Nominations for KEA Officers & NEA Delegates!
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The nominations for KEA President, Vice President, and Secretary will be open until Friday, February 17 at 5:00.
If you are looking for a leadership opportunity in KEA, please email
Christie Padilla.
If you are interested in representing KEA at the NEA Rep Assembly this summer in Boston, please email
Christie Padilla.
General Information
KEA Officers - President, Vice President, and Secretary:
- Two-year term beginning July 1, 2017
- Speeches completed and ballots will be given out at March 9 Rep Council Meeting
- Ballots are due by Thursday , March 23rd , at 5:30 at rep council meeting.
NEA Rep Assembly - Boston, Massachusetts June 30-July 5
- 10 of our finest KEA members will represent our local at one of the nation's largest democratic convention that sets the agenda and directs the work of our national association.
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The District received approximately $20,700,000 additional dollars from the State in 2015-2016 and an additional $9,500,000 for this school year. Yet, the District is now asking principals to immediately cut 20% of their current year's budget because the fund balance is nearly $0.
According to the District they are in financial trouble because of their commitment "to staff our schools with smaller class sizes, renew our investment in libraries and increase our support for students and families through counseling and social workers." But analysis by KEA late last year indicated that Central Administrative spending had increased 34% from 2011 through 2015, and that staffing in Central Administration had increased by 25% during that same time period. We are currently working on an updated budget analysis and will make that available as soon as it is completed.
We will continue to work with the District to minimize the impact of cuts to schools and classrooms. Please reply back with
YOUR suggestions on how the District can save money!
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Making the Most of Your Membership:
Upcoming Financial Workshops
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Will I Ever Get to Retire or Just Die at My Desk?
March 7, 2017 4:30-6 pm
This presentation will focus more towards "the late career" teacher, and the decisions they will encounter as their retirement date approaches. We will discuss the new EMPOWER Third Party Administrator, the benefits associated with these recent changes, and pitfalls teachers can avoid to have a great retirement. Are you clear on the benefits of House Bill 2391 and early retirement factor (ERF)? Do you know how much income you will receive in your golden years? Our presenter, with 17 years of experience helping teachers plan and prepare for retirement, promises to bring a little fun and laughter to the retirement planning process, while offering all KEA members a trusted resource with a complimentary retirement consultation. This presentation is more geared towards members with 20 plus years of teaching and/or are within 5 years of their target retirement date.
Financial Essentials: Understanding the Basic Elements of Financial Planning & Retirement
March 14, 2017 4:30-6 pm
This presentation will focus on "the early to mid-career" teacher, and how they can start saving for their retirement OUTSIDE of their Plan 3 Teachers' pension. One of the GREAT benefits offered by the Kent School District is the ability for its employees to open a ROTH 403b contributory account through salary deduction for TAX FREE GROWTH. It's crucial that all KEA members know about and clearly understand this benefit (a total gift from payroll) and how it could significantly impact their retirement. As with all presentations, our presenter will clearly explain how the teachers' pension system works through the state, when members are eligible to retire (House Bill 2391), and what they can do to maximize their retirement benefits both with the State Teachers Retirement System (WSTRS) in Plans 2 and 3 and Social Security.
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KEA Teacher's Rock: Tacoma Stars Soccer Game Night
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Join your KEA family as we watch the Tacoma Stars take on the San Diego Sockers for their last home game of the season! Should be a fun night, as it's also Fan Appreciation Night. Tickets start at only $11.00!
Date, Time, Location:
Saturday, March 4, 2017 @ 6 pm
Showare Center- Kent
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Update on Preservice Days Grievance
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In an effort to recover the approximate $5.5 million owed to KEA members for their work on the August preservice days since 2013-2014 through this year, KEA has filed both an arbitration and a tort claim, which is the precursor to a lawsuit.
Both processes take time, and we will update you with any news and as things change. We remain committed to getting you paid for the work you performed in those years
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Upcoming Events
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February 13-17
Elementary Conference Week
February 15
Culturally Responsive Classrooms
February 16
Pizza & Politics w/ Sen. Joe Fain
RSVP here
February 20-24
Mid-Winter Break
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Have you Visited Our New Website?
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read your contract online
KEA Teachers Rock Events:
lots of great events offered at discounted rates just for you- why? because you ROCK!
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