the table, such as Melody's comments about the CBA posted under yesterday's commentary. Melody has a great head on her shoulders and tells it to us straight. Check out her posting below.

We had a great meeting at the Hilton yesterday evening. Over 35 people. Thanks for coming! We spoke not only about the upcoming membership campaign in March, but also about the issues on the table for our upcoming collective bargaining, what's working and what isn't.

This blog is a place to air issues. It isn't just putting concerns out to air and then they dissipate with the dawn. Spelling things out makes an issue specific. It invites comments, and the topic sticks around for others to review when they visit the web site. This is our medium. Let's use it!

Take advantage of our Actionline blog during the March membership campaign so you are brought up-to-date on building visits, who and what to expect. There is new information posted every week. Don't miss out on what's happening!

DON'T WAIVE YOUR RIGHTS! and other issues

2006-02-13T11:59:00.000-08:00

It's a sad state of affairs when the fear level is such that people make comments on the blog without stating their name (see the comment on the posting below). It is understandable, however, when it is a substitute teacher and subs have limited rights because they are not in our bargaining unit. This is a situation we are in the process of correcting.

Just last week, the same issue of fear popped up in two separate situations. In one school, a support employee has been voluntarily working overtime to past 5 p.m., without compensation. Now she wants to work her regular work day and is afraid to cut back. The NEA rep in her school pointed out to her that working overtime until it has become an obligation, not a gift, is an example of how she has waived her rights.

The employee in question isn't an NEA member, yet she expects NEA to fix the problem caused by the waiving of her rights; we don't recommend that you waive your rights. Everyone goes beyond the call of duty, to be sure. But we have a collective bargaining agreement with the district for a reason. Upholding the agreement is everyone's duty. Waiving your rights will only come back to haunt you.

A teacher in another school called me to say that she and her colleagues are afraid to go to school board meetings and ask questions because the principal of her school will hold it against them. Those of us involved in the work of upholding the collective bargaining agreement have dealt with the fear, personally, in one way or another. But we are protected against retaliation when we carry out our NEA work. This protection is in our collective bargaining agreement, as well as state law.

Our advice? Let's put the topic of fear on the table for everyone to see. Let's talk about it openly! Overcoming fear is the first step to actualizing our power of standing together.

DON'T FORGET NEA-SF SPECIAL DINNER!

2006-02-13T02:37:00.000-08:00

We will be meeting at 4:30 p.m. at the Hilton, downtown (free parking) for a special dinner this evening. The agenda? To talk about a membership blitz in March where we all will be working together. For a last-minute RSVP, call Brooke at 982-1916.

SUB ISSUE WON'T GO AWAY

2006-02-10T15:23:00.000-08:00

The issues affecting substitute teachers (no increase in pay, etc.) affect us all. Stay on top of how subs are organizing to get their issues out in public. To find out more, click here.

EDUCATION CUTS DON'T HEAL

2006-02-10T09:17:00.000-08:00

Visit the NEA-NM web site and let your voice be heard about the budget cuts under consideration. The situation changes daily. Make sure you check our web site:
www.nea-nm.org

THE HILTON IS THE DINNER LOCATION

2006-02-08T06:01:00.000-08:00

Note the change of location: The dinner for Monday, February 13, 2006 for everyone interested in working on the membership blitz for NEA-Santa Fe has been changed to the downtown Hilton. The event starts at 4:30 p.m. Come prepared to eat and listen!

TEACHERS PRAISED DURING BUSH VISIT TO NEW MEXICO

2006-02-06T13:25:00.000-08:00

Why did the Bush visit to New Mexico last week involve praise for teachers? To find out. click here.

If you're reading this web blog, it means you are alert, interested and aware of the fact that our collective voice makes a difference. Join now. If not now? When? Click on the NEA web site to start the process.

SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM LAURA HLINAK

2006-02-05T15:10:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone,

NEA-Santa Fe has been selected to participate in a national NEA program to develop membership and activism...Many resources will be coming our way in the next two months, but we must be active now to benefit.

There will be an informational meeting about the program and what we need to do to take advantage of it. So please attend the meeting Monday, February 13 at the Hilton, downtown (parking available) instead of the regularly-scheduled meeting on Feb. 16. (Monday only, no meeting thursday) We expect to have some national NEA folks here to describe the program.

The meeting will start at 4:30 P.M. and last TWO hours. We would like you to bring the employee list from your site (all employees, please, not just teachers). We will USE this information to design site visits with experts from the state and national organizations to meet the needs at your site. Yes, teams will be visiting every site in Santa Fe in March at least twice. It would also be helpful if you can provide the March testing schedule for your building.

Let's develop a real sense of involvement. With collective bargaining coming up, and many other issues that are site-specific, this gives us a tremendous opportunity to develop a local organization to serve our members. Please RSVP to me that you will attend. Also, if you have another member (or several) at your site who might be interested, please let them know and RSVP too.

Thanks for your time, and please reply to this message with your ability to attend next Monday.

Laura Hlinak, 474-8679

Send an e-mail to Laura by clicking here

SURVEYS ARE POURING IN

2006-02-03T09:04:00.000-08:00

NEA-Santa Fe's survey on the district's proposed calendar changes are being returned to president Laura Hlinak at a fast clip. If you haven't returned your feedback, do so ASAP.

http://www.freenewmexican.com/news/38946.html

HELP IS ON THE WAY

2006-02-03T08:53:00.000-08:00

On Monday, February 13, 2006 we will be holding a special catered dinner in Santa Fe for ARs and building contacts at the downtown Hilton from 4:30 p.m. on (parking is available). NEA national will be here in March with a blitz membership team that will visit you, your school, and help us with the work of enrolling new members! This special dinner means meeting your colleagues from around the district and preparing for the opportunity of a lifetime. You have been asking for help from NEA national for a long time. Our chance is now!

Think of our union growing! Think of how good it will feel! Imagine what it will be like to sit next to your fellow NEA colleagues and break bread (there will be more than bread!) More details will follow. This is so you can save the date.

YOUR CHANCE TO SPEAK OUT ON PROPOSED CALENDAR

2006-01-28T07:29:00.000-08:00

NEA-Santa Fe SEEKS INPUT TO RESOLVE PAY GAP
ISSUES WITH THE 2006-2007 CALENDAR

The School Board adopted a 2006-07 school calendar that will start August 21, 2006, about a week later than previous years. This calendar was recommended by a committee with a significant teacher membership. As a result, there will be a four week “gap” between the final paycheck of the 2005-06 school year on August 4, and the first paycheck of the 06-07 school year on September 1. (note—this applies ONLY to employees who do not work year-round who receive 26 paychecks per school year.)

The School Board did direct the Business Services Office to work with NEA-SF to find alternatives for returning employees to minimize the impact this will have on their budgets. NEA-SF is seeking your feedback so that we can make the best recommendations. While the new calendar offers many benefits, it may also severely affect many of our employees’ ability to cover their expenses in August. We believe the District should minimize the financial impact of this change on our employees, but officers of NEA-SF need to know more about what you think will work best for your situation. The information you provide on this survey will also be used in collective bargaining negotiations to be sure calendar changes do not adversely affect our cash flow in future years.

We are presenting four possible options here. Please rank your first and second choices by writing a 1 or 2 on the line. If you have an additional recommendation, please describe it in detail and indicate your rank for it.

SURVEYS MUST BE RECEIVED BY LAURA HLINAK AT CAPITAL HS
(USE DISTRICT MAIL) BY FRIDAY FEBRUARY 3. This survey was put into circulation during the past week. Please act now!

