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We have heard from many of you the frustrations you are experiencing regarding the financial situation in the district. KEA leaders are just as frustrated; and we are in continuous communication with district officials regarding the impact. It has been reported that Moving Up Day has been cancelled, printing (due to lack of toner) is no longer allowed, and tutoring for high school kids has been cancelled. While the district has tried to keep the impact of the freeze away from students, the truth of the matter is that any cuts made to buildings will be felt by the students.
For over a year, KEA and WEA have been meeting with the district expressing concerns about the depleting fund balance. We know that class sizes for many, particularly at the elementary level, are smaller this year. This is due to the 1351 class-size initiative, bargaining smaller class sizes, and under enrollment projections. Next year, we can expect larger class sizes in grades 3-6 because the legislature only funded more teachers for class sizes in Kindergarten through second grade. The district has already communicated that they will honor the Collective Bargaining Agreement and staff classes per the contract. Split classes will be a reality next year. This will mean that we will be down 40-50 certificated positions. This will be done through attrition as no lay-offs are planned now. We are not aware of any other cuts for next year at this time.
KEA leaders also know that several million dollars in new money over the last two years is being spent on central and building level administration. This is a fact, and it could have been addressed by the school board. There is an expectation on our part that the district will make the necessary decisions between now and August 31, 2017 to meet all fiduciary responsibilities. This will be difficult in the short-term, but we know it is necessary for the long-term financial health of the district. The KEA also expects that decisions will be made for the future that will allow the district to provide competitive compensation and healthy working conditions for the members who continue to work every day with the students in Kent School District.
Please check your home email for a special action edition related to state and district funding!
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KEA has won two arbitrations in the last two weeks. One is regarding the timeliness on when teachers may be put on a Plan of Improvement, and the other was on reassignment of teaching responsibilities. Both arbitrators asked that we address these two issues in the upcoming bargain. For now, teachers may not be reassigned to a new position after July 1st. This will help teachers from coming to work one day, and having a completely new assignment the next day. We still have one arbitration pending. This involves the pre-service days that KEA asserts that teachers have not been paid for the last four years. We will keep you updated. The hearing is scheduled for mid-October.
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Upcoming Professional Development
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On Saturday, May 13, a joint staff development class will be offered at Kentridge High School on Culturally Responsive Classroom Communities. WEA, KEA and KSD admin are coming together for this valuable training. The training is provided by a grant from the National Education Association (NEA).
Six (6) clock hours, lunch, and materials will be provided at no charge. The deadline to register for this class is Tuesday, May 9th. If you are interested in attending this class, please register here.
Additionally, KEA is again this year sponsoring Educator Certification 101 - Licensure in Washington State on Wednesday, May 17th at the KEA office. If you are interested in ProTeach, National Board Certification, or have questions about Washington state certification, renewal requirements, state policy updates or support options, you should attend this class. Three (3) clock hours, dinner and all materials are provided at no charge to KEA members. If you are interested in attending this training, please register here.
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Upcoming Events
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May 4th
Kent Local Races Group
May 4th
KEA Board Meeting
May 6th
KEA Teacher's Rock: Mariner Game Night
May 11th
KEA Rep Council Meeting
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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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