NESPA Scholarship Time Is Running Out!

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?

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

“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

“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

“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

“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!

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 We packed the room and provided the School Board with hundreds of reasons to change Nortshore’s outdated and gender-biased compensation model.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

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

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!

NESPA MEMBERS TELL THE BOARD AND SUPERINTENDENT:

-

STUDY THIS: RESPECT!

-

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!”

-

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.

-

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.

-

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.

-

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."

-

Thursday October 7 Negotiations

· 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!

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?

Something interesting and timely...


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

Woodinville HS Deliberates

Kenmore Elementary Has a Few Laughs

NESPA MEMBERS STAND UP!

NESPA MEMBERS STAND UP AND VOTE FOR RESPECT

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

Westhill meets with NESPA Co-President Peggy Sturn

Making Plans...face to face.

NESPA MEMBERS PRESS FOR RESPECT at School Board Meeting!

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

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!

• 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?

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

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

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.

         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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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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.

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.  

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