NESPA

Professional Development

2012-01-30T08:25:00.000-08:00

Check out some professional development opportunities in our area.

http://www.weacascade.org/images/stories/nespa/traininginfovolume1-2.pdf

City Council commemorates Education Support Professionals Day

2011-11-30T09:21:00.000-08:00

Read about Woodinville City Council commemorating National Education Support Professionals Day with some of our NESPA Board.

http://www.nwnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5399:city-council-commemorates-education-support-professionals-day&catid=34:news&Itemid=72

Monday, November 28, 2011

2011-11-30T09:18:00.000-08:00

Day of Action Rally in Olympia

Over 500 teachers and educators from across the state rallied on the steps of the Capitol as legislators started their short legislative session on Monday, November 28th. NSEA President, Tim Brittell was joined by Justine Hurley (Lockwood), Sheri Setzer (Canyon Park JH) and Julia Smith (Canyon Park JH). The three teachers used their personal leave to attend the rally and to remind lawmakers that CUTS HURT KIDS.

2011-2012 WELCOME BACK

2011-08-18T14:09:00.000-07:00

Dear members,

Count down has started for some of us getting back into our buildings already. I hope the opening of school will go smoothly for you all.

This is a big thank you to all those that helped out at the "BACK PACK Assembly line" last week at the Admin building. NESPA did it's first "SHINING Classified" Community service adventure, helping our back to school youth be prepared. We assembled 750 backpacks. It was a lot of fun and it went very quickly. The first two shifts went very fast and we were done by 12:30pm. So for those of you that came for the 1:00pm shift, sorry about that. We surprised ourselves with getting done so fast. Thank you though for wanting to help. We really appreciate it.

Stay tune though. There will be more opportunities this year for Community Service and for you to "Toot your BLUE"! Hope you all received your August NESPA Newsletter and found it helpful.

Also members the District is working on getting you the literacy training you need to help your teachers and students. We will keep you posted on that list of options and dates as well as retirement seminars coming up this year for you to register for if interested.

Great things are happening in NESPA!

Have a happy summer's end.

Working for you.

Pat & Peggy NESPA Co Pres.

Toot Your Blue!

2011-08-18T13:56:00.001-07:00

NESPA members Nurse Peggy, Mary Rawlins, Margaret Tallar and Marda Regney help prepare 750 backpacks for Northshore students.

2011 Election Results

2011-06-22T16:10:00.000-07:00

NESPA Election Ballots have been counted.
Please welcome and support following NESPA Board members
for 2011-2012 school year.

Co-Presidents              Peggy Sturm-VanderPol
                          and Patricia Waldrop
Vice President             Joann McDaniel
Treasurer                  Suzanne Ducotey
Secretary                  Karen Kohler
Nurse Rep                  Rosemary Dunlop
Spec Ed Rep (HS)           Judy Ellis
LAP Rep     (Sec)          Joanne Allen
LAP Rep     (Elem)         Mary Rawlins
ELL Rep     (Sec)          Suzanne Fujinari
Sch Asst Rep               Becky Morehouse
Sch Tech Sp Rep            Karen Kohler
Interpreter Rep            Jeani Schwenk
Truancy Rep                Marge Mitchell
Webmaster                  Nancy Celms

Election Results from

Bharati Khandekar
NESPA V P
Election Chair

NESPA ELECTIONS FOR NEXT YEAR

2011-04-20T10:09:00.000-07:00

NESPA Board is inviting new energetic and committed members to serve in various positions for 2011-2012 school year.

The NESPA Board includes members from all essential support professional areas such as LAP, ESL Special Ed Registered Nurses School Assistants etc. We need a representative from all areas in all levels of the school system, Elementary, JH and HS.

Executive Committee consists of President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.

It is a great opportunity to learn, develop leadership skills and participate in efforts to improve our schools and profession and make a difference in people's lives including our students!

You may nominate yourself or some other member with member's permission.
To nominate please reply to Bharati Khandekar @ khandekars@hotmail.com by April 29th.
You're encouraged to write why you would like to be considered to join the Board for next year.

Bharati (Barti) Khandekar
NESPA V P
Chair, NESPA Elections Committee

Educational Support Professional Scholarship Opportunity

2011-04-18T08:01:00.000-07:00

2011-2012 WARREN G MAGNUSON

EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship is designed to assist WEA ESP employees (active Members) in their pursuit of certification in the teaching profession. Three scholarship grants of $1,000 each are available. One of the three grants is designed for a minority member.

Application must be postmarked no later than May 25, 2011.

If interested, contact Peggy Sturm NESPA Co President at 425-408-5006 or email psturm@nsd.org to receive the application.

April PSP Workshop

2011-04-14T07:57:00.001-07:00

This will be the last meeting of the year.

Wednesday, April 20, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
WEA-Cascade Uniserv Council Office
Conference Room
18704 Bothell Way NE Suite 101

Karin Shipman and Heather Flatman
will explain how to get started on your PSP.
Janice Schumann and Emily Marley
will also be there to help answer any questions,
and sign people off on their applications.

Latest information on PSP

http://www.naeop.org/psp.htm

2011-2012 Calendar Survey

2011-03-30T07:25:00.000-07:00

If you have calendar preferences, please take the survey linked here no later than THIS COMING MONDAY, APRIL 4 AT NOON.

Link for NESPA Calendar Survey: http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22C5CH462Y5/

Tired of Teacher/Educator Bashing?

2011-03-19T15:29:00.000-07:00

FOR NESPA, NSEA AND NEOPA MEMBERS:

WEAR RED ON TUESDAY AND
JOIN THE DISCUSSION!

Educators—certificated and non-certificated---and all public service employees are under attack. So are our schools and our unions. What’s behind it all? What can we do to turn around an increasingly perilous situation—nationally, in Washington, and even in Northshore?

Could this be your school in the near future? Imagine a scripted Gates curriculum consisting only of English, math, and science. No pretense that teachers or NESPA staff are professionals. We are human robots who compete for our pay and to keep our jobs. A climate of fear created by a punitive principal who monitors every minute, assisted by selected parents. Our Associations exists in name only. Only those who can’t find better work stay more than a few years. Most of our pay goes to cover our medical costs, and our hours can be cut at any time. This is not that far-fetched.

We now face a confluence of various efforts to 1) weaken and destroy unions; 2) privatize our schools; and 3) remake our schools in the image of how some corporate leaders believe all organizations should be “reformed”. These three efforts are sometimes distinct, and sometimes allied. Public education, educators, and their unions are their common targets.

The current Great Recession is a perfect opportunity for scapegoating, particularly by those who created and benefit from the policies that caused this Recession. These policies include deregulation, trade and economic policies that hollowed out our economy, the obliteration of private sector unions, and other policies that have transferred wealth to the top as never before. Blaming educators, public employees, unions, and even immigrants for the current state of affairs is a time-tested way to keep the public from demanding policies and electing leaders that could jeopardize the continued flow of wealth upwards.

We are in the midst of a national effort to remake our society to benefit those at the top by sacrificing the middle class and the American Dream. As educators and as a union we need to stand together to defend the middle class and the American Dream—and not just for us, but for our children, the students we serve, and for others who work for a living.

ARE OUR SCHOOLS FAILING?

If the public can be convinced that public education is generally a failure, then education, a $500 billion economic sector that is also the most unionized in the nation, can be remade, privatized, and de-unionized.

Some schools are failing. However, they work pretty well in communities with little poverty. Two of the three major international tests (the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study and the Trends in International Math and Science Study) break down student scores according to the poverty rate in each school. The most recent results from 2006 (the tests are given every 5 years) showed the following: students in U.S. schools where the poverty rate was less than 10% ranked 1^st in reading and science, and 3rd in math. When the poverty rate was 10% to 25%, U.S. students still ranked 1^st in reading and science, but as the poverty rate rose higher, students ranked lower and lower.

Twenty percent of all U.S. schools have poverty rates over 75%. The average ranking of American students reflects this. The crisis in education is in the schools where poverty is concentrated. It is first a crisis of poverty. However, blaming these under-resourced “failing schools” (which they are) is simpler and far less expensive than implementing policies that reduce poverty instead of increasing it. These policies would generally reduce the flow of wealth upwards. Using the real crisis of poverty-filled schools to persuade the public that our entire public education system is failing serves those who wish to undermine it.

Though public education is not failing, we are committed to improving our schools for every student. This effort must be led by educators to be successful. We must be willing to examine new ideas, whatever their source.

Shrinking or eliminating our education unions is part of a larger assault on unions. This assault has largely been successful in the private sector, where unionized employees are now only 7% of the workforce. The public sector remains at about 36%, and education unions are much of that. Our NEA is the nation’s largest union. We defend public education and services, and help elect those who defend them. We are the primary obstacle to the privatizers and corporate “reformers”, and we are one of the key obstacles to complete corporate domination of our nation. Thus, we are in the bull’s eye.

WHAT ABOUT “BAD TEACHERS”?

The attack on “bad teachers” is an attack on all educators—not just certificated staff. Yes, there are some bad teachers. However, the “bad teacher” is to education what Ronald Reagan’s “welfare queen” was to welfare, a cynical reframing of public opinion that eliminated much of our social safety net. The rant about “bad teachers” is an attempt to discredit public schools and the “bad unions” that “defend them.” If the public can be convinced that our schools are filled with “bad teachers,” then getting rid of them and their “bad unions” becomes the highest priority in “reforming” education.

Here in Washington, we are facing attacks like the “End Teacher Job Security Bill”—aka the “Teacher Layoff Bill”—organized by the League of Education Voters (LEV) and Stand for Children. These corporate foundation-backed organizations popularize the mantra that “bad teachers” and the union that “defends them” are the problems. Northshore’s School Board President Dawn McCravey testified in Olympia in support of this bill, at the request of LEV. If this bill had passed (it did not, but could be resurrected), no school employees would have any job security in the future.

LEV recently organized a small group of Woodinville parents (“Northshore Families for Better Schools”) who wish to intervene in the teacher negotiations. (School Board member Todd Banks was at the first meeting led by the LEV organizer. Dawn McCravey was invited, but could not attend.) At their second meeting, they barred Tim Brittell, Kraig Peck, and two Northshore teachers, Cathy Garrand and Anne Davidson, (all residents and Northshore parents) at the driveway stating, “No teachers or union people allowed.” While there are undoubtedly sincere parents involved who would like to improve our schools, they have unfortunately adopted the LEV approach to organizing: driving a wedge between parents and educators. We don’t want such a wedge in Northshore, as happened in Seattle, Bellevue, and Issaquah. We want parents and educators working together for our schools and students.

THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT THE PUBLIC SUPPORTS US.

The Northshore community loves our schools, and supports Northshore educators, as do local communities nationally according to polling. Wisconsin has clarified the thinking of many people. For example, the public supports collective bargaining for public employees by a 2 to 1 margin. But we are facing a national attack with many strands. Even Obama supports one strand of this attack; he stands with the “corporate reformers” and their foundations. It will get worse if we do nothing, but we have the power to turn the tide—TOGETHER!

HOW CAN WE TURN THE TIDE, BETTER SERVE OUR STUDENTS, AND CONTINUE THE STRONG SUPPORT
OF OUR COMMUNITY?

¨ PLEASE WEAR RED ON TUESDAY, MARCH 22^ND , TO SHOW YOUR OPPOSITION TO TEACHER/EDUCATOR BASHING AND ATTACKS ON PUBLIC EMPLOYEES & UNIONS. The “Wear Red” Tuesdays are part of a national effort to turn the tide. Wearing red focuses attention and fosters a dialog amongst us. Dialog leads to action. Join the certificated teachers at meetings at school during the week of March 21^st to discuss Teacher/Educator-Bashing—why it’s happening and what we can do about it. Or organize a NESPA discussion after work. Watch your email for more info.

· NSEA (OUR TEACHERS) ARE CLARIFYING AND PUBLICIZING WHAT NORTHSHORE’S CERTIFICATED TEACHERS STAND FOR. They have written a document entitled “NORTHSHORE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION PLAN FOR STUDENT SUCCESS.” You can find it at northshoreea.blogspot.com. Please read and discuss it with your colleagues, PTA, friends, and families.

www.northshoreea.blogspot.com

NESPA * 18704 Bothell Way NE, Bothell, WA 98011 * 425.486.101 ext 103 * nespablog.blogspot.com

2011-02-13T11:01:00.000-08:00

Congratulations!

Craig Danter – CLC Paraeducator, Bothell High
Suzanne Fujinari – ELL Tutor, Northshore Junior High
Seema Vaze – Special Ed Paraeducator, Bothell High
Jackie Sanders – LC Paraeducator, Maywood Hills

Congratulations to these dedicated NESPA members! We wish them the best of luck as they continue to pursue their education goals.

NESPA Professional Development Fund

2011-02-01T07:23:00.000-08:00

There’s money for that special class you’ve been meaning to take.

Approximately thirty members have accessed the fund for individual educational classes and training. By using all the money in the fund we send a clear message to the District on the importance of professional development among our members. With our contract year unresolved, as it is this year, the use of these funds is very important.

Q. What is the fund?

A. It is a fund of eighteen thousand dollars ($18,000.00) available to NESPA members for individual staff development training that may include tuition, registration fees and substitutes. Prior approval for use of the funds must be obtained through the fund application form included in this newsletter. (2008-2010 NESPA Contract- Article 25.10) Consideration for approval is based on the funds available, the relationship of the class to the employee’s immediate job performance, the needs of the District, the professional growth it will add to an employee’s abilities, skills, job-related interests and the employee’s access to other professional development money.

Initially, one request for funds per member, not to exceed $200.00, will be considered. Requests are reviewed upon receipt and you are notified promptly by phone or email.

Q. How do I start?

A. You start by filling out the Professional Development Fund Application Form included on our NESPA Blog or obtained from your building communicator.

The easy-to-follow directions are right on the form but if you need further assistance, your building communicator can help there too.

Q. What if we want to use it to pay for a class in our school?

A. If your school would like host a training for it’s members the application and approval process would be the same-with a few minor differences.

Q. Where does one find classes?

A. Check your staff room bulletin board first. Organizations like the Institute for Educational Dev. (IED); Bureau of Education & Research (BER) and Staff Dev. Resources (SDR) send mailers to schools on a regular basis. Puget Sound ESD and the area community colleges offer great professional/personal development classes as well. The NEA and WEA may also have a comprehensive list of educational trainings.

You could also try to Google your area of interest using words like educational seminar, workshop, or training.

News from Your Organizing Team

2011-01-28T07:28:00.000-08:00

Hello from your organizing team! We are ready to hit this New Year with energy and celebration on the work we are continuing to do: addressing your concerns, encouraging and supporting our goals and issues. Looking at legislative battles ahead, we need to celebrate our successes and keep focused on each other and the needs out there. We know all of you are working with great effectiveness in your buildings and we appreciate and value your determination, conduct and professionalism. Stay tune for more news, check out our new Facebook page ( Nespa "U"nion), be our friend and watch for BLOG news. We are all standing up for you.

STATE PROPOSES CUTS: TIME TO TAKE ACTION!

2011-01-19T08:02:00.000-08:00

BUT NO LAYOFFS ARE ANTICIPATED FOR NORTHSHORE FOR NEXT YEAR

The Governor has proposed $2 BILLION in cuts to K-12 and higher education over the next 2 years! That’s on top of the $2 BILLION cut in the last Session, and another $311 million they cut in December. Proposals to cut at these levels are unprecedented, outrageous, and simply wrong. If passed by the Legislature, these cuts would permanently damage our students’ futures---and possibly our own financial futures.

Education has already been cut to the bone---as most of us can see from the large class sizes, insufficient support for our struggling students, bloated workloads, and high insurance costs. Three work days per year for teachers—the Learning Improvement Days-- have already been cut by the State. Since 2009, over 5,000 educator jobs have been cut, resulting in larger class sizes. Our Cost of Living Increases were eliminated for last year and for this year. I-728 class size funds have been eliminated. And the proportion of our medical benefits paid by the State has been declining, sending our out-of-pocket costs through the roof.

