Day 2 Recap

Our morning began at 7 with the Council breakfast. Mike Regan, Steven Miller and Patrick Pearson all stopped by to introduce themselves and ask for our votes. In between campaign visitors, we talked about some of the New Business Items. The dialog was interesting and very helpful in deciding how to vote on today's NBIs.

Then, it was back to the floor. Mary opened today's RA with another commentary on the profound disappointment the WEA has with Christine Gregoire and the Washington State legislature.

More NBIs, more debate, more laughter, more votes.

Later in the day, Mary Lindquist read a press release which emphasized how many certificated staff had received RIF notices (2,300 at that point) and noted that more were to come. ESPs were a footnote in that release. It didn't feel good. Susan Leavell and Cheri Mlodzik left the hall and had a conversation with Rich Wood. I (Linda) did the same shortly thereafter. I share this, not as a negative, but as a positive. This turned out to be a red letter day for ESPs within the WEA. Mary read another press release which was very - and I do mean very - inclusive of ESPs. The effect of these monumental budget cuts is staggering for ALL school employees and the children we serve, and the second press release clearly underscored that.

Mary made several statements emphasizing the value of ESPs, which led directly to recognition of Pat Nicholson, first-ever recipient of the NEA CLEAN award and Kathie Axtel, the WEA AND NEA Classified Employee of the Year. Their speeches were heartfelt and on target. I will never forget the little girl from Brownsville who, when she grows up and doesn't want to be a lawyer or a doctor anymore, wants to be a custodian. I will never forget Kathie admonishing us to BE the faces of education....

The personality of RA is a bit different this year. There were fewer NBIs. Debates seem to be shorter. First-time delegates might not believe this but there is less paper. But, some things never change. Delegates are leaving no doubt that they are frustrated and angry. There have been strong cries for legislative accountability and action from the locals. There is an undercurrent of profound disappointment but not defeat. There is strong resolve to press on for all that is best for kids.

And finally, Friendship Night. Admittedly, not there for long, but I can tell you that the party went into high gear immediately. The band was AWESOME and the delegates were anxious to get right to the dance floor (and the bar!).

Today is the last day of RA. As I blog, the WEA PAC meeting is in process. It seems to me that roughly 60 - 70% of the delegate chairs are full. That tells me that this delegation is serious about supporting the RIGHT candidates and that your WEA PAC dollars will be used in support of those RIGHT candidates in the future.

Talk with you later, folks!