February 14, 2020
WEAC Region 3 represents public education employees in a large territory stretching from Florence to Port Washington,
and from Menominee to Washington Island.
Thomas Beck, Florence teacher, donates WEAC Book Bucks prize
 
Thomas Beck, WEAC member and Florence High School teacher, used his winning books from WEAC's Book Bucks Drawing to help colleagues Kim Grenfell and Stephanie Weber, who are using the books in the library and special needs classrooms where they are greatly appreciated.
Certification Victory!
Congrats to the Gillett Education Association for winning their
Certification election
d compelling headline
SAVE THE DATE!
The WEAC Region 3 RA  is scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2020 at the Rock Garden Banquet & Conference Center in Green Bay. 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. 
Watch for more info and nomination forms in the coming weeks.
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 last year 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.
Public Schools: The Cornerstone of Democracy
Make plans to attend and hear Dr. Julie Mead's answers to the question: "Why Public Education?"

Monday, March 2
Neenah Public Library
6:30 - 8:30 pm.

Teacher Contract Renewal / Non-Renewal for 2020-21

Wisconsin State Statute 118.22 governs the renewal and NON-renewal of full-time teacher contracts.
 
This important deadline is approaching: 
 
For teacher contracts that a District does NOT want to renew for the 2020-21 school year, the school board must notify with a preliminary notice of non-renewal on OR before Friday,  May 1st, 2020 .  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 May 1st. 

 
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.
  • Union members who are fearful of a non-renewal should contact the Region 3 office as soon as possible. 
  • Union leaders and building reps who are working with teachers who may be in danger of non-renewal should contact the Region 3 office as soon as possible. 
 
Please do not wait until the preliminary notice has already been issued!

Other important deadlines:
May 15th: all teachers should receive a continuing contract for 2020-21. June 15th: all teachers must sign and return 2020-21 contracts.
Important Dates for WTCS Locals:
April 1 - 21, 2020
Voting period (complete details to follow).
WI Public Ed Network:
Summer Summit Registration is Open
(click below for more info)
Disrupted Learning Town Hall

How many of us have had to make do with what we have knowing students deserve better? How many of us have experienced a “classroom clear”?

At play are homelessness, trauma, unmet mental health needs and more. At the same time, class sizes are growing, resources are shrinking, and educators are being asked to do more with less.
 
We need your stories!
Thursday March 5th 4:30-6:00pm
Mead Public Library in The Loft
710 N 8th St. Sheboygan



You can also register here for Town Halls in Sun Prairie, Fond du Lac, Janesville, and Wauwatosa.

 
Heading Here
Political Action
Member Benefits
SECURE Act 2020 FAQS
Significant changes made by the SECURE Act may impact you and your financial plans, especially for those in their 50s and 60s who are nearing retirement. 
Live Webinars Scheduled for March 2020

ETF is offering a series of 30-minute, live, interactive webinars designed to increase your understanding of Wisconsin Retirement System benefits. Individuals can also ask questions at the end of these sessions. Visit their webinar page to learn more about any of the following sessions:

  • Newly Retired? What to Expect
  • Retirement Annuity Options
  • WRS Effective Rates & Annuity Adjustments
  • WRS Benefits: For New & Mid-Career Employees
  • WRS Retirement Benefit Calculation Methods
  • Preparing for Your Retirement
  • Additional Contributions
  • Beneficiary Designations - What Happens to My Account When I Die?
  • Overview of the WRS
Hi all,
Happy Valentine's Day!

Peace,
Kathy Rohde
Regional Director
Region 3 WEAC