Now, the Governor and some Legislators have their sights set on more cuts: Cuts to our pensions; cuts to the remaining K-4 class size enhancements; no Cost-of-Living Allowance and a pay freeze for teachers for 2 years (no step increases, or increases based on education credits for teachers. There is currently no State proposal to stop step increases for classified staff like NESPA); a further reduction in the proportion of our health benefits paid by the State; elimination of the remaining “gifted” education funding; and the elimination of the $5,000 stipend for National Board Certified Teachers.

This Legislative Session has begun, and ends in late April. These budget cuts are likely to be debated for months, with a final decision at the end of the Session.

What’s behind these proposals?

Washington relies primarily on consumer spending for its revenue---the sales tax and the Business and Occupation Tax, based on sales. With the Great Recession continuing, spending is way down, and the State is not collecting the taxes needed to pay for the minimal levels of education and services necessary.

The November election results severely worsened the situation. Our best hope had been that Initiative 1098 would pass; this would have increased revenues by several billion by taxing those currently pay only a small proportion of their income in State and local taxes---the 2% of Washingtonians whose individual income exceeds $200,000, or whose family income exceeds $400,000. Even though it would have reduced taxes for 98% of Washingtonians, it lost by a margin of 2 to 1. Had initiative 1098 passed, cuts such as this would not have been proposed. In fact, I-1098 would have raised exactly the amount of the budget shortfall for the next 2 years.

To make matters worse, Tim Eyman’s Initiative 1053 also passed by a 2 to 1 majority. It requires that the Legislature pass any taxes—or close the billions in tax loopholes—by a 2/3 majority. Unfortunately, 2 out of 3 Legislators do not have the courage nor inclination to do the right thing. And the Republicans want to shrink government (read K-12 education, universities, etc) even further, with even more tax cuts.

LAYOFFS NOT ANTICIPATED FOR NEXT YEAR IN NORTHSHORE

These are proposed cuts; they are not a done deal. It is clear that cuts will be made, but how deep the cuts will go depends on our collective efforts. Northshore is situated better than most school districts---with our increasing levy capacity and our supplemental levy. However, if the State cuts go deep enough, Northshore would need to offset the State cuts with local cuts.

The School Board has begun its budget process. They will be budgeting based on a worst case scenario—the Governor’s budget proposal. Under this scenario, NO LAYOFFS DUE TO BUDGET CUTS ARE PROJECTED for either teachers or classified staff. But if the economy worsens, or Legislators decide to cut education further to save other programs, that could change. (And while overall staffing levels are projected to remain the same, the School Board could—as always—examine a re-prioritization of staffing, and layoff in some job titles while adding to others. There is no greater risk of this, this year, than in any other year, however.)

We can either be spectators to the dismantling of our public education system, our pensions, and health care---or we can fight back. We will be fighting back to minimize the cuts. Please:

Stay in touch with your Building Communicator for further info on what action to take.
Go to OurVoiceWashingtonEA.org now, and weekly, to find out what’s happening AND to communicate with the Governor and your Legislators! Again and again!

WOULD YOU LIKE TO REPRESENT NESPA AT WEA’S ANNUAL CONVENTION?

2011-01-18T10:17:00.000-08:00

Every Spring, about 1,000 WEA members, elected by their colleagues, meet for WEA’s annual convention called the WEA Representative Assembly. The RA provides a forum where WEA members discuss, debate and vote on several policies which set the goals and priorities for the coming year. The daily schedule for R A can be long and intense with evening sessions often stretching until 11 P M. It’s an opportunity to learn, to meet others who do similar work in other school districts and to meet WEA’s leaders, while being a part of democratic process. Most people come back from the RA describing it as an incredible experience that leaves them energized and feeling powerful.

NESPA can send up to 8 delegates, elected by NESPA members. This year’s Representative Assembly will be in Tacoma, from Thursday evening May 12 through Saturday, May 14. NESPA will pay the cost of mileage to and from Tacoma( carpool required), meals and hotel (double occupancy), and a substitute for Friday, May 13th. If 8 or more people are nominated, an election will be held in last week of January.

If you are interested in being a delegate, please email Barti Khandekar at khandekars@hotmail.com

A brief statement (50 words or less) indicating why you are interested in being a delegate must be forwarded to Barti by Friday February 4th.

Please note:
All elected R A delegates must attend the Mock Assembly (Pre R A meeting) on April 28th in Monte Villa Admin Center and ALL R A sessions in Tacoma. Those attending R A will need to sign “Delegate Agreement Form” prior to this convention. All delegates will report back to the NESPA members on the event and the decisions made by the R A.

Failure of the delegate to complete these duties may result in the delegate reimbursing NESPA for ALL expenses.

Bharti Khandekar
NESPA VP

NESPA Scholarship Time Is Running Out!

2010-12-13T10:46:00.000-08:00

You have only one month left to complete your NESPA Teaching Certification Scholarship Application if you are interested in applying for a scholarship. Click on the link in the right hand column of our website/blog at NESPA Teaching Certification Scholarship Application Form to download the form.

IS THERE A SCHOOL PARENT WHO APPRECIATES YOUR WORK?

2010-11-17T17:48:00.000-08:00

The parents of our students greatly appreciate our work. But unless we speak with them, or provide them with information, they assume that we are fairly treated, well-respected, and compensated.

Here is a link to a flyer you can provide to a school parent (past or present). You can email it to them from home, or give it to them on your break.

Ask them to email the School Board schoolboard@nsd.org with something like this, “It’s time to respect and value Northshore’s educational support professionals.”

They can add anything else they’d like.

http://www.weacascade.org/images/stories/nespa/compensation-model-flyer.pdf

Suzanne Fujinari

2010-11-17T10:39:00.000-08:00

“As an English Language Learner Paraeducator, I teach English, math, science, and social studies. Our work directly impacts the success of our students.”

Liz Gordon

2010-11-17T10:38:00.001-08:00

“As a Special Education Paraeducator serving “severe and profound” students, we have been punched, head-butted, had desks thrown at us, and so badly bruised that we’ve had to wear arm guards up to our jaws. But our pain is also the path to progress for our students. Visit our classrooms. You will learn something.”

Becky Fukuda

2010-11-17T10:36:00.000-08:00

“Do you respect the Special Education students we serve? If you had a child who needed support, how much would you pay them? If you don’t respect us, then at least respect the people we serve, and their needs.”

Candyce Nybo

2010-11-17T10:34:00.001-08:00

“Like many Paraeduators, I am a college graduate, with 13 years in Northshore. I am a valuable employee and not easy to replace. Please respect and value us; pay us what we are worth.”

IT'S TIME TO RESPECT AND VALUE ALL NORTHSHORE STAFF!

2010-11-17T10:20:00.000-08:00

THANK YOU to the hundreds of NESPA members and NSEA members who participated in the School Board meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 9! We packed the room and provided the School Board with hundreds of reasons to change Nortshore’s outdated and gender-biased compensation model.

We stood with our signs as NESPA Co-President Peggy Sturm told the Board, “You do not treat other employees this way. We are merely seeking to catch up with other employee groups---to be respected and valued as much as other Northshore employees. Until you give your negotiating team the ability to address this crucial fact, these negotiations will not be resolved.”

NESPA members Suzanne Fujinari (ELL, NSJH); Liz Gordon (SpEd, KJH); Becky Fukuda (SpEd, Arrowhead); Joyce Thode (SpEd, SJH); Candace Nybo (SpEd, Maywood); Macy Ratliff (ELL, SJH); and teachers Julie Shirley (WHS); Becky Berger (NSJH); Dave Schneider (Kenmore El); and Diane Hardee (Sheltonview) urged the Board to improve our pay, job security, and hours. Becky Fukuda told the Board, “Everyday, I teach. How would you treat someone who worked with your child everyday?” Others explained the high level of skill needed to do our work, and the physical challenges of working with many Special Ed students, including Joyce Thode who informed them that she has been sent to the emergency room 3 times. THANK YOU to these courageous speakers!

WHAT’s NEXT? Tell the parents of your students about Northshore’s outdated compensation model: inequitable pay, inadequate job security, and the 20- hour ceiling. Ask them to email the School Board (schoolboard@nsd.org) to tell them, “It’s time to respect and value ALL Northshore educators.” They can get plenty of info at our website: nespablog.blogspot.com.

There are currently no negotiation sessions scheduled, but we have not concluded negotiations. NESPA is ready to meet and negotiate with the administration/school board negotiating team at any time. We invite the district to bring forward a proposal that includes a compensation model that reflects the respect and value that is deserved by our members.

A fair settlement is long overdue. NESPA has demonstrated its willingness to make movement toward an agreement, and the administration/school board should likewise do so. We look forward to resuming negotiations and hope the administration and school board will show a commitment to making the process more productive.

As NESPA Co-President Pat Waldrop told the Board Tuesday nite, “The District has the funds. The questions is, do you have the courage and leadership to transition Northshore to a compensation system that respects and values ALL educators? That is the question. We are still waiting for the answer.” If negotiations do not result in an agreement this winter, negotiations will continue this Spring as NSEA (teachers) begin bargaining as well. NESPA will coordinate closely with NSEA.

Northshore Has Sufficient Funds

2010-11-17T07:52:00.000-08:00

NORTHSHORE HAS SUFFICIENT FUNDS TO TRANSITION TO A COMPENSATION MODEL THAT RESPECTS AND VALUES ALL NORTHSHORE STAFF.

Times are hard, and more State cuts are expected. That means that all of us---including the School Board—need to be realistic about what’s possible. The District has limited funds, which is not the same as “no money”. Northshore does have the funds to reach an agreement with its 460 Educational Support Professionals. Northshore educators are aware of the need to balance current and future needs and spending.

The cost of bringing all Educational Support Professionals up to the level of NSD’s lowest paid custodians is about $265,000. The cost of benefits for one person is about $10,000. Thus, the cost of combining hours, and enabling 20 more staff to get benefits next year would be $200,000.

Federal Education Jobs Fund: This month (November), Northshore will receive $4 million from the Federal Education Jobs Fund, from legislation passed in August. Washington educators relentlessly emailed Congress to win these funds—which have basically fallen in the lap of the District. According to the Dept. of Education, they are for “compensation and benefits and other expenses such as support services” (U.S. Dept of Education guidance, page 6). And they must be spent by the end of the 2011-12 school year. Yet, the School Board is considering banking the entire amount, to offset potential State cuts. But there are other funds available to offset such cuts. A small portion of this $4 million would enable us to transition to a fair compensation model.

Regular Levy: The February Levy, for which educators made thousands of phone calls, raises $2.5 million more next year. And an additional $1.75 million on top of that the following year. And an additional increase of $1.5 million on top of that, the following year. This is not a huge sum, but neither is it “no money.”

Supplemental Levy: The August Supplemental Levy can be used to offset anticipated State cuts. It will raise $4.5 million in calendar year 2011, and about $2.5 million in each of the following 3 years. Note that the total amount of “Non-Basic Education” State funding for Northshore---the amount the State can be cut without violating the State Constitution—is $2.8 million currently.

Reserves: One of the first actions of this new School Board was to ratify the previous Board’s decision to increase the amount it banks for ongoing reserves from 2% to 3%. This 1% increase is about $1.8 million in ongoing reserves that are banked, instead of used to address needs. Yet the District has never had a need for a reserve this large. These ongoing funds can be used to meet many needs.

Ending Fund Balance: Because of the way Northshore chooses to budget, there are millions of dollars left over at the end of each year above the amount budgeted for the Ending Fund Balance. There is a cushion of several million here alone.

Our community deserves better from our School Board and Superintendent. Contact them with the message, “It’s time to respect and value Northshore’s Educational Support Professionals.” You can email the entire Board at schoolboard@nsd.org.

Contact the Northshore School District Board of Directors & Superintendent:

Julia Lacey
206-391-5771
sbdistrict1@nsd.org

Janet Quinn
425-408-7687
sbdistrict2@nsd.org

Dawn McCravey
425-402-9046
Sbdistrict3@nsd.org

Sandy Hayes
425-408-7690
sbdistrict4@nsd.org

Todd Banks
425-408-7691
sbdistrict5@nsd.org

Larry Francois, Superintendent
425-408-7701
lfrancois@nsd.org

NESPA Teaching Certification Scholarship Reminder

2010-10-23T08:41:00.000-07:00

During the summer of 2006, our Bargaining Team obtained a $10,000 fund from the District to be used exclusively for NESPA members seeking their teacher’s certification. Each year since then, the Scholarship Committee has reviewed applications and selected three to five recipients per year to receive money from this fund.

The 2010-2011 application for this scholarship is on our blog. The eligibility and criteria are listed in the application. If you are interested in applying, please apply as early as possible. The date your application is received may be one of the determining factors in your approval. This year’s Teaching Certification Scholarship application deadline is 2:00 PM Friday, January 21, 2011.

Good luck to all who apply!

STUDY THIS: RESPECT!

2010-10-07T09:16:00.000-07:00

NESPA MEMBERS TELL THE BOARD AND SUPERINTENDENT:

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STUDY THIS: RESPECT!

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On Tuesday, Oct 5 at 7:15 AM, over twenty NESPA members walked in Room 201 in the Administrative Center. We carried signs reading, “STUDY THIS: RESPECT”. In smaller print, the sign said, “Change the outdated gender-biased compensation system. We are NOT second class employees!”

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It was October’s “Breakfast study Session” held by the School Board and Superintendent Francois most months. Whenever a majority of the School Board gathers (3 of the 5 members), State law requires that the meeting be publicized and open to the public. It must be a public meeting in order to ensure that District decisions are transparent to the public.

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We stood holding our signs for thirty minutes, as the Board met with Supt. Francois; Executive Director of Human Resources Laurie Ferwerda; Asst. Supt for Elementary Education Kathleen Poole; and Asst. Supt for Secondary Education Carolyn O’Keeffe. Four Board members were at the meeting: Julia Lacey, Janet Quinn, Dawn McCravey, and Sandy Hayes. Todd Banks was absent.

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Room 201 is not a big room. We could not be ignored. We left at 7:45 AM, to go to our schools for work.

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Barb Arvidson, a Special Ed Paraeducator at Fernwood said, “They didn't expect to see us in "their space". Although the Board members tried to avoid eye contact with us, there were too many of us to ignore! I hope that they got the message that we are not going to back down. It’s time for them to acknowledge our true worth and give us the respect we deserve."

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Thursday October 7 Negotiations

2010-10-02T18:59:00.000-07:00

· THURSDAY THIS WEEK (Oct 7), NESPA and the ADMIN/SCHOOL BOARD TEAM MEET TO CONTINUE NEGOTIATIONS.

ON THURSDAY, PLEASE WEAR BLUE, AND WEAR YOUR “TOGETHER, we are RESPECTED and VALUED” button.

Dear NESPA Member,

Please wear blue, and your button on Thursday, as NESPA’s Negotiations Team meets with the Admin/School Board team THIS THURSDAY.

Your Building Communicator has new buttons, in case you have lost your old one. They are pretty similar; wear either one. Please either:

· Put your button an your lanyard, to wear it every day.

-OR

· Wear your button on designated “Button Days”, like this coming Thursday.

FRIDAY (Oct 8) is a non-student day that is an “Accountable Day.” That means that it is a work day, unless you and your principal have agreed that you will work this time on other days. “Variations may be allowed in this schedule based on individual employee or building needs, as long as an equivalent amount of time is worked.” In other words, if it is a better use of your time to work on other days instead---and if your principal is in agreement—you may choose to work these hours on other days.

STAY INFORMED! Check out the NESPA website: nespablog.blogspot.com. It’s updated regularly!

Rejuvenate!

2010-09-27T07:51:00.000-07:00

Rejuvenate

Happy Fall

Welcome back everyone; it is time to start looking at surroundings with a new vision. There are changes in the air, you can really feel it and it is very exciting. We are both so glad for this opportunity to guide you through this year while focusing on some new changes that we ALL want to see happen. So for starters we would like to introduce you to our theme for the 2010-2011 year, which is S.E.L.F. As we do visits at the schools this year to get to know you and YOUR surroundings better we want to give you some tools to help you along your way.

We KNOW you have so much value and worth out there. You bring such richness to our district and we appreciate all you do and we want you to know that. This year we want to continue to give you tools to grow in each area that you touch with our students. We also want you to look beyond where you are at and stretch your “SELF” toward future goals.

The acronym S.E.L.F. pulls all that together.

S. stands for” support”

We want you to know you have support out there in the field, in your buildings and at the Uniserve Office. We want you to know where to find it and get at it quickly.