A DECISION MUST BE MADE SOON SO THAT THERE IS TIME FOR IMPLEMENTATION.
YOU MAY ALSO CALL LAURA HLINAK, NEA-SF PRESIDENT, AT 474-8679. Or send you response by e-mail to Laura at: nordfang@aol.com

Your work site:___________________________________NEA Member? _____yes ______no

______Option 1: Change the remaining pay periods from every 2 weeks to twice per month. You would receive the same number of paychecks for the same amount, with very little difference in their frequency. You would not receive 3 paychecks in March. You would receive 2 paychecks in August instead of 1. The schedule could look something like this:
Current pay dates: Feb 3, 17; March 3, 17, 31; April 14, 28; May 12, 26; June 9, 23; July 7, 21; Aug 4
Option 1 pay dates: Feb 3, 15; March 1, 15; April 1, 15; May 1, 15; June 1, 15; July 1, 15; Aug 1, 15.

______Option 2: Reduce the amount of each remaining paycheck for the current school year so that an additional paycheck could be paid in mid-August with the withheld pay. This would be similar to an enforced savings program, or a “Christmas Club” at a bank. To receive an extra paycheck, depending on when this plan would be implemented, the withheld amount could be 1/15 or higher of your current paycheck. If you currently have a paycheck for $500, you could receive a paycheck of $467 on the current pay cycle, with an additional paycheck in mid-August for $467, the total of the amount withheld through August 4. Again, the amounts withheld could be higher depending on when this option could be started.

______Option 3: Receive an advance of 50% of your September 1 paycheck (the first payday of next year’s pay cycle) on August 25, with the remaining 50% paid on September 1. The remaining paychecks for the year would be paid for the full amount on the regular schedule.

______Option 4: Make no changes in the payment amount or frequency, because 4 weeks between paydays in August will not present a problem for you or you do not want the District’s assistance.

______Your personal recommendation not described above:

ESP CONFERENCE, FEBRUARY 3,4,5, 2006

2006-01-26T11:52:00.000-08:00

More information about the NEA-NM conference for ESPs is available on the web site. Go to: www.nea-nm.org

FUND OUR SCHOOLS-- TAKE ACTION!

2006-01-25T12:14:00.000-08:00

Put New Mexico Teachers and Other School Employees Back on Top!
The major part of the state public school appropriation goes to local school districts as school equalization guarantee monies. That appropriation, contained in the General Appropriations Act (know as House Bill 2), funds the basic operations of school districts. The various proposals currently under consideration are summarized below:

The New Mexico Education Partners and NEA-New Mexico recommendation: The recommended dollar increase over last year is $256,000,000, a 13.0% percent increase. The Partners' Salary increase recommendation is an 8% average for all school employee categories.

The Legislative Education Study Committee School Funding Recommendation:
The recommended dollar increase over last year is $219,849,200, a percentage increase of 11.2%. The recommended Salary Increase is a 6% average for all school employees

Governor’s Recommendation: The recommended dollar increase over last year is,$166,283,500, a percentage increase of 8.5%. The recommended salary Increase is a 6% average for teachers, educational assistants, and other licensed professionals and a 4% average for all other school employees.

Legislative Finance Committee Recommendation: The recommended dollar increase over last year is$165,837,600, a percentage of 7.9%. The salary increase recommendation is a 4.5% average for all school employees, except 9.5% for educational assistants

This funding begins its journey though the legislature as House Bill 3, the Education Appropriations Act. Ask HEC and HAFC members, as well as your own representative, to fund the New Mexico Education Partners recommendations, including the average 8% salary increases!

