The Stage is Set for an Open Bargain
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At the last school board meeting, the KSD Executive Director of Budget and Finance gave a budget report on the fiscal health of the district. Initially, his report sounded very positive. The KSD is enjoying a $39 million surplus, our levy passed, and the legislature is keeping their promise with the McCleary funding.
In the next breath, the prediction was doom and gloom for the financial future of the district. This is a common strategy used by districts during an open bargain. Districts tend to not advertise their fiscal health when educators are preparing for a bargain. We have WEA monitoring the fiscal health of the district, so KEA will bargain aggressively, yet responsibly. We have done our research and we are ready.
With that in mind, please fill out the
KEA Bargaining Survey to inform the KEA Bargaining Team of your priorities. We will use the information to write contract proposals. Stay tuned for information on an upcoming KEA General Membership Meeting for the purpose of communicating the bargaining priorities of our members.
KEA Bargain Survey
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Precautionary Measures for the Coronavirus
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You likely have heard that Covington Elementary and Kentwood were closed yesterday, and again today, out of an abundance of caution regarding possible coronavirus infections. We are awaiting more information and will defer to the district to share the specific details of the situation and next steps.
In the meantime, please know that the health of you, your family, colleagues and students are of utmost concern.
Below is advice from the Centers for Disease Control:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. CDC Handwashing Instructions.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- If you are sick, contact your regular health care provider for guidance on what to do; don't just show up at the office, urgent care or emergency room without prior advice or direction.
- Stay home when you are sick or not feeling well. Do not return to work until you are free of fever (100.4° F or greater using an oral thermometer), signs of a fever, and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines (e.g. acetaminophen, cough suppressants, etc.).
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
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Enter to Win a Jeep Compass or $25,000 from California Casualty!
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 Whether you're talking on the phone, attending to passengers, eating, drinking or sending a quick reply to that last email or text... taking your mind and eyes off of the road for just a quick second is dangerous.
Life is hectic enough, don't risk the effects of a car accident. When behind the wheel, make driving your priority.
Promise to Keep on Course and reach every destination safely. Click here to enter!
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Professional Development Opportunity- Deadline to register March 6!
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Saturday School, you say? Yes, but it's not like detention or anything. This one-day professional development opportunity has become a popular annual offering for WEA members.
This year's
Saturday School
will be held on Saturday, of course, March 21, at Steilacoom High School, in Steilacoom. Breakfast and registration begins at 7:30 a.m. with welcome and introductions at 8:15 a.m. Class begins promptly at 8:30 a.m.
WEA has been working hard on developing a slate of cool and timely topics where you can learn more about gamification, the new student discipline rules, implicit bias, special education, cultural competency, evaluations, para and teacher partnerships, special education, data collection, embracing diversity and much, much, more.
Check out
what WEA has lined up.
Plus, you'll be able to talk during our Saturday School! In fact, instructors will encourage and ask participants to connect, share and exchange ideas with colleagues and their locals throughout the day. They will have breakfast waiting for you at 7:30 a.m. They'll even throw in a school lunch. (They'll offer vegetarian, dairy free and gluten-free options to those who have dietary restrictions, but please bring your own sack lunch, if you have specific needs. Also, pack your own munchies if you need a snack throughout the day.) And, just in case you need them, six free clock hours will be available.
Registration is $35 for WEA members, and covers up to two sessions, breakfast and lunch.
Class space is limited (yes, WEA has class-size issues, too) so
register now
to get your top picks. Registration will close at 5 p.m. Friday, March 6.
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Sick Leave Donation Requests :
Below are fellow KEA members in need of sick leave donations. If you have more than 22 days of sick leave and would like to donate, please download and complete the sick leave donation form and send it via district mail to Elizabeth Stodgell, in HR.
Elizabeth Caliebe
Doris Neds
Laura Richards
Pamela Esper
Misty Conners
Tabith Plotke
David Jarrell
Laura Richards
Brandi Egbert
If you are in need of sick leave donations please contact HR. They will notify us that you qualify and we can put your request here.
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Upcoming Events
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Rep. Council Meeting
March 4
Executive Board Meeting
March 11
Educators of Color Meeting
March 12
Implicit Bias Training
March 19
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KEA Classified Ads
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Have something you'd like to rent, buy or share?
Post here, look here!
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Visit Our Website
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up-to-date info on issues that affect you
being a member has lots of benefits! Check them out.
read your contract online
frequently asked contract questions
KEA Teachers Rock Events:
great events offered at discounted rates just for you- why? because you ROCK!
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Registration is now underway for