E. stands for “empowerment”

We want to give you tools that you need to accomplish your jobs and tasks for your day. We want you to feel confident with YOUR voices as YOU speak up for Your needs, hopes and desires

L. stands for Lifting up

We want you to know we care and we can find people to come along side you to work out the needs and difficulties out there. We want you to have hope and JOY in the opportunities that are given to you at your sites.

And F. that stands for Future

It is YOUR future we care about and together as we launch into this New Year we will find opportunities for you to grow and stretch to achieve a good future in your jobs.

Lastly but ever so importantly is that we want you to take care of YOUR “SELF”. We want you healthy and safe as you continue in your challenges through this year.

Together we CAN make a DIFFERENCE

Working for you

Your co-presidents Pat & Peggy

Contract 101

Yes we still have a contract that we are working under. Not a NEW one yet….this one is the 2008-2010 Agreement. If you DO NOT have one PLEASE let your Building Communicators know and we will get one out to you.

Stay tune for more tips from your contract.

Acronyms

WEA=Washington Educational Association

NEA=Northshore Educational Association-Teachers Union

NEOPA=Northshore Educational Office Professionals Association

Office Managers and Secretaries Union

NESPA=Northshore Educational Support Professionals Association

THIS IS YOUR Union

Have You Seen This?

2010-09-24T09:06:00.000-07:00

Something interesting and timely...

http://northshoreea.blogspot.com/p/political-action.html

Woodinville HS Deliberates

2010-09-13T17:50:00.001-07:00

Kenmore Elementary Has a Few Laughs

2010-09-13T17:43:00.000-07:00

NESPA MEMBERS STAND UP!

2010-09-08T20:36:00.000-07:00

NESPA MEMBERS STAND UP AND VOTE FOR RESPECT

2010-09-08T10:51:00.000-07:00

Members turned out in droves at the August 31st NESPA Meeting AT Bothell HS, and voted unanimously to continue and to deepen our efforts to address salary and benefit inequities! Details below.

About 250 NESPA members heard reports on negotiations, and on plans to continue negotiations this year while the terms of our expired contract remain in effect. NESPA Co-President Peggy Sturm and Chief Negotiator Kraig Peck reviewed the tentative agreements, and the unresolved issues. Kraig Peck told the group, “The big issues remain unresolved: Pay, Hours and Benefits, Job Security, and Access to Appropriate Computers. Peggy and Kraig explained that the District has withdrawn their proposals to control Professional Hours, to eliminate the minimum 4 hour work day, and to take away PSP stipends for some.

NSEA (Northshore Teachers Assn) President Tim Brittell told the group that we have the support of the teachers. “We work together in our schools, and we are going to work together to get fair contracts for teachers and for NESPA members. Our contract expires this year, and we will be negotiating a new one. It looks like we’re going to be negotiating together, and coordinating our efforts if you don’t have a contract before the Spring. That’s not a bad thing. We will be there for you, as you are there for us every day.”

Marge Mitchell, outgoing NESPA Co-President and a member of NESPA’s Board and Bargaining Team told the membership, “We are going to have to make some real noise to bring about change. We will continue to press for fair wages, a phased out end to the 20 hour ceiling, and respect and support from the administration. All of our members should be paid at least equal to the lowest paid custodians.”

Marge presented a motion from NESPA’s Board, and described the NESPA V.OT.E.S plan---which will require the participation of ALL of us, to be successful. Those present from each school had discussions with their co-workers on ways to implement the motion---to participate in making the NESPA V.O.T.E.S. plan a reality in the coming months and, if necessary, during the entire school year. The entire membership stood up in support of the motion, which is below:

MOTION FROM NESPA BOARD: We move that:

NESPA continue negotiations with the old contract remaining in effect. We will coordinate our negotiations with NSEA, which negotiates a full contract this school year.
Our membership implements the NESPA V.O.T.E.S Plan until we have a new agreement: Visibility, Organizing, Tenacity, Education, and Support.

Take a look at the link: NESPA V.O.T.E.S PLAN to find out more---and to learn how you can be a part of this historic effort to win RESPECT for educational support professionals in Northshore. Hundreds of members made commitments to implement the plan by participating in ongoing events; helping to make a You-Tube video; speaking to organizations; and joining NESPA’s Bargaining Support Team. When your NESPA Building Communicator asks for your participation, please do your share!

Co-President Pat Waldrop ended the meeting by stating, “Thank you so much for being here and making this commitment to end our second class status!”

Some of our BHS Colleagues Making Decisions

2010-09-08T09:33:00.000-07:00

Westhill meets with NESPA Co-President Peggy Sturn

2010-09-04T14:25:00.000-07:00

Making Plans...face to face.

2010-09-04T14:21:00.000-07:00

NESPA MEMBERS PRESS FOR RESPECT at School Board Meeting!

2010-09-04T11:08:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, August 24, NESPA members and supporters packed the School Board meeting, for the last Board meeting before the start of school.

As NESPA incoming Co-President Peggy Sturm and outgoing Co-President Marge Mitchell spoke, people in the room stood up with signs reading, "RESPECT and VALUE ALL NORTHSHORE STAFF."

Peggy and Marge updated the Board and Supt. Francois on the pay, benefit, job security, and tech (inadequate computers) issues facing us. Marge told them, "If we don't have an agreement by Monday, August 30, no one can say that you inherited these disparities. They will be yours. You will own them. And we are not going away. We're in this for the long haul. We will do what it takes to be VALUED an RESPECTED like other District employees."

Peggy stated to the Board members and Superintendent, "How is it that every custodian, every bus driver, and nearly every office staff person, teacher, and administrator gets enough hours for benefits...but it "costs too much" to provide benefits to about 40 more NESPA members? If this isn't second class treatment, what is it?"

Parent Heather Tucker, whose son Sean has been with One-on-One Special Education Paraeducator Dawn Schmidt from Hollywood Hill Elementary through Woodinville High School, also spoke to the Board about the need for Northshore to respect the work of Special Education Paraeducators.

NESPA members will continue to pack specified Board meetings and other events to win the RESPECT we deserve! Don't miss the next one!

"Get a Better Job!" Negotiations Update

2010-08-20T09:03:00.000-07:00

Little progress was made this week and we have two more negotiations scheduled for next week. The administration's spokesperson told us that if NESPA members want better pay, and to get benefits, they should get a better job! Yes, he actually did say that! We are working together to improve our NESPA jobs. This is how we have created a middle class in the industrialized world--by improving salaries, winning benefits and pensions. Why should Educational Support Professionals be treated like second class employees?

Your NESPA Team at Work!

2010-08-15T19:45:00.000-07:00

2010-07-29T13:00:00.000-07:00

• TALK TO OUR FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND NEIGHBORS about the need to change Northshore’s outdated employment model of low pay, a 20 hour ceiling for almost half of us, and little job security for many.

Why are we paid less than NSD's lowest paid custodians? And every bus driver and office person?

2010-07-22T15:20:00.000-07:00

Click HERE for the salary schedule comparisons for most of NESPA, for the lowest paid custodians, for bus drivers, and the lowest paid office staff.

At the top is NESPA's Level 1 salary schedule. This is how more than 90% of NESPA's 460 members are paid. It is the salary schedule for all Paraeducators-Special Education, LAP/Title, ELL. For all School Assistants. And for all School Technology Specialists. The only large group of NESPA employees who are not at Level 1 are School Nurses. And there are a few other employees who are not at Level 1, including about 8 Head Start staff, and a handful of interpreters for the Deaf.

As you can see, over 90% of the District's Educational Support Professional make from $13.96 per hour and up to $17.44 per hour, in their 15th year.

The next Salary Schedule are the 3 lowest paid Custodian salary levels in Northshore. There are other higher paid custodians. These are the 3 lowest. The lowest paid custodian classification - those who do cleaning only - are called "custodians". They start at $15.11 per hour - a wage that Education Support Professionals don't make until their 3rd year. And they make $17.51 at 6 years - which is higher than the top NESPA rate of $17.44 in their 15th year. And custodians make $18.04 per hour in their 15th year -60 cents higher than the $17.44 NESPA members make - or about 3-1/2% more. We'd like to understand why Northshore values the lowest paid custodian - those who only clean - they don't run boilers or do technical work like that - why does the District value those employees higher than the employees who actually teach our students?

I should also point out that every custodian is guaranteed an 8 hour work day and benefits. There is no 20 hour ceiling for any custodian.

Could it be that custodians are a historically male group - though now there are many women who are custodians. Could it be that the salaries of custodians are not considered "supplemental income" because it is a group - being historically male - whose income is considered essential?
Our custodians are worth every penny they are paid - and more. But aren't Northshore's Educational Support Professionals worth at least as much? You are the decision-makers for Northshore. You decide.

The next salary schedule is that of Northshore's bus drivers. As you can see, for next year, starting in September, they will start at $18.09 per hour. That's more than 90% of Northshore's Educational Support Professionals ever make. They start at a higher wage than Northshore's Educational Support Professionals make after 15 years. The bus drivers top out at $20.41 per hour. That's 17% higher than Northshore's educational Support Professionals.

Equally important, every bus driver is guaranteed medical benefits. There is no 20 hour ceiling for our bus drivers. They are guaranteed enough hours to get medical benefits. They deserve that.

NESPA is not even asking for that. We are simply asking that hours be combined when possible, so that more NESPA members work enough hours to get benefits. NOT ALL NESPA members. Just MORE. Based on adding hours, when schedules permit it. So far, the District negotiating team has told us that they are not agreeable to that.

Why do bus drivers make more? Could part of the reason be that this is a historically male group - although now there are many women bus drivers?

Aren't the people who teach our students worth as much as the people who drive the students to and from school?

Reflections of a Retiring NESPA Co-President

2010-06-11T17:15:00.000-07:00

This was written by Marge Mitchell and shared with all at the year-end NESPA dinner.

I said SURE

I’d be a NESPA Co-Prez

I know Deb Murphy

People do what she sezs

NESPA has good training

For their officers and staff

By sharing the presidents’ job

We’ll cut the workload in ½

We had a retreat

A day of planning and fun

Work hard, play hard

Easy to do in the sun

THEN, the meetings began

Sometimes 2 or 3 a week

Take notes, ask questions

Don’t forget….YOU have to speak

Living Wage and Bargaining Clusters

2 more campaigns to think of

Quiet walks on the beach…..

What happened to the things that I love?

A full open contract

Up for bargaining this year

In this economy…..

That redefines the meaning of fear

A big thanks goes

To our union rep Kraig Peck

He’s the “man with the answers”

Which can be as simple as “Oh, what the heck!”

I think I’ve matured

I know I’ve learned a lot

It’s time for new faces

Their turn to give it a shot

Peggy and Pat are a team

Not to be dismissed

Thank goodness this job

Was on Peggy’s “Bucket List”

Thanks for the memories

A line from a song

I’ll still be around

Can’t get rid of me for long

Marge Mitchell

5/17/2010

NESPA's 2011-2012 Board

2010-06-11T17:09:00.000-07:00

Co-Presidents: Peggy Sturm and Pat Waldrop

Co-Vice Presidents: Joanne McDaniel

Secretary: Karen Kohler

Treasurer: Suzanne Ducotey

Nurse Rep: Rosemarie Dunlop

Special Ed Rep (High School): Judy Ellis
Special Ed Rep (Junior High): Judy Medhaug
Special Ed Rep (Elementary): Lucy Antonio

Special Ed Rep (Woodmoor): Linda Krich
LAP Rep. Sec: Joanne Allen
LAP Rep. (Elementary): Mary Rawlins
ELL Rep. (Elementary): Michelle Gillebo

ELL Rep (Secondary): Suzanne Fujinari

School Assistant Rep: Becky Morehouse

STS Rep: Karen Kohler

Interpreter Rep: Jeani Schwenk

Truancy Rep: Marge Mitchell

Webmistress: Nancy Celms
At-Large Rep: Donna Smith

The current board remains in place until a new Collective Bargaining Agreement is reached, or until October 1, whichever comes first.

2010-05-17T16:51:00.000-07:00

180 ATTENDED SCHOOL BOARD MEETING ON TUESDAY!

· NESPA MEMBERS SPOKE FROM THEIR HEARTS TO BOARD: PLEASE RESPECT & VALUE ALL EDUCATORS!

· CONGRATS AND THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO ATTENDED!

Dear NESPA Colleague,

THANK YOU to all who attended last Tuesday's School Board meeting! It really was AMAZING! YOU made it AMAZING!

If you were there, please tell your colleagues about this amazing event! If you weren’t there, here’s some of what you missed:

· 180 of us—including some teachers---filled the room.

· We stood up in support of NESPA Co-Presdident Deb Murphy’s statement, and raised our bright green signs: “Please RESPECT and VALUE ALL Educators.”

· Deb to Board: “ You have the responsibility to re-evaluate Northshore’s employment model for educational support staff. It is not acceptable to us anymore, and should not be acceptable to you.” Deb told them about WEA’s efforts statewide to win living wages for Educational Support Professionals. She read the story of a Special Ed Para who, after years of working in Northshore at Kokanee, is looking for another job because she can no longer afford the low hours and pay.

· Deb provided each Board member, the Supt. and his cabinet, and the administration’s Bargaining Team with the stories you provided. And the petitions with 675 signatues!

· NESPA members spoke eloquently and from their hearts: Dawn Schmidt (WHS, SpEd Para), Janice Seino (Lockwood, ELL), Mavis Roe (TJH,SpEd Para) Jeanne Rachner (Crystal Sp Nurse), Kim Leatherman (Cottage Lk SpEd Para), Karen Tarr (Inglemoor SpEd Para), Kathy Halleran (Sunrise SpEd Para), Joanne McDaniel (Maywood LAP/Title Para), and Jan Fitzgerald (Inglemoor, SpEd Para).

· The speakers told their stories. What their work consists of (“I teach.”); the skills involved (“It took years to learn to do this well.”); why they do it (“I love this work. I was made for it.”) ; and, for some, the sacrifices it has entailed in supporting their families (“I’m a nurse, and I woke up at 3:30 am for 15 years to deliver newpapers 365 days per year, as my second job.”)

We hope that the School Board is beginning to understand what this is about. And what they can do to help. We’ll be emailing you some info to your HOME email later this week. Be sure to check it. If you don’t get home emails from NESPA, email me, and we’ll add you to the list.

The next negotiating session is Tuesday, May 18—next Tuesday. There have been no agreements thus far on any of the important issues.

CONGRATS and THANK YOU for being there last Tuesday. For being there for yourself, for your colleagues, for your students, and for your schools.

The next NESPA gathering for EVERY NESPA member is the MEMBERSHIP MEETING AND VOTE on Wednesday, June 16 @ 4 PM, at BHS Cafeteria/Commons. Please don’t miss it. We’ll get a complete update, and either vote on a tentative agreement reached by our Bargaining Team, or vote on what action to take. Please put this on your calendar!

TOGETHER, we are respected and valued!! Thank you again!!

Kraig

2010-04-26T16:14:00.001-07:00

NESPA NEGOTIATIONS STARTED FRIDAY!

TOGETHER, We Are RESPECTED

and VALUED Essential School Professionals!

Northshore’s 460 Educational Support Professionals—NESPA-- started contract negotiations for a new contract on Friday, April 16.

Why should you care? What is this all about?

Northshore’s employment model for educational support relies on low pay; a “20 hour per week ceiling” for almost half of us; no benefits for almost half of us; and a lack of job security for the many of us whose jobs or hours are called “School Year Only”---casual labor. It’s outdated. And it’s wrong.

This employment model may have made sense in the 60’s and 70’s when this work might have been a way for moms to pick up a few extra bucks-- when dad was the wage earner, and women had few opportunities. Today, the majority of us are either the primary providers or provide essential---not only supplemental—income for our families. One in five of us work a second job. Half of us have a BA degree or higher, and 90% of us have some college.

Today, this model is a relic of the past. It’s no longer acceptable to us. And it should not be acceptable to you. We want to work with the administration and School Board to change this employment model to one that fits the times.

