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The week before spring break was a somber one in the Kent School District. Purchasing cards were blocked, a spending freeze went into effect, and a hiring freeze was implemented for all unfilled positions. Ironically, the KSD central office met with principals to inform them of these impacts at the same time the KEA leadership was informing members at the General Membership meeting that the district was in a tough position financially.
We all agree that the district needs to take some dramatic steps between now and August 31, 2017, to address the current situation. KEA and WEA leadership has been meeting regularly with Dr. Watts, as well as, various district financial officers since last March to discuss the concerns. It was obvious to our Association that if the trends continued, the district would be in serious financial trouble. It appears that is situation has come to fruition. In the last two years, the state has given KSD an additional $30 million in MSOC funds. (Materials, Supplies, and Operational Costs.) So, while we can all agree that the state needs to step up significantly and fulfil its paramount duty and amply fund public education, it's difficult to point the finger solely at the state. It is also difficult to point the finger at salary increases when the collective bargaining agreements are agreed upon by parties. The salaries of all represented members are not out of sync with neighboring districts. It is not a secret that KSD's non-represented salaries are much higher than our neighboring districts, and some members of our school board approved large salary increases which further expanded the salary gap.
As KEA members, we need to hold the district and school board accountable to making financial cuts that are as far away from students as possible. We don't need to be reminded have that we have the right to salaries and working conditions that make us proud to be part of the KSD family. Your KEA bargaining team will continue to bargain those things, but your help will be needed. School board members and district administration need to know that you are watching and will be expecting the best decisions. They should know that they will need to earn your trust...
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Join Us for Pizza & Politics
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Wednesday, April 26 from 4-5:30 pm at The Rock Restaurant- Covington- 17309 SE 270th Pl.
We will have special guest: House Representative,
Steve Bergquist from the 11th district. Steve is a social studies teacher and one of the few educators in Olympia.
Come join the conversation, get involved and help us make a difference while enjoying
free pizza
and
free beverages!
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Please Take Action Today!
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 Across the state, we are urging each and every educator to
contact your lawmakers right now to tell them to stay strong for students and support the House education budget.
If we all act, we can make an incredible impact as the regular legislative session comes to a close on April 23.
And, we can carry the momentum forward we've been working to build all year:
- It started in December, when WEA members successfully encouraged the Governor to aim high in setting his education budget, so it would signal legislators to do the same.
- It continued in January, with the 6,500 educators and community members who rallied at the "Education is a Civil Right" event in Olympia.
- We raised awareness when thousands of us turned out at union-sponsored education funding meetings and/or legislator-scheduled town halls in March.
- We are keeping education funding visible with radio ads, Facebook posts, Thunderclap collaborations, phone calls, postcards and email campaigns.
We can't stop now, and that's where you come in. We need you to tell your lawmakers we are watching, and we expect them to stay strong for students as budget negotiations continue, and support the House education plan.
When we join together, we can
send a powerful message to legislators. Just as I am reaching out to you as a member of KEA, my counterparts are also contacting their members with the same request: Send a message to your lawmakers right now. We have a message that is pre-written. You can use it or write your own.
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2017 WEA Special Education Boot Camp
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 Interested in learning more about Special Education?
WEA is holding its annual Special Education Boot Camp this summer from July 24th - 27th, 2017 at the Tulalip Resort near Marysville. Tuition for the four-day training is $270.00, which includes clock hours (24), morning refreshments, and lunch daily. Participants are responsible for their own lodging and WEA has negotiated discounted rates for a limited number of rooms. Contact the hotel directly to confirm rate and make lodging reservations.
Boot Camp will provide hand-on training emphasizing the responsibilities of all educators working with students with disabilities. Specific course offerings include:
- Special Education Law
- Developing Non-Transition IEPs
- Developing Transition IEPs
- Section 504
- Behavior Interventions in Your School
- Culturally Responsive Classrooms
- Universal Design in Your School
- Students with Autism in Your Classroom
- True Colors
KEA will offer up to eight (8) tuition only scholarships to KEA members, who have not previously received a scholarship. Deadline to apply for scholarships is Friday, May 5th. You must contact Becky in the KEA Office to apply for a scholarship prior to registration - click
here
to apply for a scholarship.
More information can be found through WEA:
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Upcoming Events
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April 20
Rep. Council Meeting
April 21
KEA Teacher's Rock: Wine & Paint Night
April 25
NBCT Teacher Leader Academy
April 26
Pizza & Politics
April 28 & 29
Pre-Retirement Seminar
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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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