Go to the NEA-NM web site and sign up for daily legislative action alerts:www.nea-nm.org

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT SKILLS

2006-01-24T10:37:00.000-08:00

NEA's next classroom management workshop is set for Saturday, February 25, 2006, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at NEA-NM headquarters, 2007 Botulph in Santa Fe. Learn techniques, approaches and tools for successful classroom management. The registration deadline is Wednesday, February 15th. To register, call Edie Brycelea at 982-1916 or send an e-mail to Edie

CARPENTER IS NEW SUP

2006-01-24T09:54:00.000-08:00

Even if you don't subscribe to the SF New Mexican, you can log onto the news of Santa Fe Public Schools as it is released. The article about Dr. Leslie Carpenter is one such example. Go to the free online edition of the New Mexican and register. Access the Carpenter story by clicking here

WHO SAYS YOU ARE POWERLESS?

2006-01-24T09:43:00.000-08:00

If you are thinking you are powerless, you have your head in the sand. Every day the Santa Fe New Mexican prints letters to the editor. Submissions are limited to once a month, 150 words. This means you can air issues that have come to your attention. If you aren't comfortable doing this, others are willing to step up to the plate. And this is a benefit for everyone. If things are going well, say it. If they are not, suggest the district look into an issue, a problem, a trend. Ask questions. Use your experience if it's relevant.

Send your statement to: Letters to the Editor, The New Mexican, 202 E. Marcy Street, Santa Fe, NM 87501. Remember that you have a voice; so does your partner, people you know, the parents of students and other interested people. Send e-mail to the letters editor

John Sena is an education reporter for the New Mexican. He listens when people suggest story ideas. Contact him at 995-3812 or write an e-mail to John John Sena's reporting covers a wide range of topics about the school district. A recent article on January 13th featured a meeting of the task force studying the district's bilingual offerings.

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR SANTA FE TEACHERS

2006-01-23T18:38:00.000-08:00

February 28, 2006 is the deadline for the Teacher Opportunity Grants program of Partners in Education. The grants range from $200 to $500 and cover the cost of course work taken in the 2005-2006 school year. Call Stella Gonzales at 467-2028 for application guidelines. Applications are being solicited for Teachers Who Inspire Awards. The deadline is March 31. Call 474-0240 for more information. Both awards are sponsored by Partners in Education.

FIRST CONFERENCE CALL TRAINING

2006-01-22T15:07:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who participated in the first NEA-Santa Fe employee rights conference call that was held today, January 22, 2006. The conference call is a way to get more people involved and make the information available to the Association Reps and building contacts. We discussed the changes in the collective bargaining agreement (see the material in bold type in the agreements now available in your schools). Also, there was an opportunity for questions and answers.

REPORT FROM LAURA HLINAK

2006-01-15T08:35:00.000-08:00

IMPORTANT CHANGES IN CALENDAR PROPOSED
After months of work, the District’s calendar committee has sent a recommendation to the school board. On the positive side, it compresses professional development days at the start of the school year instead of randomly by school preference throughout the year. It also recommends starting the year one week later. Unfortunately, this proposal means that most returning staff will not get a paycheck for about a month (from early August until September) because of this delay. NEA-SF brought several possible solutions to the table, including unemployment benefits, but SFPS did not find a remedy to this salary delay. We remain open to renegotiating the 26-period pay cycle to help stretch income, but the District has not responded to the offer at this time. If this is a concern to you, please tell the School Board on Tuesday, January 17, 2006 at public forum at Sweeney Elementary. The school board is expected to adopt a calendar that night, and they haven’t heard from too many of their constituents this year. Be heard!

DON'T MISS OUT ON A CHANCE TO INFLUENCE THE LEGISLATURE
The New Mexico Legislature returns to Santa Fe to deal with budget priorities. What does that mean to you? There are several salary proposals being discussed that will affect us, and many other education related matters. Check out all of the NEA priorities at www.nea-nm.org. Get involved. Call NEA-NM to register for legislative training on January 18, to learn about these issues and how to become an effect advocate for them. Also, plan to attend NEA-NM’s Legislative Reception at the NEA building from 5:30 to 7:30 pm on Wednesday, Jan 18. Not only will many legislators attend, SFPS school board members may be in attendance as well. Traditionally the SFPS superintendent and school board members attend.