“Our pay is not enough to live on. It’s not enough to enable our families to make ends meet. Ninety % of us earn $13.96 up to $17.44 per hour in our 15^th year. Northshore’s lowest paid custodians start at $1 higher. Our bus drivers make over $4 more to start. And school office substitutes start at over $2.50 more. In Seattle, paraeducators make over $24 per hour by their 9^th year. Nurses in other districts are paid as teachers, but we get $24 to $29.50 per hour. It’s not right.” Marge Mitchell, NESPA’s Co-President, and Northshore’s Truancy Specialist

“The ‘20 hour ceiling’ is unfair and needs to end. We love our jobs and our students. We’re proud of our work. I need to work many more hours, and have medical benefits, but like hundreds of us, I’m limited to 20 hours per week forever. My family is buying our own medical insurance, which is like making another house payment. We want to be valued, and we deserve it!” Joanne McDaniel, Learning Assistance Program Paraeducator at Maywood Hills, and on the NESPA Bargaining Team

“Many of us have little job security. Our Special Education hours fluctuate. Those who are One-on-One Paraeducators are expected to be happy about getting terminated when they’re successful at getting the student to be independent. Many School Assistants have no idea how many hours they’ll have next year---though they know that it’s going to be too few to generate enough income.” Sharon Maynard, Special Ed Paraeducator at Bear Creek, and on the NESPA Bargaining Team

“We are ALL essential school professionals. These contract negotiations are an opportunity for everyone in Northshore---NESPA members, teachers, other school employees, the School Board, and the administration—to come together to create a transition to an employment model that Northshore can be proud of.” Deb Murphy, NESPA Co-President and Woodin Nurse

TOGETHER,

HERE’S HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE:

· Please wear a button every day to show your support. EVERY DAY.

· Post a sign at the entrance to your work area.

· Sign our petition.

· Join us at the School Board Meeting on Tues, May 11, 4-5 PM.

NORTHSHORE EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS ASSN: NESPA nespablo

Motion Passed by NSEA

2010-04-26T16:07:00.000-07:00

Motion passed by Northshore Education Assn—NSEA-- Rep Council on Monday, April 12 on NESPA’s negotiations:

NSEA members rely on our colleagues in NESPA to provide essential school services. We are part of a team working together to create the best possible schools for our students.
NESPA begins negotiations with the administration in mid-April.

NSEA supports the efforts of NESPA to improve their work and compensation. We encourage our members to stay informed about NESPA’s negotiations with the administration and to provide support for our colleagues. TOGETHER, we are RESPECTED and VALUED essential school professionals.

The Cascade Update

2010-04-06T16:21:00.000-07:00

The April/May issue of The Cascade Update is hot off the presses. Read about the NEWS Lawsuit - did the state meet the deadline to appeal? Click here to find out.
Also inside - Mock RA details, scholarships available, tax deduction information, classified ads, WEA special education boot camp information, and an article about the Minority Leadership Spring Conference on April 24th.

Together We are Valued and Respected Essential Support Personnel

2010-03-23T06:05:00.000-07:00

Below are NESPA's Bargaining Goals, ratified unanimously at yesterday's NESPA Meeting. These goals were generated by NESPA members via the Bargaining Surveys, that a majority of NESPA members returned! And via the "Hopes and Dreams" feedback in the Fall.

NESPA's Bargainng Team reviewed this feedback, and presented draft goals to NESPA's Board. NESPA's Board made some modifications, and presented them at the NESPA Leadership Meeting 2 weeks ago, attended by our Building Communicators, Asst Building Commnicators, Bargaining Suppport Team , Board, and Bargaining Team. They unanimously recommended them to the full membership, which ratified them on NESPA Day.

It will take all of us working TOGETHER to make progress on these goals in the negotiations that will begin in mid-April.

NESPA'S Bargaining Goals

2010-03-23T05:59:00.000-07:00

TOGETHER, We Are Respected and Valued Essential School Professionals!

We are Northshore’s Special Education, LAP/Title I, and ELL Paraeducators; School Assistants; Nurses; Technology Specialists; Head Start staff; Interpreters; Campus Supervisors; and more. The 460 of us—NESPA members--- provide a variety of student support, enabling our teachers to maintain a laser-like focus on academic K-12 instruction. We focus on removing the academic, physical, and social impediments to learning, and provide instruction in reading, writing, math, computers, and more.

The majority of us are either the primary providers or provide essential---not only supplemental—income for our families. Half of us have a BA degree or higher, and 90% of us have some college. One in five of us work a 2nd job.

WE ARE PROUD OF OUR WORK, AND ARE WORKING TOGETHER FOR:

WE NEED A FAIR PAY INCREASE: Most of us start at $13.96. After we hit $16.54 (in our fifth year) it takes us ten years to get 90c more: $17.44 max in our fifteenth year. Nurses start at $24, and make $29 after 7 years--- far less than school nurses in other districts, who are paid teacher salaries. Northshore’s other employees are paid better. Custodians start at over $1 higher than Paraeducators. Bus drivers start at over $4 higher. Office substitutes with no experience start at over $2.50 higher. Their salaries are well-deserved, and illustrate the inequity of our pay.

A living wage (what it would take for a parent and teen to live on a very low budget in the Northshore area) is about $24.50 per hour, full time. We received no 4.2% COLA this year and no increase is scheduled for next year. We need a fair pay increase.

In addition, Northshore needs a system to determine the pay for each job title in relation to others. And a way to compensate staff for the additional work and stress caused by student overloads—as certificated staff receive.

THE 20 HOUR PER WEEK “CEILING” IS UNFAIR & NEEDS TO END : About half of us work 4 hours or less—up to 20 hours weekly—and for many of us, it’s not by choice. Nor does it have anything to do with the needs of our schools. The central administration has put a 20 hour per week ceiling on about half of us, in order to avoid paying us benefits. Many of us have worked for Northshore for years, but we can’t get more hours---even as other low hour employees are hired at the same school. Our incomes are limited by that, and we get no benefits. This artificial “20 Hour Ceiling” for half of NESPA needs to end. Other Districts don’t do this.

ONLY HALF OF US GET MEDICAL BENEFITS. THIS MUST CHANGE: Northshore’s “20 Hour Ceiling” means that half of us don’t get benefits---even if we’ve worked here for years, and need them. Some of us have NO insurance at all. For many of us, that means we work mainly to buy insurance, either in the individual market or thru our spouses’ employment. Northshore’s custodians, bus drivers, bus mechanics, and grounds crew are ALL guaranteed sufficient hours to receive full benefits, as they rightfully deserve. The few teachers and administrators who work part time do so by choice, with rare exceptions. Few office staff are required to work part time. Don’t the 460 support professionals who work directly with our students deserve the same?

OUR JOB SECURITY IS INADEQUATE: 52 Special Education Paraeducators who serve students as “One-on-Ones” have little job security if their student leaves or no longer requires this support---even if they have worked for years. They have no rights to a recall after termination. 28 School Assistants face possible cuts in hours each year---even if the needs of the school for a crossing guard, lunch/recess supervision, etc remain the same. Each year, many Special Ed Paras face hours that go up and down from 4 to 6.5 hours per day, depending on enrollment---and can lose benefits as well as hours. In a layoff, NESPA members have rights to recall from a layoff for only 1 year, while teachers have recall rights for 3 years.

WE NEED THE TOOLS AND SUPPORT TO DO OUR WORK WELL: This includes adequate time to serve our students, professional development to improve our skills, and no further cuts to nursing hours. In addition, we need appropriate computers. Many of us are working inefficiently on castoff computers that receive no Tech Dept. support.

Warren G. Magnuson Grant

2010-03-22T15:35:00.000-07:00

Greetings,

I’ve attached the Warren G. Magnuson grant paperwork for our active ESP members. Please share with your local ESP members. There will be a mailing going out to the Local ESP Presidents, but I know you have much more contact with our individual ESP people than just the local presidents.

These Magnuson grants are available to three (3) active WEA ESP members and each grant is for $1,000.

Thank you, Janna

Janna Connor
Washington Education Association

2010-03-19T16:35:00.000-07:00

Dr. Allan Beane is an internationally recognized expert, speaker, and author on bullying. His 30 years of experience in education includes: teaching special education, teaching regular education, teaching higher education, serving as vice president of a university, and serving as Director of a School Safety Center.
His Bully Free Program has been adopted by schools and districts throughout the United States and has been featured in national publications such as USA Today, People Magazine, Time Magazine, USA Weekend, Time for Kids, and Newsweek for Teens, and many other national magazines and journals. He has also assisted the staff of the Oprah Winfrey Show to develop a show about bullying.
He has also made numerous television appearances such as Fox News and CNN Headline News—Nancy Grace Show. He has served as an expert witness in three criminal cases and has served as a consultant in six lawsuits involving bullying.
Dr. Beane will be speaking at a conference in Austin, TX, on June 25-27. Interested in finding out more about this? Go to www.stopgirlbullying.com.

2010-03-17T06:52:00.001-07:00

NESPA board members met last week for their monthly meeting and welcomed the NESPA bargaining team, the NESPA bargaining support team, building communicators, and assistant building communicators.

2010-03-16T12:28:00.000-07:00

WHAT IS A LIVING WAGE IN NORTHSHORE?

A living wage is a wage that enables one adult and one teenage child to be able to survive on one

salary without having to rely on spouses, roommates, parents, friends, multiple jobs, or government

assistance.

NESPA and NEOPA leaders met with our counterparts in Shoreline and with WEA Research staff in

December 2008 to investigate living costs in our area. Here’s what we learned:

A living wage was approximately $48,540 per year in Northshore in Dec 2008. With inflation, it’s a

bit higher now. Working 40 hours per week a full year, that’s about $24.50 per hour.

We looked at the following components and came up with these costs:

ITEM MONTHLY COST

School fees $80

Rent/Mortgage $1100

Utilities $110

Internet/Cable $55

Cell phones (2) $130

Computer $50

Insurance (car, home, health, life) $220

Other medical & dental costs $250

Clothing $150

Food $400

Transportation (car payment) $325

Car maintenance & Gas $160

Pet costs $25

College savings $0

Extracurricular & School fees $100

Retirement $180

Entertainment $30

Personal services & supplies $100

Vacation costs $60

Charity & fundraisers $20

Work-related expenses $20

Union dues/fees $45

Licensing fees $10

Taxes $250

Gifts/Birthdays/Holidays $50

Home staples (cleaning, household) $50

Furnishings $50

Debt $25

Elder care/child care $0

TOTAL COSTS: $4,045 per month X 12 = $48,540 per year

HOW DO THESE COSTS COMPARE TO YOUR CURRENT LIVING

EXPENSES? If you’d like to help NESPA refine and update these numbers

for one adult and a teen child, please complete and return this

ITEM MONTHLY COST

School fees ________________

Rent/Mortgage ________________

Utilities ________________

Internet/Cable ________________

Cell phones (2) ________________

Computer ________________

Insurance (car, home, health, life) ________________

Other medical & dental costs ________________

Clothing ________________

Food ________________

Transportation (car payment) ________________

Car maintenance & Gas ________________

Pet costs ________________

College savings ________________

Extracurricular & School fees ________________

Retirement ________________

Entertainment ________________

Personal services & supplies ________________

Vacation costs ________________

Charity & fundraisers ________________

Work-related expenses ________________

Union dues/fees ________________

Licensing fees ________________

Taxes ________________

Gifts/Birthdays/Holidays ________________

Home staples (cleaning, household) ________________

Furnishings ________________

Debt ________________

Elder care/child care ________________

NESPA is working with another ESP local in Shoreline, SESPA, to work towards a living wage over

the next several years. We want to make sure that our research is accurate and up-to-date. Thank you

for your help.

Optional: Name____________________________________School________________________

Return to NESPA by Tuesday, March 30 via school mail or to 18704 Bothell Way NE, Bothell

98011. Questions? 425 486 7101 ext 103

2010-03-16T11:52:00.000-07:00

Dear NESPA Colleague,

We need your help. Now, please.

These are the last few days we can influence the Legislature—to stop huge cuts to Northshore. For Northshore and other districts, there is a BIG difference between the Senate and the House budgets. For Northshore, the difference is almost $5 million in cuts---cuts we want to avoid.

The Legislature is meeting this week, even though the Session was to end last week. Why? They have not yet made a decision on the State budget for next year.

You need to help them. Go to www.ourvoicewashingtonea.org and send them a message.

The House budget is far better, but the House hasn’t done enough yet to raise the revenue needed to fund it. Ideas for avoiding drastic cuts to Northshore and other districts include taxing soda, a tax on hazardous materials, and closing a tax loophole that lets big out-of-state banks avoid taxes.

Please send legislators a message now. www.ourvoicewashingtonea.org It’s easy and will take you only a minute.

THANK YOU!!

Kraig

From Rosemarie Dunlop, NSD Nurse

2010-03-05T16:22:00.000-08:00

Source: Robin Fleming, school nurse, Seattle Public Schools

As front-line providers in child health, school nurses protect the health and promote the educational outcomes and life opportunities for the nation’s 49 million public school students. When children are healthy, it is empirically established that they have higher rates of academic achievement. Students in schools with school nurses and other school-based health providers are healthier on measures of health status, access to care, school attendance, and they engage in fewer risky behaviors. On the flip side, students who are unhealthy face numerous social and academic risks. Research consistently demonstrates that untended health problems originating in childhood usually worsen over time, interfere with academic success, and sustain the health disparities that are disproportionally allotted to the growing numbers of poor and ethnic minority children who populate schools. This puts undue strain on the nation’s economy, unnecessarily helps to feed an already bulging criminal justice system, and lays to waste the potentially limitless talents and contributions that are left to wither in growing numbers of health-impaired children attending financially burdened school systems.

The School Nurse Organization of Washington estimates that approximately 500 to 1,000 school nurses tend to the health and academic preparation of 1 million public school children. School nurses develop plans of care for students with potentially life-threatening conditions and chronic illnesses. They provide health assessments for thousands of children statewide with individual education plans; provide health education to students and staff, and provide referral and case management services. They also manage and monitor communicable disease outbreaks to protect the health of students and staff, as has been recently highlighted by the presence of H1N1 influenza. School nurses also provide health promotion and disease prevention services and tend to acute care emergencies. They support the safety of school buildings and communities, participate on school committees, and advocate for the health of many of the state’s most vulnerable children and families. All school nurses in Washington state are required to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Many more have master’s degrees, some have credentials as nurse practitioners, and others have doctorates.

At a time when school districts are reporting increased numbers of children with mental and physical health problems (approximately 20 percent of children have a diagnosable physical or mental health condition), and an increase in the severity of health problems such as asthma, diabetes, and an epidemic of obesity, proposed reductions in the state budget are bound to have deleterious effects on delivery of school health services, and consequently on the health and academic success of school children.

Because schools exist to educate students, their funding priorities are naturally assigned to teachers, instruction, curricula, and other academic supports. While this makes sense, it also reinforces the notion that an academic response at the school level is the most effective answer to the problem of academic disparities and underachievement. Because research establishes student health as a necessary component to academic engagement and achievement, school health services are not simply ancillary; they are as necessary as are academic strategies in meeting the goals of improving academic outcomes for all students -- goals that have eluded educators for decades.

These goals do not need to remain out of our grasp, even in this time of state and national budget crises. Educators and school nurses are scrambling for funding to maintain core services, let alone add urgently needed new ones. While schools rely on funding primarily from two sources -- the state general fund and tax levies -- school nurses are dependent on multiple federal, state, district, and grant sources to sustain their services. School nurses in Washington already far exceed the nurse to student ratio of 1-to-750 recommended by the National Association of School Nurses. It is tempting in such difficult financial times to adopt a myopic vision that emphasizes institutional and professional self-interest in promoting student achievement: Educators want funds for education, and nurses want funding for health services. As research has shown, however, funding alone has its limitations on both academic and health outcomes. Research also has shown that resource sharing, collaborative partnerships and a culture of caring have positive impacts on student achievement. Working together to achieve collective goals is more important in times of financial hardship: It can help to build and sustain a united foundation that eventually promotes improved political clout, secures more reliable sources of funding and provides greater access to community resources.

One organization that is helping to promote a more integrated approach to health and education in Washington is Healthy Schools Washington. At its annual Healthy Schools Summit (to be held this year May 27 and 28), educators and a variety of school health providers learn about and explore topics relevant to promoting academic success through coordinated school health programs. This is a healthy start to building collaborative relationships. We teach our children to mix with others, to listen to their perspectives, and to problem solve as teams. It is important that we model the behaviors we advocate and advise. In so doing, we may at last get the results that we have worked so long and hard for.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO REPRESENT NESPA AT WEA’S ANNUAL CONVENTION?

