August 23, 2004
Get Involved In “Making Strides” AEA is one of five major sponsors of the October 17 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. We are urging every member to get involved in this worthwhile cause—captain a team of colleagues and/or students, get on a team, or sponsor a walker. Mary Austin who retired this past June and was a long time AEA leader and negotiator, has generously agreed to chair our organizing committee.
Less Than Fifty Contracts Suspended A late run of resignations, retirements and requests for leaves of absence significantly reduced the number of contract suspensions both the administration and we initially feared might be necessary. Although the initial list included over 150 teachers facing a possible suspension, our realistic expectation was that 75-100 would be suspended. We are extremely happy for those who were not RIF’d and hopeful that many will be recalled when enrollment stabilizes after Labor Day and that all will be back at some point during the school year. Several primary teachers were recalled to middle school positions; many of them have had no experience at that level and will need support and encouragement from fellow teachers and building administrators. Please be sensitive to their circumstance and help out whenever you can.
Supplemental Contract Decision Expected Soon We expect the arbitrator’s ruling soon regarding the grievance we filed over the Board’s unilateral elimination of several supplemental contracts. The cuts included AV Coordinator, Assistant Cheerleader Advisor, Future Educators Club Advisor, Bowling Coach and Assistant Athletic Director. AEA is recommending that members who anticipated holding any of these contracts continue in the position until the award is published, thereby protecting their interests in the event of a favorable ruling. If the ruling favors the Board, members may decline to continue in the position.
Williams Campaign Rolling Former Akron superintendent Brian Williams has had a very busy summer fund raising and seeking the endorsement of several local organizations. Brian is trying to win the 41st District seat in the Ohio House. Several members who returned volunteer forms to us in June have begun walking the district to drop literature on Brian’s behalf. More members will be needed as the campaign heats up and Election Day nears.
Eligible For Continuing Contract? Those who are eligible for continuing contract status (tenure) should notify Corine Ricks in HR of their eligibility immediately. There is no form or application to fill out. We suggest members notify by way of email and that a hard copy of the email (which shows date and time sent) be saved in a safe place. To be eligible for continuing contract status, a member must have taught three years in Akron and possess either an 8-year professional certificate OR a five-year license.
Elementary Classroom Supply Allowance The annual supply allowance this year is $150. This amount is also being offered to special education teachers. The funds are in addition to the board per pupil allowance. All teachers eligible for this allowance should open a personal purchase order through the building principal no later than September 30. PO’s to vendors may be requested up until April 1. Receipts or signed receiving copies must be submitted for payment reimbursement by May 15th.
AEA Continues BROADWAY IN AKRON Program AEA will again partner with E. J. Thomas to offer members choice discounted seats for Broadway performances. Last year was a huge success in spite of a few early glitches in on-line ordering. Please refer to the flyer in your package for this year’s shows and other important information. Members should not attempt to order tickets outside of the published window period for each performance.
Attendance Incentive/100+ Day Members who qualify for either of these days and who are planning to request supply money must do so by December 1. If you plan to take cash payment for these days, do nothing. If you plan to use the day(s), we suggest you apply (Form s2j) as early as possible to assure your first choice (no more than 50 members may be absent on any given day for incentive day purposes).
September Deadlines Two very important deadlines to keep in mind as October approaches: submission of transcripts for movement across the salary schedule and enrollment in the Sick Day Bank. The deadline for both is September 30. For those moving a training level higher on the salary schedule, retroactive payment will be made to the first work day of the school year so long as the application (including an official transcript) is submitted by the deadline.
The Bank will assess every member one-half day this September. Usage over the past two years has not been unusual, but the lack of new employees to the district has left us with very few new contributions during that time.
Write IPDP Before Taking Coursework Coursework taken for credit toward renewing or upgrading a teaching credential will not count unless the member has completed an Individual Professional Development Plan. A new Plan is required for each credential cycle. AEA recommends that members write an IPDP immediately after a credential upgrade or renewal to insure that all work completed counts toward the next renewal. Members who have questions or need help writing an IPDP should contact Paula Seibel at the LPDC office.
Slight Change in Testing Assistance We have signed an MOU increasing payment to the testing coordinator in some middle and high schools. Last year, coordinators at these levels received $800. This year, middle and high school coordinators in buildings with enrollment in excess of 700 will receive $1,000.
