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The Connection
1136 N. Military Ave.
Green Bay, WI 54303
920-496-2440
800-472-5582
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Hello friends,
Wow, so many of the local unions in Region 3 are running school board campaigns! Early voting kicks off Tuesday, March 22nd so we want to make sure you are prepared as we all get ready to cast our ballots for pro-public education candidates.
Local unions go through a screening process to make their recommendations. Usually this looks like a questionnaire that is emailed to all the candidates. The executive committee then sits down, reads through everyone's responses and they then take a vote to decide on the candidates they will recommend.
The real power comes from the dedication of union members working to get out the vote. Remember, in politics there is organized people and organized money. We all know what advocates of public education have and it isn't money.
Here are the school board candidates recommended by the local unions in Region 3:
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Upcoming Events:
April 13, Wednesday, Region 3 Executive Committee Meeting, Follows 5PM WEAC Pre-RA
April 13, Wednesday, WEAC Pre-RA, 5PM
April 21, Thursday, NBCT, 5PM
April 30, Saturday, WEAC RA, Marriott Madison Hotel
May 14, Saturday, Region 3 RA, 10AM
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Appleton
- James Bowman
- James Bacon
- Jason Kolpack
- Pheng Thao
Ashwaubenon
- Michelle Garrigan
- Cassondra Pink
De Pere
- Adam Clayton
- Bob Mathews
- Mark Meneau
Green Bay
- James Lyerly
- Bryan Milz
- Laura Laitinen-Warren
Howard Suamico
- Teresa Ford
- Jason Potts
- Michael Moran
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Manitowoc
- Lisa Johnston
- Meredith Sauer
- Dave Nickels
Neenah
- Lauri Asbury
- Rocky Schafer
- Lydia Rhoads
New London
- Peter Bosquez
- Tina Ruckdashel
Pulaski
West De Pere
- Jamie Kinjerski
- Barbara VanDeurzen
- Scott Borley
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For this month's Members Spotlight, we got to chat with Bonnie Brunner and Jennifer Peer, ESP Union Leaders from Port Washington-Saukville regarding organizing around base wages.
How did you first recognize you needed to bring people together and how did you do it?
At our initial negotiations meeting, we were told our district would only give the ESP’s a raise of 1.23% per CPI. This would be effective at the end of January 2022 and that there would not be retroactive pay for the first semester. We walked away from that meeting without a decision being made.
We needed to take it to our members and get their opinions/thoughts about the offer from the district. For most ESP’s in our district, a 1.23% raise would be less than twenty cents an hour. We knew that our members would not be happy when they heard the district’s plan. Many of them already felt frustrated and under-appreciated, in particular, paraeducators. We decided to call a meeting of all ESP’s in the district, not just union members, and inform them of what the district was offering. We wanted to give nonmembers a firsthand account of what was happening during negotiations. This was also a good way to gear up an interest in the union. We reached out to ESP’s in our district and held a virtual meeting. We had approximately 25 people join us. Most were paraeducators and members of the union, though we did have a handful of nonmembers. Through the guidance of experienced members of the teacher’s union, we were encouraged to have Region 3 join us as well. Region 3 was a great resource directing us to steps we could take if the district would not listen to what we were asking for. Many of the people at that meeting were ready to pack the room at our next meeting with administration. It was a way for them to see the faces of the many employees that would be affected by their decision.
The energy of that meeting was fantastic! People were ready to take action. What were some of the challenges you faced?
This was our first negotiations meeting with our district's new business director, so we didn’t quite know what to expect. The main challenge we faced was that the 1.23% pay increase was not going to happen until the end of January 2022 (our initial meeting was in November 2021, our second meeting was held in December) and the district was against paying ESP’s any retroactive pay.
What helped you inspire people to move past these challenges?
To try and move past these challenges, we called upon all ESP’s to join together as a group and made sure they all were informed about what the district was offering. We asked them for suggestions on what they would like our next steps to be. People understood that there is strength in numbers and they may all be needed, union or non-union, to make our voices heard.
What was your favorite moment of the campaign and what are you most proud of?
Witnessing teamwork for the good of the group. Beside the hourly CPI increase, we were also able to get all ESP’s that make under $20 an hour a $500 stipend and a $250 stipend if they made over $20 an hour. The stipends were paid on the first paycheck of 2022, which was so nice because that was the paycheck affected by winter break. The pay increase started January 1st and was most evident on the second paycheck in January. We feel confident meeting with our administration. Our relationship is good.
Any thoughts for other ESP locals out there that might want to take steps like you all have?