2010-02-05T06:57:00.000-08:00

Every Spring, about 1,000 WEA members elected by their colleagues meet for WEA’s annual convention, called the WEA Representative Assembly (RA).

The RA is an exciting meeting where WEA members democratically decide on the course of our organization for the next year! It’s an opportunity to learn, to meet others who do similar work in other school districts and to meet WEA’s leaders, and to take part in what is one of the most democratic organizations in the world. Most people come back from the RA describing it as an incredible experience that leaves them energized and feeling powerful.

NESPA can send upto 8 delegates, elected by NESPA members. This year’s Representative Assembly will be in Spokane, from Thursday evening May 13 through Saturday, May 15. NESPA pays the cost of transportation, meals and hotel, and a substitute for Friday, May 14. If 8 or more people are nominated, an election will be held in February.

If you are interested in being a delegate, please email Barti Khandekar at khandekars@hotmail.com.

A brief statement (50 words or less) indicating why you are interested in being a delegate must be forwarded to Barti by by Friday February 12th.

Delegates must agree to attend all RA sessions, to attend a pre-RA meeting (called the mock RA on Thursday, April 29th at the Admin Center from 5 to 9 PM), and to report back to the NESPA members on the event and the decisions made there. Failure of the delegate to complete these duties may result in the delegate reimbursing NESPA for ALL expenses.

The Cascade Update

2010-02-01T10:48:00.000-08:00

The link to the February/March issue of The Cascade Update is below. Here is a sample of the articles -

"How Washington State Loses Billions of Dollars Each Year"

"Read Across America 2010!"

"WEA ESP of the Year 2010 Award!"

Classified Ads

"Registered for NBPTS? Plan on attending WEA's National Board Jump Start Seminars!"

Contact your Legislators - names and addresses

Interested? Click here

Congratulations!

2010-01-31T16:34:00.000-08:00

The NESPA Scholarship Committee is happy to announce the NESPA Teaching Certification Scholarship awards. The following four NESPA members will be the recipients of this scholarship for the 2009-2010 school year:

Craig Danter - CLC Paraeducator, Bothell High
Suzanne Fujinari - ELL Tutor, Northshore Junior High
Seema Vaze - Special Ed Paraeducator, Bothell High
Solveig Whittle - Special Ed Paraeducator, Wellington

Congratulations to these dedicated NESPA members! We wish them the best of luck as they continue to pursue their education goals.

The Face of NESPA

2010-01-21T07:50:00.000-08:00

A new feature on this blog each month will be The Face of NESPA. You will be introduced to NESPA members from all around the district. This month meet Jan Fitzgerald, CLC para educator and Building Commuunicator from Inglemoor High School.

Jan is married with two children in college. Her daughter is in graduate school at Portland State University and her son is a junior at the University of Oregon. Both children went to Moorlands, NSJH, and then graduated from Inglemoor. Jan started as a para educator sub when her youngest child was in kindergarten. She has been at Inglemoor as a para educator in the CLC since January, 1996. She has been a building communicator since 1998.

January Update from your Co-Presidents

2010-01-21T07:46:00.000-08:00

The New Year is unfolding with many opportunities. Here are a few ways that you can make adifference regarding issues at a local and state level in education. Check with your Building Communicator or Building Representative for your school’s scheduled time to call our friends and neighbors regarding to importance of passing the 2 levies and bond on the ballots that will be out soon.

Those of us that work in education have a special perspective and credibility to share with others. Giving our community accurate information, helping them make informed decisions is a way of showing them how essential their vote will be to preserve our current diminished level of quality education.

On a state level, we want to invite interested members to consider attending this year’s State Representative Assembly (lovingly known as RA) in May in Spokane. It is a multi-day gathering of educators statewide to vote on issues that will be carried back to all of Washington schools. The issues range from retirement to school air quality. As ESPs (Educational Support Professionals) you will be part of an amazing, strong, respected crowd. Members of Washington’s ESPs won national awards last year at the national level, very impressive. Washington ESPs are very well regarded nationally. If you are curious, give us a call for more information. We need to fill our slots by a vote held in February, so time is growing short.

Deb Murphy & Marge Mitchell

2010 Legislative Session

2010-01-21T07:45:00.000-08:00

PLEASE KEEP THIS DOCUMENT IN A SAFE, ACCESSIBLE PLACE

GET INVOLVED: CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS!

The 2010 Legislative Session began on Monday, January 11. Though this is a short session, we have a lot at stake, and will need your ongoing involvement.

The economic crisis has reduced consumer and business spending. State revenues are down, as Washington State, unlike most states, derives most of its income from the Sales Tax and the Business and Occupation Tax (a tax on gross sales of business). Thus there is a projected State budget shortfall of around $2.6 billion—a huge amount.

Without new revenue in the form of new taxes or the closing of tax loopholes, major cuts will be made. Our schools and students will suffer, our workloads will increase, and the purchasing power of our salaries will drop.

Even in times of economic crisis, school funding and educator compensation should not be cut. It is exactly the kind of economic investment we should be making for the future, and to revive the economy. Cutting school funding would be like eating our seed corn; the harvest of the future will be smaller.

WHAT ARE OUR PRIORITIES FOR THIS SESSION?

1. COMPENSATION AND EDUCATION FUNDING:

· Improve and protect state and local funding for Washington’s public schools, colleges and regional universities.

· Protect existing K-12 and higher education funding and find new revenue sources.

· Confirm the Legislature’s commitment to restoring voter-approved I-732 cost-of-living salary adjustments to the full amount.

· Protect existing educator health and pension benefits and protect existing health insurance plan choices.

· Temporarily maximize local resources until the state budget recovers from the economic recession:

o Raise the levy lid by at least 4 percent for all districts.

o Maintain levy equalization in 220 school districts.

o Include I-728 and I-732 in the levy lid formula.

o Allow districts to collect the full levy amount approved by voters.

· Adopt the prototypical schools funding formula outlined in the Washington Adequacy Funding Study, including specific funding levels required to meet the intent of HB 2261.

· Approve equal compensation collective bargaining rights for community and technical college faculty.

2. SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT:

· WEA members are advocates for the whole child. As education professionals, we know what our students need to succeed. Legislation dealing with evaluation, compensation, certification, professional development or struggling schools should reflect the professional expertise and wisdom of WEA members.

· Support continued improvements to the state student assessment system; eliminate any single test as a barrier to high school graduation.

· Protect existing K-12 and higher education funding and find new revenue sources.

WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

NESPA will be asking you to take action—many times. Please do so!
Contact your Legislators often. We’ll ask you to do so several times.
Visit www.ourvoicewashingtonea.org regularly for updates and ways to take action.

More State Cuts to Northshore?

2010-01-19T16:54:00.000-08:00

Maybe. Read on.

This short Legislative Session, which began yesterday and will go to March 11, will mainly be a struggle between those who want to maintain our education and services (Washington's quality of life and future), and those whose highest priority is low taxes. Our goal is to get the Legislature to find the revenue needed to prevent further cuts to our schools. They can do so by either closing tax loopholes or instituting new taxes.

Although the State cut millions from Northshore last year, they are looking at cutting another $4 million, including the remaining I-728 class size funds ($1.5 million) and the K-4 Class Size Reduction Funding that has been in place for many years ($2 million). They are also looking at eliminating the remaining LID Day ($300,000) and all Highly Capable Funding ($140,000). This is ALL State funding that is not considered "Basic Education". But it's essential and basic.

One opportunity for addressing future cuts (like when the Federal Stimulus funding ends) is the possibility of slightly increasing the amount that can be raised from local levies. If the Legislature passes an increase in the "levy lid" - the amount we are allowed to put on a levy, Northshore will go back to the voters with another levy - after the current ones pass. It's not ideal, but it beats ongoing cuts for the next few years.

Please go to ourvoicewashingtonea.org and email your legislators (all three of them) from your HOME computer or phone. Tell them, "You've cut our schools too much already. NO MORE CUTS! Find the revenue to maintain the limited funding we now have. And let us raise more locally with voter-supporter levies."

You don't need to know who your legislators are to do this. You simply enter your address into ourvoicewashingtonea.org, and your legislators will pop up. Or use the information below, listing their phone numbers.

Or call the Legislative Hotline at 1-800-562-6000 (to 8 PM in the evening) and leave this message with the operator. She will ask you your address, and identify your Legislators for you.

We'll be asking you to contact your Legislators several times until March 11. You can always get more info at ourvoicewashingtonea.org. And it's the easiest way to email Legislators. (But use your HOME computer to email Legislators.

Bond and Levy Calling Schedule

2010-01-19T16:50:00.000-08:00

*** This article contains political information. Please do not print, forward, or reply to this article.***

The response to the last email has been great! Several people asked that we publish the phone calling schedule for all schools. It is listed below. Please read this and do your part (1.5 hours). THANK YOU!

As you know, Northshore is running three measures on the upcoming all-mail ballot. These measures include two levies and a bond. Please click here to learn more about the specifics.

Passage of these measures is critical to the entire district.Failure could mean major layoffs, huge classes, more program cuts, frustrating technology limitations, and —for teachers—a reduction in next year’s pay increase, and the likely loss of TRI Responsibility Pay ($5.000 to $11,000 per person).

The stakes are high, but supporting the bond and levy effort is easy. NSEA members are teaming up with Citizens for Northshore Schools, NESPA and NEOPA members, district administrators, students, parents, and others to make calls to active voters in our district. Please see the calling schedule, below, and find a time to come make calls.

Even if your school's calling date has come and gone...or if you are unable to make calls on the day assigned to your school...you can still come down another day to call voters. All calls are made from the NSEA Office, located at 18704 Bothell Way NE, Suite 101 Bothell, WA. Click here for directions.

Feel free to bring friends, your spouse/partner, and junior high and high school aged children. If we don't have enough phones, you can make calls using your cell from our office. Scripts, caller lists, and snacks will be provided.

BOND AND LEVY CALLING SCHEDULE
Shift 1: 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm
Shift 2: 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Thursday, January 14
Shift #1: Canyon Park JH
Shift #2: Maywood Hills

Wednesday, January 20
Shift #1: Skyview JH
Shift #2: Fernwood

Thursday, January 21
Shift #1: Kenmore JH
Shift #2: Kenmore Elem

Monday, January 25
Shift #1: Northshore JH
Shift #2: Arrowhead

Tuesday, January 26
Shift #1: Leota JH
Shift #2: Wellington

Wednesday, January 27
Both shifts: Woodinville HS

Thursday, January 28
Shift #1: Woodmoor
Shift #2: Canyon Creek

Monday, February 1
Shift #1: Hollywood Hill
Shift #2: Bear Creek

Tuesday, February 2
Shift #1: Frank Love
Shift #2: Lockwood

Wednesday, February 3
Shift #1: Kokanee
Shift #2: Shelton View

Thursday, February 4
Shift #1: Sunrise
Shift #2: Woodin

Monday, February 8
Shift #1: Home School Network
Shift #2: Westhill

PLEASE BE SURE TO MAIL YOUR COMPLETED BALLOT BY FEBRUARY 9TH!

One Click/One Call Parent Help 123

2010-01-19T16:38:00.000-08:00

Get connected to health insurance, food and housing assistance, and many other resources, through Parent Help 123, a website to connect your family to state-sponsored resources in your community.

Visit 222.ParentHelp123.org

H1N1 Flu Clinics

2010-01-19T16:32:00.000-08:00

January 20 Northshore Junior High Health Room 2:30-4:30

January 21 Leota Junior High Health Room 2:30-4:30

Only $10 administration fee.

Don't let your guard down. Get your flu shot and avoid the H1N1 flu experience. Who needs it? If you were ill but do not know if you had the 2009 H1N1 infection, you should get vaccinated if your doctor recommends it. So, most people recommended for 2009 H1N1 vaccination should be vaccinated with the 2009 H1N1 vaccine regardless of whether they had a flu-like illness earlier in the year. If you have had 2009 H1N1 flu as confirmed by an RT-PCR test, you should have some immunity against 2009 H1N1 flu and can choose not to get the vaccine. However, vaccination of a person with some existing immunity to the 2009 H1N1 virus will not be harmful (222.cdc.gov/h1n1flu).

NESPA News

2009-12-09T12:54:00.000-08:00

Welcome to another edition of NESPA News! Check below for articles from Marge Mitchell, NESPA Co-President and Kraig Peck, Uniserve Rep.

Northshore's Bond/Levy Measure

2009-12-08T12:23:00.000-08:00

Northshore’s Bond/Levy Measures Go To Voters In Mid-January!

START ASKING YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY, AND NEIGHBORS

TO CONTINUE THEIR SUPPORT FOR OUR COMMUNITY’S SCHOOLS & KIDS!

Northshore School District will have three propositions on the ballot for the February 9, 2010, election to continue support for student learning:

Capital Projects Bond
Renewal Education Operations Support Levy
Renewal School Technology Levy

NESPA, NSEA, AND NEOPA are 100% behind all of them. Together, these measures support student learning. Your support and help is needed to ensure their passage by the voters in January.

The Capital Projects Bond would continue the District's long-term facilities plan to maintain and renovate aging schools and provide key infrastructure support for classroom learning. The Renewal Education Operations Support Levy would renew an expiring levy that provides 20% of the district's budget for daily operations and educational programs. TheRenewal School Technology Levy would renew an expiring levy to continue to provide technology and training to enhance classroom learning.

Details here (2 pages): Facts on the Levy and Bond brochure This is an all-mail election. Ballots will be mailed out to voters by January 22 and must be returned by February 9 (Election Day).

Passage of these measures is essential to the economic health of our district and to us as professionals. The Operations Support Levy pays for many of our jobs. The Technology Levy pays for school computers. Adequate heat and air quality, and a pleasant work/learning environment, depend on the Capital Projects Bond.

The levy/bond campaign and NESPA, NEOPA, AND NSEA will be asking every school to send volunteers—staff, parents, booster clubs—to make phone calls to voters beginning January 4. Please sign up when asked by an Association Leader. Calls will be made from the NESPA/NSEA/WEA Office in Bothell.

Because of our successful collective efforts to modify the State Constitution by a vote in 2007, only 50% plus one (instead of 60% plus one) is needed to pass the Operations and Tech Levies. But 60% plus one is needed on the Capital Bond. Despite the bad economy, we will win this if we communicate the need to the voters.

Below is a link to an excellent fact sheet produced by NSD. Because it is a fact sheet—informational, not partisan—you are free to forward this link from home or school computer and email. However, do NOT forward this email from a school computer or email.

Just forward this link: Facts on the Levy and Bond brochure

2009-12-08T12:08:00.000-08:00

HOLIDAY GIVING:

Here is an option for your holiday giving: the WEA Children’s Fund. This fund, which YOU can access for students at your school, reimburses you for purchases to meet the needs of your students: coats, shoes, glasses, …

What is it? The WEA Children's Fund helps meet the modest and immediate needs of students encountered by WEA members in their daily workplaces. The Fund works to ensure that the physical, social and emotional needs of students do not stand in the way of success within the school setting. The Children's Fund reimburses WEA members who buy items to meet the modest, immediate needs of their students.

There's no red tape. A quick call or filling out our online form is all that's needed to help your students meet their basic needs!

You can also help the Children's Fund help children! Giving is easy: donations to the Children's Fund are tax deductible. Our donation page will offer you a choice of donation "tickets" that vary with the size of your contribution, and you will receive an e-mail after you purchase the donation "ticket" to confirm the amount of your gift.

Spread the word! Consider donating to the Fund as your gift to a friend or family member, instead of one more object they don’t need!

Bond/Levy Information

2009-12-03T16:36:00.000-08:00

Northshore’s Bond/Levy Measures Go To Voters In Mid-January!

START ASKING YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY, AND NEIGHBORS

TO CONTINUE THEIR SUPPORT FOR OUR COMMUNITY’S SCHOOLS & KIDS!

Northshore School District will have three propositions on the ballot for the February 9, 2010, election to continue support for student learning:

Capital Projects Bond
Renewal Education Operations Support Levy
Renewal School Technology Levy

NESPA, NSEA, AND NEOPA are 100% behind all of them. Together, these measures support student learning. Your support and help is needed to ensure their passage by the voters in January.