Visit the NEA-NM web site for detailed information to strengthen your contact with legislators. Click here. Then download the kit for presenting our school funding message.

BE PART OF DECISION-MAKING FOR NEA-SF
Each year NEA-SF holds elections in March for our Board of Directors. The positions open this year include president, executive vice president, corresponding secretary, treasurer, instructional and professional development chair, and legislative and political action committee chair. We are also seeking candidates to complete the term of vice-president for licensed professionals. Candidates for four representatives to the national NEA Representative Assembly this summer also will be elected. Only members in good standing are eligible to run or nominate individuals. Our nominating committee (contact Koo Im Tong) will be identifying candidates in the next six weeks. Only members in good standing may nominate a candidate, run for office, and vote. Get involved in NEA-Santa Fe. Training will be provided for our new executive team. Call Laura Hlinak 474-8679 if you’d like more information on any of the board positions.

GRIEVANCE FORMS AND AGREEMENT ONLINE

2006-01-06T18:22:00.000-08:00

ARs and Building Contacts: Go to our employee rights blog, by clicking here

Make sure you have a copy of the collective bargaining agreement. It outlines your rights. For the online agreement between NEA-SF and SFPS, click here

We now have the grievance forms available online. For the grievance forms, click here

Thursday, January 12, 2006 is the next scheduled AR meeting at NEA-NM headquarters. And don't forget the January 22, 2006 employee rights training conference call for ARs and building contacts. The blog page fills up quickly. So take a look in our archives for valuable opportunities and information.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2005-12-30T06:06:00.001-08:00

Best wishes to our members, potential and new members! We have a great year in front of us. Stay in touch and participate!

If you are not a member of NEA-Santa Fe, join now!

If you have any questions about enrolling in NEA-Santa Fe, contact Brooke Bishop at NEA headquarters. Either call 982-1916 or send an e-mail bbishop@nea.org

NEA-SF president Laura Hlinak can answer your questions about what we are doing as a local and what you can do to make us stronger. Contact Laura at nordfang@aol.com

WHAT ARE YOUR COLLEAGUES SAYING?

2005-12-27T07:11:00.000-08:00

Check out what your colleagues are saying over and over about the upcoming employee rights training in January by clicking here

ARs and Building Contacts: Stay up to date with information you need about employee rights. To check out our employee rights blog click here

TWO GIFTS FOR YOU

2005-12-24T06:01:00.000-08:00

Be prepared for Read Across America with holiday gifts from NEA-Santa Fe.

Share two Read Across America songs, in English and in Spanish, with family members and your class. Pass on this URL. "Leer" is the reading song composed and performed for NEA-NM. Our state affiliate may be the only one in the U.S. with its own Read Across America song.

To check out the reading songs click here

Print out the songs to sing along. Then, click the player and listen.

Have a great New Year!

FOR YOUR INFORMATION!

2005-12-15T10:16:00.000-08:00

Distribution of the new collective bargaining contracts has been delayed because of proofreading and other problems we worked out with the district in early December. The final documents should be completed and in the schools right before the holiday break or immediately at the start of the New Year.

To access our NEA-Santa Fe Employee Rights web resource click here!

To join the campaign for a qualified sub in every Santa Fe Public School classroom click here.

HAVE A HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON!!!!

2005-12-09T19:14:00.000-08:00

Mark your calendar for January 22, 2006 when we'll have an employee rights training for ARs and building contacts at 3 p.m. It will take the form of a conference call where we'll go over the changes in the collective bargaining contract, address your concerns, and discuss important issues such as planning time and what it means to resolve issues "at the lowest possible level."

We'll need your help with lobbying in the state legislature. Now, more than ever before, NEA-Santa Fe members are positioned (by virtue of our residence in the state capitol) to make our views known as school employees. This is a pivotal year as far as funding is concerned. The state can put money in the places where it really matters. Will they do it without us pushing? Don't count on it. Step forward and help out now!

