APRIL 24th, 2022
NEWSETTE
Information is Power
Inside this Newsette:

  • Upcoming Bargaining For The Common Good Events
  • Bargaining Documents
  • Updates
  • On the Legislative Front
  • Benefits
  • Mental Health Assistance
  • In the News
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Upcoming Bargaining Events:

April 26th - Following The Money with Chris Schwartz
Facebook Live Bargaining Info Session (Virtual Event)
April 28th - Rally followed by a Bargaining Session (In-Person Event)
LATEST PROPOSAL:
Updates
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STUDENT LOAN UPDATE
Exciting news! The official announcement came from The White House and Department of Education  extending the pause on federal student loan payments and interest to August 31, 2022.  This continues the policy that’s been in place since March 2020. As a reminder, here’s what this means:
-For Direct and federally-held FFEL loans, no payment is due and your interest rate is 0%. You can make payments, but you are not required to. 
-Commercially-held FFEL loans and Perkins loans that are not in default DO NOT qualify for this payment and interest suspension. 
-Private student loans DO NOT qualify for this payment and interest suspension, but your lender may have implemented a forbearance program, so it’s best to contact them directly about that. 
-If you are on track to use the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program (and are meeting the employment and loan type requirements of that program), the months in administrative forbearance because of the pandemic DO count toward your 120 qualifying payments even if you aren’t making payments. You can read more about changes to PSLF here.
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION UPDATE
MSEA was invited to present at the beginning of the State Board meeting on March 22 as part of their Stakeholder Engagement agenda item. President Bost, Vice President Dudley, and Treasurer Coughlin attended and presented on who we are, our mission and goals, and upcoming priorities. Following the presentation, there was a lengthy discussion with members of the board. The State Board meeting can be viewed by clicking here.
KRA and MCAP Results
Results of the fall administration of the KRA and MCAP were shared with the State Board and results can be viewed here.
STATE BOARD STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS
The State Board is engaging in a strategic planning process and teacher member, Rachel McCusker is on the internal committee. All Marylanders are being asked to take part in their survey at www.marylandpublicschools.org/survey.
Changes to the 2021-2022 School Calendar
The Prince George’s County Board of Education has approved changes to the 2021-22 school calendar. As Juneteenth is a federal and county holiday, it has been added as a new holiday on Monday, June 20. The Monday, March 7 professional development day is now a regular instructional day for students. The last day for both students and teachers will be Thursday, June 23.
 
Additional inclement weather days may be virtual learning days to ensure the last day for students is no later than Friday, June 24.
 
To view the updated calendar, visit the PGCPS calendar webpage
BENEFITS
Attention All PGCEA Members:
 
On behalf of the PGCEA, we are so excited to finally have the opportunity to offer our exclusive member only benefits through our partner, American Fidelity, for the first time in person! These exclusive member only benefits will be offered to you all starting 4/25 through 5/6. American Fidelity representatives will be in EVERY building during this two week period to ensure ample opportunity and allow you the ability to do a full review of the benefits you are now entitled to! Please use the link below to gather more information and to find your location and sign up for a time to meet. We highly encourage ALL members to meet during this time to review! A few quick highlights:
 
·      NO health questions for disability coverage (short and long term combined).
·      If you currently have disability coverage and want to switch, American Fidelity will waive the pre-existing this year only!
·      New last year, they offer a Hospital Assist benefit!
·      Cancer, Accident, critical illness and individual life insurance for you, your children, and spouse. Lots of great wellness benefits included in these!
 
Plus, on behalf of the PGCEA and American Fidelity and just in time for Teacher Appreciation week, we have a great incentive to offer:
o  25% of members in your building sign up and complete benefit consultation, we will provide breakfast (pastries/donuts)
o  50% of members in your building sign up and complete benefit consultation, we will do lunch for all members.
o  75% of members and we will do both!
 
 
Thank you and sign up for your time today to learn more about these exclusive member only benefits you are entitled to!


Get Valuable Educator Perks Just for Union Members
Whether you’ve joined your education association at the local, state or national level, you belong to the NEA and have access to educator perks through NEA Member Benefits. Watch this video to see how it works.
 
Why NEA Member Benefits Is Dedicated to Serving Educators
NEA members are at the core of everything we do – from negotiating on your behalf to offer valuable benefits with trusted partners, to supporting your personal needs in each stage of your life and career. Find out more about why you inspire us and how we can help you.
 
BENEFITS: WEEKLY GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY!
For immediate mental health assistance:
PGCPS Employee Assistance Program:
By phone: 1-800-346-0110 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
    Username: PGCPS
    Password: PRINCE
IN THE NEWS...
In an effort to make schools greener, the White House is ...

"In most school districts, the second-largest yearly expense after salaries is the energy bill." That's a quote from Vice President Kamala Harris, speaking earlier this month at an elementary school in Washington, D.C. She was announcing a new,...

Read more
www.npr.org
$23M in Maryland school funding was misallocated,...

An investigation into enrollment and attendance discrepancies in Maryland public schools has found nearly $23.4 million in state and local funding was misallocated over a five-year period. The Office of the Inspector General for Education on...

Read more
www.baltimoresun.com
Do you know your UniServ Director?

Our UniServ directors (UD's) are here to assist you with any of your school-based issues or contract compliance needs. To find out which UD is assigned to your school click the button to see their school assignments.