The Capital Projects Bond would continue the District's long-term facilities plan to maintain and renovate aging schools and provide key infrastructure support for classroom learning. The Renewal Education Operations Support Levy would renew an expiring levy that provides 20% of the district's budget for daily operations and educational programs. The Renewal School Technology Levy would renew an expiring levy to continue to provide technology and training to enhance classroom learning.

Details here: This is an all-mail election. Ballots will be mailed out to voters by January 22 and must be returned by February 9 (Election Day).

Passage of these measures is essential to the economic health of our district and to us as professionals. The Operations Support Levy pays for many of our jobs. The Technology Levy pays for school computers. Adequate heat and air quality, and a pleasant work/learning environment, depend on the Capital Projects Bond.

The levy/bond campaign and NESPA, NEOPA, AND NSEA will be asking every school to send volunteers—staff, parents, booster clubs—to make phone calls to voters beginning January 4. Please sign up when asked by an Association Leader. Calls will be made from the NESPA/NSEA/WEA Office in Bothell.

Because of our successful collective efforts to modify the State Constitution by a vote in 2007, only 50% plus one (instead of 60% plus one) is needed to pass the Operations and Tech Levies. But 60% plus one is needed on the Capital Bond. Despite the bad economy, we will win this if we communicate the need to the voters.

Short Legislative Sessions Begins in January

2009-12-03T16:21:00.000-08:00

MORE K-12 CUTS? ENOUGH ALREADY!

TELL THEM TO FIND REVENUE INSTEAD!

In January, the State Legislature will begin meeting, largely to decide what adjustments to make to the State budget in 2010, the second year of the two-year budget. A $2.7 billion budget shortfall is anticipated, due to low spending and sales. Washington State derives most of our revenue from taxes on sales. We are one of a handful of states without an income tax, leaving our schools 45th in the nation in per pupil expenditures. And that was before the $1.5 billion in State K-12 cuts that took effect this year.

Believe it or not, Legislators are considering cutting our schools even further. While most school funding is constitutionally protected as “basic education funding”, Northshore, like other Districts, stands to lose millions of State dollars that are not Constitutionally protected. Last year, Northshore lost about $9 million in such State funding . Fortunately, we received over $5 million in Federal Stimulus funding to offset some of the cuts. (Northshore’s total budget is about $181 million, including the local property tax levy which will local voters will decide in January and February also.)

Further cuts are not acceptable. They would damage our students, our schools, our State’s future, the local and state economies, and our family’s livelihoods. Each of us needs to do our share to prevent the Legislature and the Governor from taking the easy way out, and simply cutting K-12 funding further.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Leaders from NESPA, NSEA, and NEOPA (as well as from Edmonds and Shoreline locals) have been meeting with our Legislators*. We’ve explained to them that education is an investment in the future, and eating our seed corn during this economic drought will only produce future droughts. We’ve urged them to raise the revenue needed to protect our schools from further cuts. We’ve suggested that they find it, in part, by eliminating some of the billions of dollars in Washington’s tax exemptions for private interests, exemptions that in many cases were passed years ago, and have not been reviewed since.

Here is a website that can help, and where you’ll find our WEA Legislative Agenda (goals for this Session) and more:
http://www.ourvoicewashingtonea.org

Please contact your Legislators now or during the Winter Break to let them know that further K-12 cuts are unacceptable. Ask them to find the revenue our schools need.

If you live in Northshore, Edmonds, or Shoreline, here are your legislators: http://northshoreea.blogspot.com/2009/01/contact-your-legislators.html If you need a reminder for who your 3 Legislators are, go to http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/Default.aspx
Please contact them from a home computer and home email. Not from a school computer, or school email.

* We met with Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe, Rep. Ruth Kagi, Sen. Paul Shinn, Sen. Eric Oemig, Rep. Mary Helen Roberts, and Rep. Marko Liias. Rep. Al O’Brien, Rep. Mark Ericks, and Sen. Darlene Fairley would not meet, which speaks volumes of their concern for educators and schools.

Bargaining

2009-12-03T06:24:00.000-08:00

IMPROVING OUR WORK AND SCHOOLS:
NESPA MEMBERS PROVIDE INPUT TO NEGOTIATING COMMITTEE!

As the first step toward providing input on the upcoming negotiations, about 200 NESPA members have shared their “Hopes, Dreams, Concerns, and Solutions” with NESPA’s Bargaining Team.

This input will be reviewed by NESPA’s Team on December 10, and will be used to draft bargaining proposals, and to write a detailed survey that will go out to all NESPA members in January.

There will be opportunities for more input. Your Bargaining Team wants to focus our efforts on securing the improvements that are important to NESPA members. And we’ll need your participation in efforts to secure these improvements; we can’t do it without you! (See below.)

Responses were varied, but a preliminary review of the responses points to several themes. These include:

· The need to earn a living wage.

· The need for many part time employees to get more hours, and to get access to medical benefits.

· More professional development opportunities.

· Concerns with computer access.

· The need for more professional hours, in order to do the best job for the students.

· Adequate nursing hours.

Our Bargaining Team consists of Judy Ellis (SAS) as the Bargaining Team Chairperson; Donna Smith (NSJH), Sharon Maynard (Bear Creek), Peggy Sturm (Maywood Hills), and Bharti Khandekar (Bothell HS). WEA Staffperson Kraig Peck will serve as Chief Spokesperson of the Team. We will negotiate with HR Director Jeff Sherwood and the administrative team he and the Superintendent selects, who will act on behalf of the School Board.

NESPA Building Communicators will meet in February (tentatively Feb 11) to help shape the bargaining goals, get more information, and take it back to each school to seek more input. NESPA members will meet during lunch on NESPA Day (Monday, March 22 at Woodmoor) to review the bargaining goals, and find out how we can all pitch in to secure the improvements we need.

Bargaining will begin later in the Spring, but we are getting organized now. We were successful in our last negotiations (Spring/Sumer of 2008) due to the leadership and support of our Bargaining Support Team. NESPA Co-Presidents Deb Murphy (dmurphy@nsd.org) and Marge Mitchell (mmitchell@nsd.org) are beginning to put together a new NESPA Bargaining Support Team. This is a great way to get involved in a meaningful way—helping to improve our work and schools---for a limited duration. If you want to know more, please contact Deb or Marge.

NESPA Teaching Certification Scholarship

2009-12-03T05:54:00.000-08:00

Are you working toward a teaching certificate?
If so, you may be eligible for a
NESPA TEACHING CERTIFICATION SCHOLARSHIP

DEADLINE IS JANUARY 15, 2010

The NESPA Teaching Certification Scholarship is a collaboration between the
Northshore School District (NSD) and the Association. Its purpose is to recognize and
encourage NESPA members who are pursuing certification in the field of education at
the undergraduate or graduate level.

The scholarship fund for each school year is $10,000.00. Scholarship awards will be a
minimum of $2,000.00 per school year. Members may apply and receive one
scholarship per year for a maximum of three years.

ELIGIBILITY and CRITERIA:
Applicant must provide the following:
• Letter of application stating why you would like to be considered for this
scholarship.
• Verification of NESPA membership for the past three consecutive school years
(contact CUC office manager at 425-486-7101).
• Verification of declared major in education.
• Verification of junior credit equivalent or higher.
• Verification of current college/university enrollment.
• Outline of comprehensive education plan leading to certification.
• Completed scholarship application linked here: NESPA TEACHING CERTIFICATION SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION FORM

SELECTION PROCESS:
The Scholarship Committee, based on all above eligibility and criteria being met, will determine acceptance or rejection of each application. Applications received after the deadline date will not be considered. THIS YEAR’S APPLICATION DEADLINE IS 2:00 PM, JANUARY 15, 2010.

If more than five qualified applications are submitted, the following criteria will be used as deciding factors:
#1) NESPA Seniority Date, #2) Date application is received.

Scholarship recipients will be REIMBURSED for previously paid tuition expenses via a NSD Travel and Expense Reimbursement Claim Form. This scholarship will be by REIMBURSEMENT ONLY. Recipients will be compensated in one payment after documentation of previously paid tuition expenses has been submitted.

Judy Ellis, NESPA Board Member is Chairperson of the Scholarship Committee. If you have questions, you may address them to her at jellis@nsd.org.

From Marge Mitchell, Co-President of NESPA

2009-12-03T05:48:00.000-08:00

Local ESP Presidents gathered together on October 24, in Federal Way, to network and gather new information on WEA resources. State leaders shared information on what WEA can help locals with. With a “speed dating” format, we learned about the resources WEA can provide to local units. A leadership style survey was completed. We learned our area of strength and areas to work on, when acting in a leadership role.

WEA sponsored an Issues Conference, in Renton, on November 11th. There were several Northshore support staff in attendance. Classes included Conflict Resolution, Autism, helping students with ADD/ADHD, Computer Classes, Relaxation Techniques,etc.. A total of 16 classes were offered, each person choosing 4 classes. Networking with over 150 people brought together many new ideas and resources.

The Northshore School Board swore in 3 new members at the November 24th meeting.
Julia Lacey, Todd Banks and Sandy Hayes join Dawn McCravey and Janet Quinn. Our many thanks to outgoing members Sue Buske, Cathy Swanson and Gene Hawkridge. School Board positions are totally volunteer. Board members put in many, many hours each month.

NESPA sent out a survey to all members, concerning issues that should be addressed during bargaining (in the spring). Thank you to all who returned the surveys. The bargaining team will begin meeting to look at the issues that are of concern to our members.

January will be a busy month promoting the bond and levies that will be voted on in February. This will include the Capital Projects Bond, a Renewal Education Operations Support Levy and a Renewal School Technology Levy. These measures are needed to keep the Northshore school district moving ahead. Please consider volunteering time to doorbell or work on a phone bank. Voters need to understand the serious need for passage of both the bond and the levies.

In the midst of the upcoming holidays and family gatherings, life does get incredibly busy and hectic. Take time to enjoy family, read a good book or take a walk on a cold crisp winter day.

Your NESPA Professional Development Fund

2009-11-17T17:05:00.000-08:00

Q. How can I get reimbursed for classes, conferences, etc.?

A. You can use this fund of eighteen thousand dollars ($18,000.00) available to NESPA members for individual staff development training that may include tuition, registration fees and substitutes. Prior approval for use of the funds must be obtained through the fund application form included in this newsletter. (2008-2010 NESPA Contract- Article 25.10 on page 20)

Consideration for approval is based on the funds available, the relationship of the class to the employee’s immediate job performance, the needs of the District, the professional growth it will add to an employee’s abilities, skills, job-related interests and the employee’s access to other professional development money.

Initially, one request for funds per member, not to exceed $200.00, will be considered. Requests are reviewed upon receipt and you are notified promptly by phone or email.

Q. How do I start?

A. You start by filling out the Professional Development Fund Application Form, which is linked on the right side of this website under Important NESPA Information. The easy-to-follow directions are right on the form but if you need further assistance,your Building Communicator can help there too.

Q. What if we want to use it to pay for a class in our school?

A. If your school would like host a training for its members, the application and approval process would be the same-with a few minor differences. Yes, you can use these funds to hire someone to come to your school to train your NESPA staff. This training can be done on work time (a non-student day, for example), or after school. (Want to get paid for attending a training on non-work time? NESPA members can also use their Professional Hours.)

Q. Is there still money available?

A. Yes, there is. By using all the money in the fund we send a message to the District on the importance of professional development among our members.

Q. Where does one find classes?

A. Check your staff room bulletin board first. Organizations like the Institute for Educational Dev. (IED); Bureau of Education & Research (BER) and Staff Dev. Resources (SDR) send mailers to schools on a regular basis. Puget Sound ESD and the area community colleges offer great professional/personal development classes as well. You could also try to Google your area of interest using words like educational seminar, workshop, or training.

Q. Whom do I contact with questions?

A. Judy Ellis, the NESPA Board member who leads NESPA’s Professional Development Committee, is the expert. She works at SAS and can be reached via email at jellis@nsd.org.

Professional Standards Program (PSP)

2009-11-13T06:42:00.000-08:00

HOW DO 160 NESPA MEMBERS EARN $582 - $1,070 MORE EACH YEAR……

WITHOUT WORKING ADDITONAL HOURS?

NESPA members who get certificates issued by the Nat’l Assn of Educational Office Professionals (NAEOP) for education, leadership, community service, etc. receive from $582 to $1,070 per year. Also, Levels II and III employees (nurses, head start, and similar jobs) get $983 for a BA or BS degree, and an additional $983 for an ESA Certificate, and an additional $983 for a Masters Degree. Employees who work UNDER 3.5 hours daily are eligible for HALF the PSP stipend. NESPA’s Professional Standards Program (PSP) stipends are part of our negotiated Collective Bargaining Agreement, on pages 21 and 22.

Want to find out more? Or to continue to work on getting your certificates? Come to the:

Special NESPA informational meeting on PSP Stipends

Wednesday, November 18, from 4 to 6 PM

WEA/NESPA office at 18704 Bothell Way NE, in Bothell

across the street from the SAS/Anderson Building, just north of Bothell’s Main Street.

Park and enter in the back.

Questions? Keep in mind that the process of getting the certificates is a bit complex, and can’t be described over the phone. That’s why we have these meetings. General questions can be addressed to Heather Flatman (hflatman@nsd.org) or Karin Shipman (kshipman@nsd.org).

THANK YOU to Heather and Karin for leading NESPA’s PSP Committee, and helping NESPA members get these stipends!

Kraig

Budget Cuts

2009-11-11T15:43:00.000-08:00

NSD Budget Cuts Were Deeper Than Necessary

If your family budget was inadequate to meet your basic needs, and was then further reduced due to a layoff or cuts in work hours, what would you do? A) Cut your spending, but use some of your savings to limit the extent of painful cuts? Or, B) Cut your spending AND make even more painful cuts by putting more of your paycheck into savings?

If you were the Northshore School Board last Fall (October 2008), you decided to do B. In the midst of ongoing and anticipated State cuts to schools, the Board decided to change its policy, and to increase the amount Northshore sets aside in the Unreserved Reserves—the funds left at the end of each school year in the Ending Fund Balance that are not designated for anything. (They are in addition to $1 million set aside for risk and inventory replacement.)

In other words, the Board decided to put more money in the bank instead of in classrooms and compensation. They passed a new Policy which required a minimum of 3% to be set aside (2.75% this year, and 3% starting next year), an increase from the 2% that had been Board policy. NSEA, NESPA, and NEOPA opposed this, and spoke out at Board meetings. Northshore had never experienced a financial problem that necessitated putting more of our limited funds in the bank. The change in policy was and is detrimental to students, staff, and our schools.

NEW BOARD POLICY AND INACCURATE INFO LED TO DEEPER CUTS THAN NECESSARY THIS YEAR.

The School Board then proceeded to cut programs and laid off classified staff (i.e., Junior High Deans) far deeper than they needed to. This was due not only to this new Policy, but also because the administration had not provided the Board with accurate information about the funds that would be left at the end of the school year. Read on…..

Last Spring, the District went through a painful process of identifying about $5 million in cuts. NSEA, NESPA, and NEOPA agreed that cuts were necessary, but argued that $5 million in cuts was excessive.

We spoke at the School Board meetings and handed out flyers at the public budget meetings urging the Board to, “Limit layoffs and program cuts by using more reserves.” We stated, “Northshore’s budgeted Ending Funding Balance (EFB) for this year—$9.1 million—is the highest since 1997-1998 as a proportion of our budget. The actual Ending Fund Balance will likely be higher. The actual EFB has been higher than the budgeted EFB in each of the last 8 years. Based on a comparison of monthly EFB in each of the past 5 years, the WEA Research Department projected in early March that the EFB will be about $1.2 million higher than budgeted: $10.3 million.”

So, the School Board made cuts based on an administration projection of having $9.1 million left at the end of 08-09. And the WEA Research Department projected $10.3 million. So, with the 2008-2009 financial books now closed and made public, what was the actual Ending Fund Balance? It was $10.7 million. That’s $1.6 million more than the District had projected. In other words, the School Board cut programs and laid off classified staff far deeper than they needed to, because the administration had not provided them with accurate information. And because they ignored the information we provided to them.