And don't forget the annual legislative training and reception scheduled on January 18, 2006. ARs: let's get together at the January AR meeting where we'll be planning for the New Year. We'll have some important information and a Power Point to share with you that will make your lobbying at the state capitol easier.

We are continuing to push on the issue of substitutes and are collecting information about how the system is working now that SFPS has taken back the responsibility. Any feedback will be deeply appreciated.

Happy holidays and a great New Year from NEA-Santa Fe.

NEW EMPLOYEE RIGHTS BLOG

2005-11-23T09:13:00.000-08:00

Don't forget to take a look at our new employee rights blog. To check it out click here

Our URL:
www.RightsTraining.blogspot.com

The blog has links to important resources and it will be used along with our upcoming employee rights trainings. It's not necessary to be limited to paper handouts. We've gone digital!

NEW EMPLOYEE RIGHTS TRAINING

2005-11-23T09:02:00.000-08:00

We've been busy getting everything together for an experiment in employee rights training. At our last AR meeting, for November, we had a great turnout. Reps from the buildings said they were interested in exploring the possibility of using a conference call as part of our employee rights trainings. Some people come to AR meetings on a regular basis. Others...well, we rarely see you. So what if we were to make a connection through a conference call?

At the present time we have contacts, and in most cases, full-fledged Association Reps in every work site. Almost every work site, except Alameda Middle School. Let's correct that, if we can. If you're at Alameda, we need you! And if you're a building contact but haven't formally been voted in as Association Rep, this is an unfinished detail to address.

What is the single most important question you would like to have answered during a conference call? Are you feeling out there in your building without all the information you need to know about employee rights? Well, this upcoming conference call is an experiment. It either meets your needs or it doesn't.

ARs, please fill out the information request when it arrives in the mail. And let's see you at the next AR meeting in January!

A CONTRACT FOR 2005-2006

2005-09-06T09:21:00.000-07:00

NEGOTIATIONS CONCLUDED
BETWEEN NEA-SF AND SANTA FE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

After five months of negotiations, representatives for Santa Fe Public Schools and the Santa Fe local of the National Education Association have settled on a tentative agreement. Duane Shields, a teacher at Santa Fe High School, was spokesperson for the seven-member NEA-Santa Fe bargaining team. Sherry Coopwood headed the district's four-member team.

The talks extended past the beginning of the 2005-2006 school year because representatives from both sides felt extra time was necessary to work out the details of provisions addressing salaries, policies and procedures impacting how the school district operates. School employees (other than those moving ahead to the Tier 2 $40,000 minimum and who aren’t scheduled to received the state-mandated raises provided in the three-tier salary schedule) will see a 1.75% increase in their paychecks. The New Mexico state legislature funded a minimum 1.25% raise across the state.

Secretaries and educational aides will receive a 2% raise as a result of the recently-concluded negotiations. In order to be competitive with Santa Fe’s Living Wage ordinance, the agreement provides that $8.50 will be the minimum entry level on the salary schedule for full-time employees under contract who are represented by NEA-Santa Fe in the bargaining unit.

Because Santa Fe Public Schools applied the state-mandated 1.25% to employees’ paychecks at the start of the academic year, the .5% difference will be retroactive and reflected in paychecks by November 22nd. The settlement reflects a significant gain because of higher salaries for related service providers, such as nurses, counselors, social workers and other specialists whose salaries will now be comparable to that of certified teachers.

This category of employees must meet professional standards comparable to educators in the three-tier system. The fact that the state left these individuals out of the three-tier licensing and minimum salary structure caused considerable public notice and comment during the past legislative session.

The negotiations also addressed clarifications relative to hours and work load, transfers and reassignments, planning time and its use, procedures for employee discipline, salary differentials for extra duties, and how employees will participate in making recommendations about the job descriptions of department chairs in the middle and high schools.

