From Brian G. Williams
An Open Letter to AEA Members
The last time I authored a message for Random Notes was just before the Primary Election in early March 2004 at which time I expressed my appreciation to all of you for supporting my first venture into politics…and as the saying goes: WE’VE COME A LONG WAY BABY!!!!!
As I write this message we still do not have a final vote count as some absentee and provisional ballots are yet to be counted and if the margin of victory is less than ½ of 1% (about 350 votes), a recount will be required. Those “in the know” tell me that my 268 vote lead should hold up…but who knows???
At any rate, and regardless of the final outcome, I really want to express my sincere thanks to each and every one of you who in any way supported the campaign effort. It truly was an experience Sue and I will cherish forever!! Whether you provided a financial donation, did telephoning, went door-to-door, put out a yard sign, voted for me or provided a word of encouragement, I am eternally grateful. We could not have achieved the success to date without all of these gestures…and I thank you!!
I also want to single out your long time president and my friend, Bill, for his encouragement and his early-on prodding which was key to my taking the plunge and starting this year-long journey which sends me to Columbus in 2005. Thank you to Bill Siegferth!
There are many other Akron teachers who should be singled out for support in one way or another, but if I get started it will be difficult to stop, and I would for sure leave some of you out and that would be unfair and sad, and soooo…let me not go there…but simply and sincerely express my appreciation to all who stepped forward in this campaign!!! Be assured that your efforts will be my motivation as I pursue the interests of public school educators over the next two years and—hopefully—beyond. The election result has been rewarding, but the journey—with each of you—has been the ultimate prize. Thank you…thank you…thank you!!
Brian G. Williams
Representative Elect
41st Ohio House District J
House Minority Leader Chris Redfern, Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic and Representative-Elect Brian Williams held a press conference at AEA to respond to the campaign tactics of Williams’ opponent, Marilyn Slaby
NEGOTIATIONS SLATED TO
BEGIN IN MARCH
The Collective Bargaining Agreement expires June 30, 2005. The Board and Association will begin contract talks on a successor agreement in March. It is expected that Mediator Rob Stein will facilitate bargaining as he has the past several rounds. Under Stein’s guidance, negotiations have been reasonably civil and free of the acrimony that characterized negotiations in the 70’s, 80’s and early 90’s.
AEA negotiators include President Bill Siegferth, Vice President Mike Rusnak, Salary Chair John Robishaw (Firestone), Treasurer Jackie Hovey (North), and 2nd VP’s Ranay Hatherill (Pfeiffer) and Jeff Moats (Goodyear).
Members will be asked to complete a negotiations survey in December. Please participate! Responses will help frame the issues presented by the Association. As always, we will publish periodic updates to keep members informed of problems and progress.
University Masters Program For APS Teachers
The College of Education at The University of Akron is considering offering new Masters cohorts for Akron Public Schools’ teachers. This Graduate Outreach program makes it possible to complete a master’s degree at a convenient location and time with members of the district. Teachers would save on University fees such as parking and facilities. If you are interested or might be interested, please complete the following brief survey, and return it to the AEA office. Your input will enable us to assess the areas of most interest in the district.
1. Which Masters in Education Program you would be interested in taking:
Please number in order of preference (1-5)
____Literacy ____Special Education
____Educational Administration ____Another Area of Certification _________
____Instructional Technology
2. Please indicate the location where you would prefer to attend classes:
____Ott Staff Development Center ____The University of Akron
3. Would you like to have online content in your courses to reduce face to face instruction?
_____Yes _____No
4. Do you have access to technology to be able to complete online coursework?
_____Yes _____No
5. Which semester would you like to see the program begin in 2005:
______Summer I (May 16-June 18) _______Summer II (June 20-July23)
6. We would appreciate any additional comments on topics of importance to you that were not addressed in this survey ______________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Name________________________________ Phone__________________________
Email _____________________________
Please return your survey to Mike Rusnak at the AEA office via pony mail.
If you have any questions on the programs being offered, please contact Dr. Zachariah at The University of Akron – zac@uakron.edu or 330-972-6662