WHY DOES THE SCHOOL BOARD MAKE DECISIONS WITHOUT ACCURATE INFO?

Unfortunately, last Spring was not an anomaly. Northshore’s budget cuts the previous year (including Nurses and Library Techs) were far deeper than necessary. Why is it, year after year, that the WEA Research Department is able to more accurately forecast the District’s Ending Fund Balance than the NSD administration? Although it is far easier, and less risky, for the administration to bank a large reserve, Northshore is not a bank.

We believe that the School Board’s first obligation is to fund our schools, and to provide decent compensation for staff. We believe that when cuts are necessary, or when staff are told that they must work another year for inadequate pay—in other words, when people are damaged—the School Board needs to deliberate with complete and accurate information. Our community pays taxes to provide the best possible schools—not to bank the funds.

Inadequate State funding makes it more important than ever to get this right. Three of Northshore’s five School Board members will be new, starting in two weeks. NSEA has begun conversations with the Superintendent and the School Board to improve the process of projecting the Ending Fund Balance so that the Board can make informed decisions each Spring about budget cuts and bargaining parameters.

NESPA News

2009-11-02T10:59:00.000-08:00

Welcome to another edition of the NESPA News! Below you will find articles by Kraig Peck, Uni-Serve Rep; Deb Murphy, Co-President; and Rosemarie Dunlop, nurse rep.

Do you have access to a computer that enables you to do your job?

2009-11-02T10:51:00.000-08:00

Page 57 of our Agreement states, in part: “The District and the Association agree to the following:

A. In order for employees to carry out their duties most effectively, they must have confidential and convenient access to technology that will allow them to:

1) Have access to the Internet.
2) Use the District’s e-mail program.
3) Open necessary attachments that may accompany e-mail.
4) Have access to the District’s staff directory and District newsletters.
5) Utilize productivity tools such as Office Suite as appropriate to their job.

B. For instructional purposes, employees should also have ready access to technology that provides them appropriate instructional resources.

C. Employees shall be invited to have representation on or provide input to building site teams or any other group which plans the technology needs for staff and students.”

Note that each elementary school has been allocated one additional up-to-date computer for those NESPA members who may not otherwise have appropriate access. (For example, School Assistants or roving employees). Secondary schools have each two such computers.

And note that the contract language above does not mean that everyone gets their own personal up-to-date computer. But it does commit the District to convenient access to a computer that enables you to do your work effectively, as per above.

If you don’t have the computer access you need to effectively do your work----including opening attachments or any of the above—what do you do?

Talk to your Principal--or write an email to your Principal and copy in the tech committee, or tech liaison at your school—describing precisely the problem, and citing this contract language. Be sure your note explains precisely the problem and what you need. (In some schools, the Leadership Team may play the role of Tech Committee, or an individual Technology Resource Teacher might.)

· You can ask your NESPA Building Communicator for help, or your NESPA co-worker who works as a School Technology Specialist might be able to help. Ask to meet with the Principal to discuss your written concern. The Principal is the District official responsible for the implementation of the Agreement at the school level, though they may need to include others in the meeting as well, like the tech committee, etc. If you need help at any time, contact NESPA.

· If this affects several people at your school, work together on this.

· If that doesn’t get you what is needed, please contact Kraig Peck at kpeck@washingtonea.org or 425.486.7101 ext 103, or NESPA Co-Presidents Deb Murphy or Marge Mitchell. They will work with you to take this to the next step, which is described on page 57 as follows:

“Upon request, the parties shall jointly conduct a needs assessment of employees regarding software, hardware, and training needs. The assessment shall be carried out through building-level interviews upon request of the staff at specific sites. Based on the assessment, the parties will develop individual building solutions and work with building administrators and site teams in order to accomplish the recommended solutions.”
Kraig Peck

Is Tuesday, November 10, a work day? And for the rest of the year?

2009-11-02T10:42:00.000-08:00

Next week, Tuesday, November 10 is one of the five “Accountable Days” in our Agreement. The other remaining ones for this school year are January 29, March 22, and May 28. (The first day was Oct. 9.) These are work days for most NESPA members. (Employees who work Monday thru Thursday need only work on 2 of these five days. Employees who work Tuesday thru Friday need only work one of these days.) March 22 is the annual NESPA Day, a day of professional development for all NESPA members, so be sure to put that on your calendar. (Wednesday, Nov. 11 is Veterans Day---one of 11 paid holidays that NESPA members get. Teachers get no paid holidays.)

Under our Agreement, “Variations may be allowed in this schedule based on individual employee or building needs, as long as an equivalent amount of time is worked.” This means that if you and your Principal agree, you can work other days and hours instead of working on these days. Consult with the teachers you work with, examine your own work, check with the Principal, and decide what works best. Then, if you want to work alternative times, get Principal approval of this in advance.

Some staff “trade” this time so they can have department meetings on a regular basis. Or time to confer with the teacher they work with. It’s work time. You may wish to make a written record of any agreement to change days, in order to avoid a later dispute—though there is no requirement that this be done.

On our timesheets, we record our hours on the Accountable Days even if we trade them. These are the instructions per the “NESPA Additional Hours Matrix.”

There are always a couple of teacher work days that are NOT NESPA work days. This school year, the remaining ones are January 4; April 2; and June 21. You can, of course, with the approval of your Principal, change the “Accountable Days” so that you work on these days instead. Note, though, that the January 4 District-wide training for teachers is not open to NESPA members; we have checked with the Deputy Superintendents, and there is no room left at the 2 locations for the training.
Kraig Peck

Are you required to have first aid training?

2009-11-02T10:33:00.000-08:00

NESPA leaders and Human Resources have reviewed the current job descriptions, and have checked with the Special Ed Dept. The official word from the administration is that the only NESPA employees required to have first aid/CPR certification in this bargaining unit are:

Para – Head Start
Para – Preschool Program
Head Start Teacher
Preschool Instructor
Occupational and Physical Therapist Assistant
Swimming/Water Safety Specialist
Family Service Worker
Registered Nurse

There are two first aid training classes open to any NESPA employee:

· January 28th 4-7pm
· March 31st 4-7pm

If ANY training is REQUIRED, as it is for employees in the classifications above, you are paid by the District for your time. Compensation is not from your professional hours. Article 25.50 of our Agreement states, “Compensation at the employee’s regular rate of pay or release time will be provided for required District or State programs which can include first aid training and student testing.”
Kraig Peck

Happy Autumn!

2009-11-02T05:27:00.000-08:00

October has been a busy month for NESPA members. There was a wonderful dinner given on October 15th to show appreciation for the work our Building Communicator’s do and to inform them of the up-coming contract negotiation process. Many good suggestions were given about concerns and needs to begin shaping our priorities for the new contract that we will work for in the Spring of 2010. Please be part of that effort by completing and send back your suggestions for our Bargaining Committee to compile.
Your Co-Presidents, Marge Mitchell and I attended a day long WEA Annual ESP Local President Meeting on October 24th. It was filled with interesting information and good networking with other president dealing with similar issues in districts across Washington.
We met in small groups with people from WEA Communication Dept., Learning and Education Policy Center-which support issues regarding Human Rights and Accountability and Education Reform issues, Public Policy support, Research, Legal issues and Advocacy and Organizing Support. I encourage you to check out the WEA web site to get more information about the services the WEA can offer us. One service that was new to me was the legal advice that can be given to members for non-union issues. WEA has a list of local lawyers that will give 2 half-hour meetings to members to help with issues such as traffic tickets, or your own legal documents like wills.
Enjoy the crisp days and keep rested as flu season hits…
Deb Murphy

H1N1 Flu - Take a breath of fresh air

2009-11-01T20:56:00.000-08:00

(Rosemarie Dunlop is on the NESPA board as the nurse rep. She will be publishing a health article on the blog every month.)

This is the topic of the season. You have heard about hand washing, coughing in your sleeve and your shirt, washing hands frequently, getting your flu shots, turning your head and holding your breath if a student coughs in your face, staying home if you are sick even if it makes you feel guilty, and drinking plenty of fluids to keep yourself well flushed. Anyone mention the benefits of fresh air?? It is highly underrated.

We may spend up to 8 hours indoors during a typical working day. Inside air tends to be dusty and laden with germs from coughing people. This gets into our respiratory system. We spend all night in our homes. We breath in cooking fumes. All this stresses our immune system.

Have you thought of taking time out to enjoy the "great outdoors"? There are many benefits of fresh air. It can improve one's health and sense of well being. Fresh air cleans our lungs. Expect to cough a bit at first as the lungs get rid of impurities, but as you continue to breathe deeper and deeper, it will bring more oxygen to your cells. This will increase energy and bring clarity to the brain.

Exercises done outside in the fresh air benefit us aerobically. It improves our breathing technique. Fresh oxygen to the muscles reduces lactic acid build-up (which could lead to cramping) in our muscles.

It is an interesting aside to remember that in 1877, a program called The Fresh Air Fund was started in New York City for disadvantaged children to reap the benefit of fresh air in the countryside of upstate New York. My husband's family hosted some of these children during the summer at their farm in Duanesburg, New York. I guess this is nothing new to some of us.

NESPA Teaching Certification Scholarship

2009-11-01T20:46:00.000-08:00

Check this out! If you are pursuing a degree in education, you may find some financial assistance through the NESPA $10,000 scholarship fund. This fund is designated exclusively for NESPA members seeking their teacher's certification. Last year NESPA was proud to award three scholarships.

Click here for the scholarship application and a list of eligibility requirements and criteria. The deadline is 2:00 p.m. January 15, 2010.

Good luck to all who apply!

We need your input!

2009-10-16T06:41:00.000-07:00

WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES, DREAMS, CONCERNS, AND SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR WORK?

With the active participation of most NESPA members 1-1/2 years ago, we achieved a contract with many gains. Now, this Collective Bargaining Agreement expires on August 31, 2010, the end of this school year. We’ll begin bargaining a new contract this Spring. Your Bargaining Team wants your input. This input will be carefully reviewed by the Team, and the best ideas will be “test-driven” in a written survey to all NESPA members in early 2010. The survey results will be used to create NESPA’s bargaining goals.

Click here to give your input. Then, print your completed form and return it to your NESPA Building Communicator by November 9.

Your NESPA Building Communicator has the forms for you, in paper form also.

2010-2011 Calendar

2009-10-13T07:43:00.000-07:00

Do you want to give input into the 2010-2011 school year calendar? If so, complete this survey by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 21. Click here to go directly to the survey.

NESPA Matrix

2009-10-13T07:40:00.000-07:00

The 2009-2010 NESPA Additional Hours Matrix has been published and is ready for you to review. This chart will give you information on professional hours, the pool of hours, and non-student days.

NESPA News

2009-10-02T07:22:00.000-07:00

Welcome to NESPA News! Starting today NESPA News will no longer be printed and distributed throughout the district. Instead, it will be printed right here on the NESPA blog on the first day of every month. You'll find articles by Deb Murphy and Marge Mitchell, our Co-Presidents, as well as the latest NESPA information from Kraig Peck, our Uni-Serve Rep. Read on for the first installment....

How do 160 NESPA members earn $582-$1,070 more each year, without working additional hours?

2009-10-01T23:06:00.000-07:00

NESPA’s Professional Standards Program (PSP) stipends are part of our negotiated Collective Bargaining Agreement, on pages 21 and 22.

Employees who get certificates issues by the Natl Assn of Educational Office Professionals (NAEOP) for education, leadership, community service, etc. receive from $582 to $1,070 per year. Levels II and III employees (nurses, head start, and similar jobs) get $983 for a BA or BS degree, and an additional $983 for an ESA Certificate, and an additional $983 for a Masters Degree.

Employees who work UNDER 3.5 hours daily are eligible for HALF the PSP stipend.

Want to find out more? Or to continue to get your certificates? Come to the special NESPA informational meeting on PSP Stipends: Wednesday, October 21, from 4 to 6 PM at the WEA/NESPA office at 18704 Bothell Way NE, in Bothell across the street from the SAS/Anderson Building, just north of Bothell’s Main Street. Janice Schumann and Emily (both from NAEOP) will be there to answer questions.

Questions? Keep in mind that the process of getting the certificates is a bit complex, and can’t be described over the phone. That’s why we have these meetings. General questions can be addressed to Heather Flatman (hflatman@nsd.org) or Karin Shipman (kshipman@nsd.org).

THANK YOU to Heather and Karin for leading NESPA’s PSP Committee, and helping NESPA members get these stipends!

Working with violent students? Some good news...

2009-10-01T23:05:00.000-07:00

· If you work in a CLC that has students with behavior disorders (even if you are not specifically assigned to such a student), or if you are in a position that requires interaction with students with behavioral disorders, the District MUST provide you with “Right Response” or similar training. In fact, if you are newly assigned to such a position, you are required to get this training. This training is at your regular rate of pay---not from professional hours.

If you’ve already had the training, the recertification classes will be offered January through April. And there will be a recertification class on the March 22 NESPA Day.

For information on these classes, contact Lynn Brewer at lbrewer@nsd.org or at ext. 7738. If you believe your need this training, and are denied, please contact NESPA staffperson Kraig Peck at kpeck@washingtonea.org.

· As a result of an agreement between NSEA (teachers) and administration, teachers will be writing a District Safety Procedure Handbook addressing common problems.

· Later this year, each school will be preparing a crisis response plan that outlines procedures to be followed when a student engages in dangerous behavior.

· Severe and Profound students cannot be sent to the nurse’s office without another adult staying there with them.

· A new eSIS (computerized student records) system is to be piloted that will include DOCUMENTATIONOF ALL INCIDENTS, so that the next staff who work with a student will have complete information, and can avoid injury .

How can we use our 40-55 Professional Hours?

2009-10-01T22:47:00.000-07:00

Our professional hours are for, “…Activities such as MDT meetings, IEP meetings, grade level meetings, staff meetings, field trips/community access trips, open house functions, duties at other after school events, building site-development meetings, preparation of assigned state/federal reports, adaptation of instructional materials for specific student needs, collaborative preparation with certificated employees, building based activities or projects for implementation of action Plans, and professional development activities.” These are “optional” hours. (From Article 11.20 on page 7 of the Agreement) Professional hours are to be turned in on a monthly basis, on your time sheet, with a brief description of the activity.

2008-2010 Collective Bargaining Agreement

Do I need PRE-approval from my Principal or supervisor? No. Keep in mind, though, that the Principal will need to sign off on your time sheet to approve payment, thus approving the use when you do your time sheet. If your activities are not clearly one of those listed above---or if they have legitimate questions about whether you performed these activities---they may not want to sign off on your time sheet. Then we’d have a problem that we’d need to solve. To avoid such a dispute, NESPA suggests that you get pre-approval for any activities that you are unsure are covered, or are unusual. If you intend to use a big block of these hours for something, and know in advance, it’s probably best to discuss this with your Principal.

Can I be directed to use the hours for staff meetings or specific events? No, you cannot be directed to use these hours in any particular way. They are optional hours. You cannot be told how to use them. The uses for which you can choose to use them are described above. You cannot be scheduled for staff meetings, for example, and told you must come and use professional hours. However, we encourage you to collaborate with others at your school on the best ways to use hours that you are not using for your own work-related professional development. They are a resource to benefit our schools and students.

Can I use the “pool” of professional hours? In addition to our own professional hours, there is a pool of 1,650 hours (last year was 650 hours) for all 500 NESPA members to access when we have used up our own allotment. The can be used for the same purposes. Please keep in mind that these pool hours are not a way to increase our limited earnings, but are to be used considerately when our own professional hours run out. Many nurses, for example, use up their own allotment at IEP and MDT meetings before and after school, and may need access to these hours. NESPA leaders and Human Resources review the use of these hours every month, to ensure that no one is “hogging” them---that the NESPA membership as a whole is benefitting from them. See Article 11.30 on page 8.

To use the pool hours (only after your own hours have run out), put “pool hours” on your time sheet with a brief description of the activity. These must be turned in on a monthly basis. (NESPA members who are elected to their school’s Leadership Team may use pool hours for Leadership Team meetings held on non-work time---not their own allocation.)

Is Friday, October 9, a work day?

