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!

Comments From Your Delegates

Your delegates are listening and commenting on what they hear at RA. The following is from our delegation:

"Just because that's the way it is...Doesn't mean that's the way it should be!"
(So what if Hugh Jackman says it as an Australian Bushman - it's still sound advice!)

"Support NBI 12 and awareness to all teachers. This can be a positive change with little financial impact on budget but huge impact for teachers."

"Frustration on how we VOICE our disappointment in Gregoire. Should we have walked out last night?"

Paraphrasing here: The governor began her speech with 'We must get students prepared for a technological society' but I can't even get TV in my classroom! She then followed that statement with 'Sorry, less funds, less resources!'

"Our Council is pushing for a strong push against merit pay."

"Tired of being pushed aside and not listed to!"

"I'd like to know about plans for organizing in this climate...When do we walk?"

"How does merit pay affect special education teachers, particularly with profoundly disabled?"

"When are the parents and students going to be held responsible for student performance also?"

"How can we keep highly qualified teachers in high populations if low testing scores could reflect in their pay?"

"I am disappointed in Gregoire, too. She is not bringing it home for us."

"How can the State of Washington say it values education and educators and then pull the rug out from under them? How can we call children our hope for the future and then deny them an academic future? "

"If only we could RIF our elected officials due to budget cuts."

Day #1

And The Governor Speaks:
Governor Gregoire was greeted with polite and courteous applause by the Rep Assembly. She left the podium with much the same reaction. In addition, most of the delegates held up a bright pink signs which read, "Please Veto HB 2261". Certainly the governor did not miss the sea of pink as she walked away from the podium, although she left the building immediately after her speech.

While the governor's message was warm and supportive of educators, it was also void of any concrete or substantial promises. Rest assured that your delegates, with their sea of pink and polite but hardly warm reception or farewell, left no doubt of their lackluster enthusiasm for our current state budget, our legislature, or our governor.

Following the governor's address, WEA Executive Director John Okamoto spoke to the delegates about the challenges and accomplishments of the previous year.

There was lively debate (dare I say emotional debate?) on Bylaws Amendment #1 -- Dues used to contribute to political candidates. I've been to several RAs and have never seen an issue that evoked more emotion from the delegates. We'll be voting on Saturday morning. No doubt this debate will continue throughout RA and we'll talk about it long after the RA adjourns.

Yea Pat Nicholson!!!
Yea, IEQ (Indoor Environmental Quality) Work Team! Local bargainers will now promote Health and Safety language during contract negotiations. And, there's more: WEA will promote and encourage activities around Healthy Schools Day (normally held on the last Monday in April).

NBI-C:
(That's New Business Item C, by the way)
This NBI encourages council sponsorship of WEA-Retired Pre-Retirement Seminars. Quite simply, members need to be aware of the many things they should consider when planning transition to retirement. This NBI helps to assure this. And, so it shall be....

Plan 3 Vesting Period:
For those of us on the work til death plan (Plan 3), this bill calls to reduce the vesting period for those on Plan 3 to five (vice 10 yr) for parity with those on Plans 1 and 2. The motion was to refer to the Lifelong Compensation Task Force.

NBI-G
Study of Health Care Proposals:
This NBI asks that WEA provide resource materials for members to help them understand the five health care reform proposals before the legislature and the impact on members. The NBI was referred to committee.

The chair is about to call us to order. More later!

And the RA has been called to order!

Okay folks -- we're here and we're working. The paper is flowing (as usual), Mary came out fighting (yes, we're disappointed with our legistature) and we're all prepared to let Governor Gregoire know that we will never give up on fighting for funding for public education. Stay tuned, everyone. We've only just begun.