Akron Education Association

Getting the Job Done

We’ve made no secret of our opposition to the seemingly endless state and federal testing kids have been subjected to and of our belief that using test data to compare districts against one another or against themselves from year to year is a flawed practice. That having been said, and recognizing that we have no choice in the matter, the latest data does show that Akron teachers and students have done well in comparison to districts serving students most like ours. The graphs below provide a quick glimpse at Akron’s performance among the eight largest districts in the state. They also depict the improvement in scores from the 1998-99 school year through the 2003-2004 year

Board Rescinds Supplemental Contract Cuts

Members of the Akron Board of Education voted at their last meeting to rescind the supplemental contract cuts approved as part of last Spring’s $11 million budget reduction.The Association filed a grievance over the cuts and the matter was before an arbitrator. The Board’s vote came before the arbitrator issued a ruling.

The restored supplemental contracts include Assistant Athletic Director, Assistant Cheerleader Advisor, Audio-Visual Coordinator, Future Ed- ucators Club and Bowling Coach. Contracts will be issued to members for the full percentage amount.

The Board’s decision to rescind the cuts helps to avoid what could have become a heated battle between AEA and the administration in the months leading up to the beginning of negotiations for a new contract.

Summa, Medical Mutual Sever Relationship

Retired Akron teacher and breast cancer survivor Mary Austin is organizing AEA October 17 Cancer Walk effort. For more information about the walk, please email Mary at: maryjo1451@sbcglobal.net

For members who were with us in the early nineties, no ex- planation is needed for the yard signs popping up in Guilford County, N.C

As of January 1, 2005 members who belong to a Medical Mutual plan (SuperMed PPO or the Traditional Plan) will incur significant charges if they elect to use Summa Care facilities. Failed negotiations between the two--primarily over discounted reimbursement levels--has led Summa to not renew its contract with Medical Mutual. Without such a contract, members cannot be assured of being reimbursed the 80% out-of-network reimbursement level and may be subject to balance billing by Summa. The rift between the two companies does not affect physicians’ charges for office copays. However, members enrolled in Medical Mutual should confirm that their physician is in the MMOH network. There are a number of hospitals in the MMOH network including Akron General, Children’s, Cleveland Clinic, Barberton Citizens, Cuyahoga Falls General, Robinson Memorial, Lodi Community, Medina General, Massillon Community, Doctors Hospital (Stark) and Mercy (Canton).

In all likelihood, there will be an open enrollment period offered to participants in MMOH. Those who use Summa facilities and want to continue to do so will be able to drop out of MMOH and enroll in Summa. Problems remain to be worked out, such as what happens to an individual who is hospitalized in late December and remains in the hospital through the end of the month and into January. Members are a

Credit Union Growth Drives Need for New Office

Just north of our current location on North Main, construction moves forward on the new AEA Office

647 N. Main St….Home to AEA for over 35 years

AEA and the Akron Teachers Credit Union have been good neighbors for years. So good, in fact, that many believe there is a business relationship between the two. While no such relationship exists, we will continue to be good neighbors after AEA’s move this winter to a new facility just north of our current location.The Credit Union, whose membership has exploded in recent years, purchased AEA’s current office building to help meet the demands of its increased client base. The CU will remain a well-known landmark in Akron’s North Hill neighborhood. In addition, the CU is nearing completion of a new facility on Smith Road, just behind Summit Mall.

AEA’s move is necessitated in part because of the parking problems and traffic congestion resulting from the Credit Union’s growth. The land on which both buildings stand and a portion of the parking areas were jointly owned by AEA and the ATCU dating back to the late 60’s/early 70’s when both buildings were built.

dvised to watch from correspondence from MMOH