Acoording to the district's business manager, John Wolf, the infusion of state funding into the district to bring Level II teachers up to state minimum standards has resulted in raises ranging from 1.75% to 13% in some instances. Many experienced certified teachers working in the district, however, won’t see such significant increases unless they move to the next tier of the licensure system.

NEA-Santa Fe team spokesperson Duane Shields noted: “We worked hard to bring up the employees at the bottom of the schedule such as cafeteria workers, secretaries and educational assistants. As much movement as we were able to accomplish, much more needs to be done during negotiations next spring.”

This is the first year for Sherry Coopwood as chair of the SFPS bargaining team. Coopwood is principal of Alameda Middle School who has worked for SFPS for 13 years. Duane Shields has served on the NEA-Santa Fe bargaining team since 1992 when collective bargaining became law in New Mexico.

Even though the collective bargaining law sunset clause was enacted in 1999 by then Govenor, Gary Johnson, NEA-Santa Fe and SFPS continued their relationship in the collective bargaining process. Said Shields: “The collective bargaining law is permanent now.” He says he has witnessed “significant progress over that time, although attraction and retention of quality employees with competitive salaries will always be at the forefront of our agenda in future negotiations."

SUB ISSUE HASN'T GONE AWAY

2005-08-24T12:10:00.000-07:00

NEA-Santa Fe was pleased that the Santa Fe Public Schools didn't renew the contract of Kelly Services for substitute teachers. However, the problem hasn't gone away, and that's the low pay and lack of individuals willing to take on the responsibility of substituting. Please leave your comments at the end of this article if you have recommendations about where to go next. Or contact the Association representative in your building.

It's no longer necessary to continue the web blog we used for Kelly Services. It was, however, highly effective and brought the issue out into the public arena. If you'd like to see how a web blog was used for an issue of this type, go to:

www.kellysubs.blogspot.com

NEWS TO KEEP YOU UPDATED

2005-08-24T11:42:00.000-07:00

As of August 24, 2005 no agreement has been reached between NEA-Santa Fe and Santa Fe Public Schools regarding a new contract for 2005-2006. This means that increases will be reflected only after agreement on the contract has been reached and ratified by both sides.

Since NEA-Santa Fe members vote on the new contract, watch for updates about a tentative agreement. This blog will also carry details of the new agreement, when agreement has been reached.

A welcome to 75 new members of NEA-SF who signed up at the beginning of the 2005-2006 academic year.

The next meeting of Association reps will be held on September 15th at 4:30 p.m. at the NEA-NM building at 2007 Botulph, in Santa Fe near St. Vincent's Hospital.

A NEW YEAR...A NEW ACTIONLINE

2005-08-12T12:51:00.000-07:00

The NEA-Santa Fe Actionline is being distributed to all members of the Santa Fe Public Schools bargaining unit of employees at the all-employee meeting at Capitol High School on August 15, 2005.

NEA members and non members alike will receive the first issue. If you'd like to receive copies of the Actionline after that, join NEA-Santa Fe. You can also receive regular news updates by visiting this web blog. Tell your colleagues about it as well.

We're not always able to fit all of the excellent information in our hard-copy Actionlines, so the web blog is a perfect outlet for everyone to be heard.

WHY DOES SFPS RETURN MONEY TO NM?

2005-04-26T13:13:00.001-07:00

NEA-SANTA FE WANTS YOU TO KNOW….

At the School Board meeting on Thursday, April 21, a report on the sale of $30 million in bonds was presented. With many compliments on the restoration of the District’s financial well-being, little discussion was made about the...

$618,000 the District will have to pay back to the state as a penalty for keeping an excessive cash reserve—in effect, breaking state law.

This also was reported by Gabriela Guzman in the Albuquerque Journal on April 22.

Why is the District maintaining a $7.2 million reserve—almost 10% of the total operating budget—instead of the 4.5% the State requires?