Make sure members and nonmembers alike are aware of your challenges. Let people know their voices matter. Develop a good working relationship with the administration of your district. Working with them throughout the year to overcome issues ESP’s may face, builds a solid relationship. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want and deserve. If you don’t ask, the answer will always be no. Never give up! And lastly, use the resources and knowledge of those, like Kristin, Dave and Erin working for WEAC Region 3. They are there to support you.
Know someone doing great work in your union? Tell us about them for a Member Spotlight!
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Depending on where you live, you may have elections for school board, county board, city offices, county board or judgeships.
Even if you have requested a permanent ballot in the past, you may have to make a new request. Your ballot must be received by 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 5 either by mail, directly to your municipal clerk or at an authorized ballot drop box.
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WEAC and Region 3 are looking for passionate union members to work on summer organizing projects. The goal of summer organizing is to welcome new hires to your district, get to know them and talk to them about why joining the union is important. Region 3 staff work closely with these individuals to teach them all about organizing membership drives.
The program through WEAC and Region 3 will consist of a two-day training, July 20-21 and then continue for 6 weeks. The commitment is 20 hours a week with the Region 3 Directors working with the summer organizers to create a weekly schedule.
If you understand the importance and power of a strong union, and you love meeting new people, this is for you! You can learn more about the Region 3 summer organizing program and apply HERE.
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Tax Management Services
Tax Management Services will provide members and their families professional tax services, investments, and financial planning at an affordable cost throughout the year. For a 25% discount on professional tax preparation and planning services, contact: Michael Savolt, CPA, Tax Management Services, Inc., 828 Cherry St., Green Bay, 920-432-1985
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Union Dues No Longer Deductible
WEAC Region 3 has received a couple of questions regarding the deductibility of union dues. To ensure that everyone is aware of one of the changes that took place with the Federal Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017:
Union dues are no longer a deductible expense for those people who itemize on their personal tax return for tax years 2018-2025.
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Campaign Kickoff
Through the Just One campaign last year, we were able to quadruple the number of new members we normally recruit with Early Enrollment! Given it's success, we are continuing this program starting April 1st. We will have training for members who want to participate in the program and learn how to strengthen their union. Our training will be Thursday, April 7th at 4:30. Register HERE.
Members who successfully recruit new members through Early Enrollment will be entered to win up to ten $50 gift cards. Participants will receive weekly email updates containing wins and best practices from around the Region!
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Wisconsin State Statute 118.22 governs the renewal and NON-renewal of full-time teacher contracts
This important deadline is approaching:
For full-time teacher contracts that a District does NOT want to renew for the 2022-23 school year, the school board must notify with a preliminary notice of non-renewal on OR before April 30, 2022. This timeline applies regardless of the reason for non-renewal, i.e., performance, economic reasons, declining enrollment, etc.
A preliminary notice of non-renewal must be voted on and issued by the school board (not an administrator).
Many teachers have already been given some kind of indication that the District is thinking about non-renewal. These teachers may be on a plan of improvement. For teachers under this scrutiny, the preliminary notice of non-renewal may come well before the deadline of April 30th.
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Union members who may be in danger of non-renewal, as well as leaders and building reps working with those members, should contact the Region 3 office as soon as possible.
Once preliminary notice of non-renewal is given to an educator, they only have five calendar days to request a hearing before the school board.
Please do not wait until the preliminary notice has already been issued!
Individual Contract Deadlines:
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April 30 - preliminary notice of nonrenewal
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May 15 - final notice of nonrenewal
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May 15 - issuing individual contracts
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June 15 - accept or reject individual contract
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Wisconsin Lifetime License Background Check
Wis. Admin Code s. PI 34.041 requires educators who hold a valid Lifetime license to submit a request to the department to have a new background check conducted and to confirm employment status at least once every five years. The request shall be made between January 1 and June 30 of the fifth year since the individual's last background check. If your most recent background check was in 2017, you are due to submit an application to DPI in order to maintain your Lifetime license. You must submit this application to DPI by June 30, 2022, to maintain your Lifetime license.
Follow the Application Directions for Background Check to Maintain Lifetime License to submit your background check HERE .
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Next Region 3/GBEA National Board Support Session - April 21
WEAC, Region 3 and GBEA have organized ongoing monthly National Board Support for the 2021-2022 cycle. Sessions will be held in person at the WEAC Region 3 office but with a virtual option and facilitated by Sarah Johnston (Marinette) and Ellie Hinz-Radue (Green Bay).
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The Green Bay Education Association is inviting you to a FREE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT webinar!!