2009-10-01T22:45:00.001-07:00

Friday, October 9 is a non-student work day. It is one of the 5 non-student work days we call “Accountable Days”. They are days for which we are accountable for working, but we may instead---with agreement by our Principal—work on other days/times instead.

This year, the 5 “Accountable Days” are October 9, November 10, January 29, March 22 (NESPA Day), and May 28. Be sure to put Monday, March 22 on your calendar for NESPA Day’s professional development classes, organized by NESPA.

The contract (Memorandum of Understanding on Length of Work Year and Scheduling of Non-Student Days on page 55) states, “Variations may be allowed in this schedule based on individual employee or building needs, as long as an equivalent amount of time is worked.” NESPA members cannot be required to work on any other days, but you can agree to do so if you wish.

Challenges, Collaboration and Cooperation

2009-10-01T22:28:00.000-07:00

As the 2009 - 2010 school year begins, Northshore School District has been hit with budget cuts and layoffs. No one likes this situation. So....just how are we going to cope with all of this?

First, we have to realize that each employee is one person. Cloning is not a possibility, yet. We must continue to work to the best of our ability. We need to keep in mind "working to the contract". This is always a difficult balance.

Cooperation is a big part of this equation. This includes working with other employees, administrators, students, parents and community members. Your first reaction may be "this will never work". With a little patience and a "give it a try" approach, things can improve and success can happen.

Be sure to access resources though the NESPA union. If a situation is a problem for you, it's likely someone else is having the same struggles. A union member can help support you in a meeting with a colleague or administrator. There is mediation available through the union. Kraig Peck, the union rep, is available for information and support.

The NESPA union is here to work for its members. Support is not limited to contract negotiations.

Get involved with NESPA. The more ideas and energy we gather, the more support and strength we create.

Marge Mitchell
NESPA Co-President

Swine Flu Prevention

2009-09-12T07:03:00.000-07:00

Many people are expected to get Swine Flu in the coming weeks and months. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “The symptoms of swine flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.” Fortunately, it is not life-threatening (for most people) as was first thought. But it’s a serious flu, and there are things we can do to limit its spread—and to protect ourselves.

The swine flu vaccine is not yet ready for mass distribution. It is likely to be out in mid-October. The recommendation is that if you are in one of the risk groups, you should get the vaccine when it becomes available. It requires two doses. You should also get the vaccine for the seasonal flu. According to the CDC, “Groups at higher risk for influenza related complications are similar to those at higher risk for seasonal influenza complications and include: children younger than 5 years old; adults 65 years of age and older, pregnant women, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions (for example, asthma, diabetes, lung disease, people with weakened immune systems, etc.) and people younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy. For children younger than 5 years of age, note that the risk for severe complications from seasonal influenza is highest among children younger than 2 years old.”

Swine flu precautions:

• Wash your hands with either soap and water or alcohol gel. Regular washing with soap and water is always best, but use the gel if you don’t have access to soap and water. (We have asked the District about providing alcohol gel in all classrooms. They are in the process of getting an epidemiological opinion on whether this is expected to make a difference worth the substantial cost.)

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too. Stop the practice of shaking hands as a greeting.

• Stay home when you are sick. You’ve heard of absenteeism. “Presenteeism” is the new term used to describe when workers come to work ill.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing or do it in the crook of your arm, then wash your hands. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

• Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Get your immune system into good shape to help fight any illness. A person's overall health impacts their body's immune system and can affect their ability to fight off, or recover from, an infectious disease.

• In case of an emergency, including a flu pandemic, keep a supply of food, water and medical supplies on hand.

· Teach your students not to share drinks, food, and utensils. To sneeze and cough in the crook of their arm. And to avoid touching their faces.

· OSHA is recommending employers encourage school staffs to practice social distancing by maintaining a separation of at least six feet from other staff, students and the public. This will obviously be difficult in a classroom situation, but see what you can do.

For more information on how to maintain a healthy classroom visit the CDC’s site.

Sick Kids in your classroom? Not sure?

· Send them to your School Nurse. If they have flu symptoms, they will be sent home. They should be kept home for 24 hours after the symptoms end, without fever-reducing meds.

· Schools are trying to set up separate waiting areas, for sick kids to wait for parental pick up. Masks for them are also available.

Are YOU sick?

· Tell your School Nurse your symptoms, so she can track what is happening at your school, re flu, virus, etc this winter.

Visit our website: nespablog.blogspot.com

Northshore Educational Support Professionals Association 425-486-7101 ext 103

Improved Personal Leave!

2009-09-10T19:28:00.000-07:00

We are delighted to report on an improvement to our Personal Leave. Please read this complete email, for how to ACCESS this improved personal leave.

In late Spring, at one of our monthly “Labor- Management” problem-solving meetings with Jeff Sherwood, we (Deb Murphy and Marge Mitchell, NESPA Co-Presidents, and Judy Ellis, Bargaining Team Chairperson, and me) suggested a change to the NESPA Agreement, to make it similar to the NSEA Agreement and to new Board Policy on personal leave.

This proposal was accepted, and ratified by the NESPA Board. As a result, personal leave can now be used for ANY personal matters. No reason needs to be given. (The previous language stated that personal leave was not to be used for “recreational purposes.”)

In addition, the blanket restriction on using personal leave adjacent to a break or holiday weekend have been removed. Now, up to 15 NESPA members—the first 15 requests--may use personal leave on a day adjacent to a holiday or vacation break. (A similar limitation, though higher, is in the NSEA Agreement. We all want to ensure that there is adequate staffing in our schools, and sufficient substitutes to cover absences. The Human Resources Dept. is working on ways to implement the 15 person limit; you do NOT need to contact HR or the sub office about whether you qualify under this limit. If you are not one of the first 15 on such a day, you’ll be informed of that.)

Please note that we must continue to COMMUNICATE IN ADVANCE our intention to take a leave. Whether your school requires that you schedule leaves with your principal, vice principal, or the office manager, you do need to schedule it at least one week in advance, except in cases of unanticipated circumstances. Please continue to use this professional courtesy and required process. Personal leave continues to be recorded on your time sheet.

Here is the actual REVISED contract language:

33.10 The District shall grant each employee two (2) days of personal leave, figured at the actual hours worked per day, with pay for personal reasons.

33.20 Personal leave can be taken in half-day increments and may be used for personal matters. No more than fifteen (15) employees may use personal leave on a day adjacent to a holiday or vacation break. Only the first fifteen (15) such requests on any given day shall be granted.

33.30 Personal leave shall be cumulative to a maximum of six (6) days.

33.40 Personal leave, except in cases of unanticipated circumstances, will be scheduled at least one week in advance.

NESPA appreciates the cooperation of HR Director Jeff Sherwood, HR Executive Director Laurie Ferwerda, and Supt. Larry Francois in making this possible.

BALLOTS MUST BE POSTMARKED BY TUESDAY.

2009-08-14T16:09:00.000-07:00

Dear NESPA Colleague,

This Tuesday, August 18 is the last day to vote in the Primary. There are at least 2 key races whose outcome will impact Northshore educators and our community.

For NORTHSHORE SCHOOL BOARD, all 3 educator groups—NSEA (teachers), NESPA, and NEOPA (office staff)---recommend JULIA LACEY. She will bring a much-needed fresh perspective to our School Board. Info here http://northshoreea.blogspot.com/2009/06/nsd-school-board-primary-lacey.html and here http://www.julialacey4nsd.com/ . Please tell your family and friends, as they’d probably want to know who Northshore educators support.

For COUNTY EXECUTIVE, WEA members from throughout King County interviewed the candidates, and WEA is recommending both Dow Constantine http://dowconstantine.org/index.php and Larry Phillips http://larryphillips.com/welcome/. You can get important info on this race---including the other candidates at http://www.ourvoicewashingtonea.org/recommendations/kingcoexec.php . This site explains what educators have to gain and lose in this race.

Ballots must be postmarked by Tuesday.

It’s a democracy. Be sure your voice and vote count. Elections matter.

Kraig Peck

Benefits

2009-08-11T07:33:00.000-07:00

Open enrollment started yesterday, August 10, and continues through September 10. Benefit changes will be effective on October 1. If you are interested in enrolling in the Section 125 plan, a representative from American Fidelity will be available in the Administration Center from 9-3 during open enrollment dates.

We are encouraged to attend the Benefit Q&A on September 1 from 2:30-5:30 at the Administration Center, Ricketts Board Room. There will be someone there to answer all your questions and assist with filling out forms.

2009-2010 NESPA board

2009-08-10T13:54:00.000-07:00

Your 2009-2010 NESPA board is already hard at work planning for a great new school year. They are:

Co-Presidents: Deb Murphy (nurse, Woodin)
Marge Mitchell (CSS, Bothell)
Vice President: Bharati Khandekar (special ed para, Bothell)
Treasurer: Suzanne Ducotey (special ed para, Woodmoor)
Secretary: Karen Kohler (STS, Hollywood Hill)
Nurse Rep: Rosemarie Dunlop (Frank Love)
Special Ed Rep: Judy Ellis (SAS)
Special Ed Rep: Donna Smith, (NJH)
Special Ed Rep: Lucy Antonio (Kokanee)
Special Ed Rep: Liz Gordon (Woodmoor)
School Tech Rep: Karen Kohler (STS, Hollywood Hill)
Title/LAP Rep: Joanne Allen (LAP, CPJH)
Ell Rep Elem: Janice Seino (ELL tutor, Lockwood)
ELL Rep Secon: Suzanne Fujinari (ELL tutor, NJH)
Jeani Schwenk (Interpreter, WM)

Elect your School Board!

2009-08-10T09:16:00.001-07:00

THE SCHOOL BOARD PRIMARY ELECTION IS HAPPENING NOW THROUGH AUGUST 18! ELECT YOUR SCHOOL BOARD!

We've all received a ballot in the mail for Northshore's School Board elections. The School Board governs the District, makes budget decisions, and is the group that decides what the District will agree to when we negotiate to improve the quality of Northshore's education and to improve our work lives.

We have until Tuesday, August 18 to return our ballot.

NESPA, along with NSEA and NEOPA, is recommending support for JULIA LACEY, who is running against 3 others. NESPA leaders, along with NSEA and NEOPA leaders, interviewed candidates, reviewed questionnaires, and reviewed the incumbent's record. They worked hard to determine who would best serve Northshore and decided that JULIA LACEY is the best candidate for Position #1. She is the only candidate we are recommending in the Primary.

Below is a statement from Julia and a link to her website: http://www.julialacey4nsd.com/. Please ask your family and friends to vote for Julia Lacey!

NSEA, NESPA, NEOPA School Board Candidate Questionnaires
Click on the name of the candidate below to see how they responded to our questionnaire:

District 1
Sue Buske
Arthur Hu
Julia Lacey - recommended by NSEA, NESPA, NEOPA)
Jeff Warrick

District 2
Todd Banks
Cathy Swanson

Click here to see all candidate responses to the NSEA/NESPA/NEOPA questionnaire. Note: Sandy Hayes is running unopposed for District No. 4. NSEA/NESPA/NEOPA leaders did not ask Ms. Hayes to complete a questionnaire, nor was she interviewed. NSEA/NESPA/NEOPA will meet with Ms. Hayes this fall.

Message from School Board Candidate, Julia Lacey -

Northshore Teachers, Staff, and Nurses:

My name is Julia Lacey. I am emailing to tell you that I am running for a director position on the Northshore School Board and to ask for your support. I came to my decision to run because of my experience as a teacher and deep commitment to this community. I know I have a lot to contribute and would be a strong school board member.

I am very appreciative of the endorsements that I have already received from the employee professional associations: NSEA, NEOPA and NESPA and hope to continue fostering a strong, open relationship with them once elected.

How to support my campaign:

Vote for me, twice! Once you receive your primary ballot, those of you that live in the district, please vote for me. Historically, few people vote in primaries so every vote is very important. Assuming I win the primary, I'll need you to do it again for the November General Election.

Spread the word. Tell everyone you know about the Northshore School Board election, the August primary, and ask them to vote for me. Forward this email to anyone you know that lives in Northshore and who values education.

Get Involved. There will be opportunities to help with phone-calling, door-belling, and putting up signs. Any support is always appreciated.

Please go to my website to read more about why I am running, my experience, and what I would bring to the board at www.julialacey4nsd.com.

Thank you for your support,
Julia Lacey
Candidate for Northshore School Board, District #1

2009-06-02T06:42:00.000-07:00

RA was last month in Spokane - here are Liz Gordon's thoughts -

"My first RA. Big, lots of people and things to see. The people were very friendly and helpful. I arrived Thursday evening, exhausted from a cold and wanted to sleep. I had been told to register right away. I dragged myself across the hotel entryway, to the convention center. What a difference! People greeting me, offers of help, smiles and nods. I managed to get my delegate badge and stumbled off to bed. My fellow ESP delegates, Deb Murphy (also my roomie), Donna Smith and Bharati Khandekar were so incredible and friendly. The Assembly was a real eye opener. Very correct about parliamentary procedure but all items were discussed openly and then voted on. I was excited about some of the issues and really listened to the speakers. I had polled most of Woodmoor's paras on the issues. I wanted to really represent their opinions. It was valuable and I certainly learned a lot. It would be great to go back next year."

2009-05-21T05:57:00.000-07:00

Good News!

As you may recall, in our negotiations with the administration last year and during the summer, we sought to enable NESPA members to elect a representative to their schools' Leadership Teams. At the time, the administration would not agree to this addition to our Collective Bargaining Agreement. They argued that the Leadership Teams are a creation of the NSEA-District Collective Bargaining Agreement, and they agreed to meet with NESPA, NSEA, and NEOPA together to discuss what to do.

As a result of these discussions, NSEA, NESPA, and NEOPA and the District administration have agreed to a process by which the certificated staff (NSEA members) at each school can choose to vote to modify their contract to permit the NESPA and NEOPA members to elect one joint representative to the school's Leadership Team.

Essentially, certificated staff (NSEA members) would need to vote by a 90% margin (or 80% if accommodations are made to those who don't agree) to waive Article 17.4 of their contract. Article 17.4 defines who is on each Leadership Team. Currently, classified staff are not included on the Leadership Team unless the certificated staff have submitted a waiver. (Woodinville High School and Woodmoor Elementary are schools that have long had a representative of the NESPA staff on their Leadership Teams.)

If NSEA members wish to vote on this waiver, a vote is conducted by the NSEA Building Reps and the Principal. (There is no requirement that this be considered and voted on, however, NSEA members would need to initiate this. Generally, waiver requests are initiated by the NSEA Building Reps or the school's Leadership Team, though any NSEA member can initiate a waiver.) Only NSEA members vote on the issue of waiving a portion of the NSEA contract. The NSEA staff is also free to modify this waiver request, that is, to customize it. However, if it is changed, it would need approval by NSEA and the administration.

If the NSEA staff vote for this waiver by the margins specified above, "...the NESPA Building Communicator and the NEOPA Building Representative shall jointly conduct a fair election process, including open nominations and secret balloting by NESPA and NEOPA bargaining unit members." Those are the only conditions. Together with the NEOPA Building Rep., you'd decide how to conduct this fair election for the school's Leadership Team, to begin next year. (You are free to consult with us on ideas for how to do this, if you wish. There is not "one right way". By "open nominations", we mean any process that enables any NESPA or NEOPA member to be nominated or self-appointed---not a process of self-selection or appointment by the Principal to the Leadership Team.)

The role of the Leadership Team (technically called the Site Decision Making Leadership Team) is important. They make many important decisions for the school. They are a decision-making team, not an input or advisory team. If your certificated staff agree to this waiver of Article 17.4 of their contract, and you are going to conduct an election for a NESPA/NEOPA representative, be sure that the NESPA members get a copy of the full Article 17, so they understand what the Leadership Team does.

If you think it's a good idea for NESPA and NEOPA members to have representation on your school's Leadership Team, talk with the NSEA Building Reps at your school, or your school's Leadership Team---or other NSEA members---to encourage them to proceed with this. (If you don't know who the NSEA Building Reps are, just ask a teacher.)

Keep in mind that there is nothing you have to do unless the NSEA staff vote for this waiver. However, you are free to communicate your wishes to others, and to encourage your colleagues who are NSEA members to proceed with this.

At this time, we are unsure if there is a June 8 deadline for all of this. We should be able to clarify this later this week, and Kraig will email us.