Akron Education Association
Random Notes
State Health Care Board Holds First Meeting
If the subject wasn’t so serious, the situation would have been laughable. The State Health Care Board met for the first time February 22 in Columbus, nearly eight months after it was required to meet by law and well beyond the legal deadline for making its report. AEA leadership was there, as was Representative Brian Williams.
We were pleasantly surprised by the men and women on the Board itself, even though none represent any of the state employees who would be covered by a state-wide health care plan. For the most part, they are bright, articulate individuals who seem to genuinely recognize how enormous the consequences are of what they’ve been asked to do.
Now for the bad news. The Board’s meetings are being facilitated by the Department of Administrative Services, the consummate bureaucratic juggernaut staffed by political hacks of the ruling party. It was immediately apparent that DAS had jumped the gun on the Board. For example, the legislation creating the Board gives the Board authority to hire a consultant to gather information. Before the Board ever met, DAS took it upon itself to hire the consultant--Watson Wyatt—by means of a nifty no-bid $500,000 contract. (This firm has done much work for the state; they know how to dance.) When several Board members asked if they could hire their own consultant, they were told they could, but that the cost would come out of the their budget on top of the cost for Watson Wyatt. In one of the more embarrassing moments of the day, Board members asked how long each would be serving (their appointments are staggered), but no one from DAS could answer the question! Nor could they explain why the Advisory Committee—mandated by law to serve at the behest of the Board—was appointed without input from Board members. The most absurd exchange of the day (continued below)
TRUSTEES ENDORSE SUTTON, BROWN; PICK TWO FOR STRS BOARD
AEA has endorsed Betty Sutton for the 13th Congressional District. Sutton is a former state representative from the Akron area who was term-limited out of office. In recent years, she has served as legal counsel for several labor groups, including the Cleveland Federation of Teachers. Sutton comes from a family of educators: her sister is a teacher and president of the Barberton teachers union; other teachers in the family include two nieces and a step-daughter. She is running for the seat being vacated by Sherrod Brown, a position being sought by a host of candidates in the democratic primary.
Trustees also endorsed Sherrod Brown who is seeking one of the two Ohio senate seats. Brown is trying to capture the seat currently held by Mike DeWine. Sherrod Brown’s record as a labor and teacher advocate speaks for itself.
In addition, the Trustees also gave the nod to two candidates running for the STRS Board. They are Mark Frederick, a teacher in the Cleveland Municipal School District, and John Brackett, a professor at the University of Cincinnati.
Please remember these names as you go to the polls and when you receive your STRS ballot later this spring.
BOARD, NOT TREASURER, WILL HAVE FINAL SAY ON INCENTIVE
Word has it a few principals have informed their faculties that the district treasurer reported at a recent administrative council meeting there would be no retirement incentive plan this year. Last we checked, Board members had not signed proxies surrendering their authority to the treasurer.
Per our negotiated Agreement with the district, an independent consultant will determine the viability of offering an incentive. (We are hoping the decision is made soon.) If the consultant determines it would not be beneficial to offer an incentive, then the matter is closed and life goes on. If he determines it would be prudent to offer a plan, the board would then have to act on his recommendation. While we have no doubt that the treasurer would oppose any such recommendation, ultimately the board would have to decide the matter.
In doing so, we hope board members take note of the number of plans in place locally and across the state, and that their existence plays some role in the board’s thinking.
occurred when a Board member pointed out that deadlines in the legislation had already passed without action, and that they needed to be changed to realistically accommodate the Board’s availability and reporting timelines (as yet undetermined). DAS argued the deadlines were part of the legislation and it would be very difficult to change them without additional legislation. We wouldn’t be surprised to see amendments made as part of some unrelated bill to modernize the state’s salt barns along the highways.
As of now, it’s anybody’s guess as to what the Board will do and when they will do it. In spite of the impression the Board made on us and their ability to raise the right questions, we can’t help but wonder if they will be able to avoid the DAS steamroller.
LEVY CONTRIBUTIONS
IF YOU’VE ALREADY CONTRIBUTED, THANK YOU. IF NOT, PLEASE GIVE YOUR CONTRIBUTION TO YOUR BR OR SEND IT TO US THROUGH THE PONY. JUST MARK THE ENVELOPE “AEA.” CASH OK; CHECKS PREFERRED TO “CITIZENS ACTION CTE., AKRON PUBLIC SCHOOLS.”
AEA Secretary-Treasurer Jackie Hovey has retired from the Akron schools after a thirty year career as an art teacher. Jackie was active in AEA, serving most recently as an officer and a member of the negotiating team. She and her husband Chris have plans to re-locate to North Carolina. We all thank Jackie for her service to the district and the organization and wish her many happy retirement years.
Dates and Deadlines
March 14: Upgrade license/certification to be granted continuing contract status for next year.
March 31: Early retirement announcement (to become eligible for $500 bonus).
May 20: AEA Golf Scramble, Tentative, Details TBA
June 2: AEA Night at the Stadium, pre-game
Picnic.
Jackie Hovey Retires After 30 Years As Art teacher, AEA leader
SUMMER DAY CAMP DIRECTOR NEEDED AT URBAN LEAGUE
The Urban League is searching for a director for its summer day camp program. The director is responsible for all day operations of the camp (approximately 150 children ages 5-12) and must have First Aid and CPR training. The position is full time for eight weeks. Members interested in the position can send a resume and cover letter to Vice President of Programs, 250 E. Market, 44308, email auldmartin@aol.com or fax at 330-434-2716.