The Professional Learning Committee is hosting Dr Frida Rundell on Saturday, April 2 from 9-11AM. Please consider joining this virtual opportunity to learn more about resilience for caring professionals.
In this online seminar presented by IIRP Staff Member, Dr Frida Rundell, participants will reflect on self-compassion and ways to ensure we are caring for ourselves without judgment in order to provide the best care to our students/clients. Through the lens of the Relational Care Ladder, participants will learn these strategies through an experiential based webinar. Come prepared to analyze your own stress level and increase your self-kindness.
Prof. Rundell has more than 50 years of experience working with children and families facing adversity, from youth with learning difficulties to those who are
homeless, disabled, delinquent or suffering from AIDS. She initiated and developed an undergraduate degree program for child-and youth-care professionals at Durban University of Technology, South Africa. She has also
worked with IIRP community-based programs.
Thanks to a NEA Grant received by the Professional Learning Committee, each participant (up to 50) will receive a gratitude journal and IIRP pen for personal use to continue implementing the strategies and ideas gained from this webinar.
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WEAC Region 3 is Hiring!
Are you passionate about strengthening your union?
Do you understand the importance of equity in Public Education?
If you answered "yes," you should think about applying to be a Uniserv Director at Region 3! Directors work with local unions to help them identify goals, create campaigns, build their membership, create Get-Out-the-Vote plans for elections and more. Every day is different and it truly is rewarding work. If you have questions, reach out to your director. You can read more HERE. |
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March 19 @ the Region 3 Office - Bridging Race, Class and Gender and Examining Implicit Bias
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WEAC Region 3 Representative Assembly
May 14, 2022
The WEAC Region 3 RA will be held Saturday, May 8. The RA will be held at the WR3 office, with the option to attend virtually via Zoom.
Delegates to the RA will be electing the following positions to the WR3 Executive Committee: President, Vice President, ESP Member-at-Large, and Zone Leaders. To determine which Zone your local is in, please click HERE. To view the duties of each, please click HERE. In order to be elected to one of these positions, nominees must be a local delegate to the WR3 RA. Send nominations to region3@weac.org.
Local Presidents received an email from WEAC Region 3 on Thursday, March 10th regarding delegate registration. The deadline for registration of delegates is March 31. If your local did not receive this email, please email WEAC Region 3 at region3@weac.org.
Once Region 3 receives delegate certifications, a registration link will be emailed to all certified delegates.
Watch for more information in the coming weeks.
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The WEAC Representative Assembly will be held April 30, with a virtual or in-person option. The in-person meeting will be in Madison. With two options to participate, local associations are encouraged to send delegates to help shape the future of our union.
Local presidents will receive emails to report delegates in early March. The deadline for delegates to register is April 20.
The NEA Representative Assembly is July 2-6 in Chicago, with in-person and virtual options.
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Several elections will be held in conjunction with the WEAC Representative Assembly April 30 in Madison and online.
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WEAC Webinar Wednesday
On Wednesday, April 6, be sure to register for Multi-Sensory Learning Using Arts Integration. When students are exposed to the same content in different subjects and through multiple senses, they are able to make connections across the disciplines. Participants will see examples of cross-curricular lessons that incorporate science, writing, social studies, music, and visual arts.
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Region 3 members can take advantage of a monumental insurance premium change environment!
While other major insurance carriers are increasing their auto insurance premiums by 7%-15% in the Green Bay area, WEA Member Benefits is reducing rates up to 10% in the same area!
Not all insurance companies are the same.
It’s important to work with someone you trust to help you find the right balance between coverage and cost…someone who will be there when you need them.
Auto insurance protects not only you, but also passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians.
It also offers coverage for damage to your vehicle and other people’s property. How much insurance and what kind of coverages you need will depend on your situation. Insurance is not one-size-fits-all. To find the right balance between cost and protection, we recommend buying auto insurance using three general principles:
- Buy the right amount of protection for your situation.
- Buy more liability protection rather than less.
- Choose the highest deductible amount that you can comfortably afford.
Take advantage of this opportunity to get an insurance review and see if WEA Member Benefits can save you premium dollars in the process. Click Here to schedule a review with one of our Personal Insurance Consultants.
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If you have recently moved, gotten a new phone number or email address, changed schools or banking information, please contact Region 3 staff assistant Debbie Armitage or Sue Clauss. They will be able to make any changes to your records. This information helps us ensure that we are able to stay connected with you.
They can both be reached by phone at 920-496-2440.
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This is an 11.0101(10)(b)(1) communication with WEAC members |
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WEAC Region 3
1136 N. Military Ave.
Green Bay, WI 54303.
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