Once More, Thank You: One final thanks to everyone who got involved in the levy campaign and/or in the various campaigns of the candidates we endorsed. Local and statewide races were a huge success for education and teachers. The one loss that really hurt was Judy Hanna’s challenge for the Ohio Senate seat held by Kevin Coughlin. The race was closer than most expected, and it certainly threw a scare into the otherwise smug Coughlin. Judy is a strong public school advocate and we hope to see her make another attempt to win a public office.
Statewide Healthcare/CORE Legislation: The State Health Care Board will receive the final recommendations from their consultants regarding implementation of a statewide health care plan for school employees on December 20. The Board then will have until the end of January to make its recommendations. We have provided a draft copy of the recommendations to all Building Reps.
The frenzied effort by lame duck House Republicans to attach mandatory health care to the CORE bill remains, thankfully an effort. A substitute CORE bill was passed in the Senate without mandatory health care language attached to it. To date, the House has not acted on its version of the Core legislation.
Notwithstanding the additional expenses this bill would create for already financially strapped school districts, neither the House nor Senate Republicans pushing the plan have offered money to pay for it.
AEA To Offer “Speaking Math” Workshop on January 19: AEA, in conjunction with Houghton Mifflin Publishing Co., will offer a “Speaking Math” workshop for elementary teachers the afternoon of January 19 (Records Day/Inservice Day). CEU credit is available. Registration will be limited; watch for an informational flyer once schools reopen after the winter recess.
Broadway Across America: Tickets will be available online for Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy from December 18 through January 28. Members interested in purchasing discount tickets for the brilliant, imaginative and enchanting production should visit www.broadwayacrossamerica.com/groupsales . At the site, enter the password AEATICKETS for available seating and prices. The AEA performance will take place at E.J. Thomas Hall on Friday, March 9, 2007 at 8 PM.
Alternative School for Middle School Students: AEA and the Administration have begun discussions of opening a free standing alternative school for middle school aged students. More on this as planning sessions progress.
IAT Problems: There have been numerous questions, concerns and complaints about the new role being assumed by IAT’s and the resulting implications for the academic program. We are scheduled to address these concerns at the Professional Problems meeting on December 20.
Negotiations to Open in 2007: Negotiations for a successor Agreement will begin this spring, most likely during the month of March. The current Agreement expires June 30. We will conduct a survey of the membership after the New Year begins.
AEA/AU Team Up to Offer Masters Cohort Program: Akron teachers may once again pursue an MA through Akron University via the Masters cohort program, which will include discounted tuition through the granting of scholarships. Members interested should visit the AEA website and complete the program survey.