Many of us find this an extremely curious situation for a number of reasons:

Last year during collective bargaining, Board representatives at the bargaining table made repeated claims that “there was no money left” to fund two key NEA-SF proposals: a Sick Leave Buy Back plan for employees who retire or leave the district, and a “compressed salary schedule” for employees of the district which would help employees reach their top step on the salary schedule faster. That would mean employees would earn more money for a longer period of time.

How can there be no money when there is $618,000 in operational funds is returned to the state?

Shouldn’t operational money for our district stay in the district, for our schools?

While all employees appreciate and understand the need for fiscal responsibility,the District’s current practice of returning money to the state is unacceptable!

This money was allocated by the Legislature for the operation of our schools and it is a travesty that this amount of money—almost $50 for each student in the district—is returned to the state while the District bemoans the lack of funds for operation.

This money can and should be used to improve the salaries of all employees in the District, especially clerical, support, and ancillary staff. Imagine how our lowest paid employees could benefit from having this money used to correct salary tables!

In addition, the excess balance of the $7.2 million should be spent where it belongs: in our schools, for students and staff of the Santa Fe Public Schools.

An increase in our bond rating does little to upgrade the quality of education in our schools or to improve salaries and employee morale. Can the District earn a Triple-A rating in those categories?

IF YOU THINK YOU AND OUR SCHOOLS ARE BEING SHORTCHANGED….

JOIN NEA-SANTA FE at the next School Board meetings: Tuesday, May 3; 430 pm and the budget study session on Thursday May 5 at 400 pm, at 610 Alta Vista.

IF YOU DON’T LET THE BOARD KNOW HOW YOU FEEL, HOW WILL THEY KNOW THAT YOU EXPECT THEM TO DO THE RIGHT THING?

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT SECRETS

2005-04-22T13:48:00.000-07:00

If you're an employee of Santa Fe Public Schools, you're well aware of how important classroom management can be. To assist you, NEA-NM invites you to participate in a creative, fun, highly acclaimed, research based and very applicable "I CAN DO IT" classroom management system. The training is part of NEA's commitment to help you in your profession and it's FREE. Membership is not required.

The date is June 7, 2005 at NEA-NM headquarters, 2007 Botulph Road in Santa Fe. 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Continental breakfast and lunch provided. The registration deadline is May 16, 2005.

Participants will learn techniques, approaches and tools for successful classroom management. Discover communications styles and how to relate them to student/teacher/parent communication. Devise interventions for difficult behaviors in the classroom, and have fun!

For more information, contact Russell Clemons at 982-1916 or 202-822-7342 or RClemons@nea.org

SUMMER TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEE RIGHTS

2005-04-21T14:09:00.000-07:00

Employee rights is the focus of a summer advocacy training sponsored by NEA-NM and conveniently planned at the headquarters here in Santa Fe on July 28 and 29, 2005. We've heard often that the NEA-NM summer trainings are not convenient for Santa Fe members. So, let's see new and old faces at a session that's designed with Association Reps in mind.

You don't have to be a building rep. Everyone's welcome because the subject matter affects us all. You might be a rep now who would like to train someone new to take your place. Or you're just interested in being more informed for yourself, your close colleagues.

The session begins at 9 a.m. on Thursday, July 28. We'll be role playing to practice building relationships with potential members in our building and school district. The afternoon session is entitled, "'But I'm not qualified...' and how an AR or someone like you can handle the most challenging situations on the building level.

And then on Friday, July 29, 2005, our own Employee Rights chair Melody McCormick will give an employee rights clinic. Watch your colleagues find solutions to some of the most difficult cases Melody has handled. It's all done through role playing of course, but Melody will base the cases on situations she's actually worked through. Learn what "sequential discipline" means and how to solve problems at the "lowest possible level." Leave with handouts that will make your job easier.

To register, call Marguerite Kearns at 505-986-2856.