Star Tribune commentary written by Joe Nathan, a former educator, and current director for the Center for School Change.

We have heard concerns from our members about the possibility of getting infected with the flu virus. There have already been 30+ childhood flu deaths nationwide so far in 2017-2018. Educators, parents and staff can help slow the spread of respiratory illnesses like colds, and influenza (flu). The Center for Disease Control has information on preventing the flu as well as materials and tools for schools. Click here

January 29, 2018 - Bow, NH

Legislative activity, particularly committee hearings, are in full swing now in Concord, NH, meaning this past week was quite busy and the upcoming looks to be more of the same.  Here is a quick review of what happened and what lies ahead, from the perspective of AFT-NH.

SB 193   The “elephant in the room” remains SB 193, what many label the “voucher bill.”  SB 193 proposes taking  public money from public schools and transferring it to a private agency which will then set up “education savings accounts” to defray the costs of home-schooling or sending children to private (including religious) schools.  The purpose of this convoluted approach is to “launder” the money in an effort to wash it of its public character, thereby avoiding constitutional prohibitions on public funding of religious schools.  The bill had more hearings this week in the Finance Committee, which is trying to ascertain the cost to the State and to local taxpayers, who would need to replace the lost funds.  Since the bill’s provisions are so broad a large percentage of NH students might be eligible, and efforts by the Finance Committee to obtain estimates of costs going beyond the first year have been stymied by bill supporters and the State’s own Department of Education, led by education privatization advocate, Commissioner Frank Edelblut.  The key hearings will likely occur this coming week when the Office of Legislative Budget Assistant is likely to bring forth its estimates of costs running thirteen years out (to full implementation of SB 193).  In case you missed it, please be sure to read AFT-NH’s report on SB 193 entitled Following the Wrong Path: What Can Education Savings Account Programs In Other States Tell New Hampshire About SB 193? 1-16-18. 

Call to Action!  Are you up to P.A.R.?  Purpose *Action * Results

The Maryland Professional Employees Council (MPEC) is proud to announce its official Steward Leadership Training Program. (SLTP).  MPEC is currently recruiting worksite leaders to serve as Agency and Floor Stewards.  The SLTP has been developed and designed to prepare and sustain a pool of empowered and well-informed leaders committed to protecting professionals' rights. 

Colleagues,

Here is the current calendar for the 2017-2018 school year. The calendar is also available on district Google Calendar.
 

wblta_meetings_and_important_dates_2017-18.pdf

BCFPE Endorses Vicki Almond for County Executive, saying,

"Vicki has a proven record of delivering results and the progressive vision to make Baltimore County an even better place for families."

Click here to read 

On January 24th,  AFT Healthcare Maryland members ratified our 2018 - 2020 contract by 95%.  The vote count was 191 for approval of the contract and 11 against.  The vote count was conducted by AFT Staff Jennifer Porcari assisted by  Marty Guinane.  AFT Healthcare Maryland President Debra Perry witnessed the vote count.   

This morning ballots were counted for our Tentative Agreement.  The  2018 - 2020 contract for the Maryland Professional Employees Council was ratified with an 88% vote.  The vote count was 479 in support of the contract and 63 rejecting the contract.  The three witnesses to the vote count were President Jerry Smith, Chief Steward Ronnie Myers and Al Dyer.  The count was completed by AFT National Staff Jennifer Porcari and Destiny Turnboe. 

Below you will find the January, February, March 2018 Newsletter. Click on the link ending in .pdf to view.

http://unit47.ct.aft.org/sites/default/files/article_pdf_files/2018-01/janfebmar18.pdf