March 2, 2022
The Seattle Education Association is the voice for educators standing with our students united to address the needs of our community and to transform our district into an anti-racist school system where every student thrives.
Masking Mandate Update & Survey Results
 
We have been in extended crisis the past two years and this has taken a significant toll on all of us. Emotions are running high and members have passionate and differing opinions about how we collectively respond to the ongoing crisis. None of us has all the answers for these unprecedented times. Diverse opinions and viewpoints are healthy and a good thing for our union. As we navigate the discussions around masking requirements, we need to listen for understanding, particularly from those who may disagree with us, and do so with compassion and respect.
 
Friday, February 18, SEA and other union leaders representing educators working in seven different school districts in King County met with Public Health Seattle & King County to discuss the impact of Governor Inslee’s announcement to lift the mask mandate. During the meeting, we advocated that Public Health maintain a masking requirement in schools until at least May 1 (approximately two weeks after most of our spring breaks). After the Governor’s announcement Monday to move the date to earlier in March, we sent our reasons and concerns in the letter linked here.
 
SEA leadership has publicly started to advocate for the mask mandate to remain in place until at least two weeks after spring break consistent with what other education union leaders are advocating to Public Health. We came to this position based on (1) survey data from 2688 educators described more below, (2) input from 196 members at the February 14 Rep Assembly, and (3) in collaboration with surrounding school districts’ union leadership.
 
According to Public Health (posted here February 28):
“Lifting the indoor mask mandate does not mean COVID is over. The use of high quality, well-fitting masks still make sense in certain settings. It is very reasonable to continue to mask if you are at increased risk, are in contact with someone at high risk, out of consideration for people who may be at higher risk in public settings, or if you want to reduce your own risk for any reason.
 
We need to be aware that COVID-19 is still circulating and some risk still remains. Layered protections continue to be important, including staying up to date on vaccination and boosters, improving indoor air quality through ventilation and filtration, and for high-risk persons especially, masking and limiting time in crowded and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.”
 
In the survey, SEA asked, “When should masks become optional for adults working or volunteering on SPS property?”

  • 43% believe no matter what Public Health advises, masks should remain required until the end of the 2021-22 school year.
  • 26% believe masks should remain required until Public Health stops recommending wearing masks.
  • Another 9% believe we should vote and determine whether masks are required.
  • 22% believe masks should not be required if Public Health stops requiring masks.
 
In a different question, 16.8% (or 451 educators) said they’d consider taking a leave of absence or stop accepting substitute jobs to limit exposure if the mask mandate was lifted. Read the full survey results linked here.
 
SPS has publicly stated, that they will continue their current masking policy for everyone until further notice. They also stated, they will “[n]egotiate with the Seattle Education Association, as required by the current collective bargaining agreement, to arrive at a mutually agreeable position regarding any permanent change to mask use requirements throughout the district.” ***
 
In summary, SEA will negotiate masking requirements with the District and continue to seek member input. It is important that with masking changes the voices of those most vulnerable to COVID be heard, educators and students alike. Their needs are historically dismissed in hasty moves to normalcy.
 
***Note, many of the surrounding school districts are not bargaining with educator unions because they did not have this stipulated in their Health and Safety MOUs.
Know Your Rights: Frequently Asked Questions about Budgets

Earlier this week, school leaders received staffing allocations for the upcoming 2022-23 school year. With staff input, school leaders should be working with their BLT to develop a budget that serves their school community best.
 
Budgeting is a stressful time of year. With that in mind, SEA developed this FAQ to help staff navigate the budget process.
Enter the Virtual Giveback Raffle to Win $50 Gift Card
Our local California Casualty representatives, Erica and Michelle, want to show their support for educators with a Giveback Raffle this month. They will be awarding SIX SEA members with a $50 gift card of their choice**. Please click HERE to enter anytime between Friday, March 4 through Friday, March 18. Winners will be announced Monday March 28th!
 
**We ask that the gift card choices prioritize local unionized, women or BIPOC owned businesses to align with our SEA values. Thank you!
Sign Up for NEA Member Benefit’s Women and Money Workshop
We encourage all members to attend the upcoming free Women and Money Workshop on Saturday, March 12, 2022, from 9:30 - 10:30 AM. With so many unknowns these days, we want to help members plan a more secure financial future that supports your personal goals. This workshop focuses on unpacking the challenges women face in saving for retirement, and then teaches a six-step financial strategy designed to combat these challenges and help women secure a confident, comfortable future. Click here to register today. A Zoom link will be emailed after you register.
More Upcoming Engagement Opportunities
 
Saturdays in MARCH. SEA Blueprinting Meeting for Upcoming 2022 Bargain. SEA is heading into an open bargain this spring. It is critical we hear from as many members as possible to determine our collective priorities for the bargain.
 
  • Saturday, March 5:

  • Please register HERE to join the Priority Schools in the morning session from 9AM – 12PM.
  • Please register HERE to join Educational Staff Associates in the afternoon session from 1PM – 4PM.
 
  • Saturday, March 12: 
  • Please register HERE to join the Librarians and Visual & Performing Arts in the morning session from 9AM – 12PM.
  • Please register HERE to join Zones 7, 8, 9 Schools in the afternoon session from 1PM – 4PM.
 
  • Saturday, March 19: 
  • Please register HERE to join the Alternative Learning Experience, CTE, and Athletic Coordinators in the morning session from 9AM – 12PM.
  • Please register HERE to join Multilingual Department and New Hires in the afternoon session from 1PM – 4PM.
Saturday, March 19, Saturday, March 26 8:30 - 11:30am. Taking Charge of Your Future: A WEA Pre-Retirement Seminar. Developed and presented by WEA-Retired members, this training is designed to give information on preparing for retirement, the paperwork process and what to expect from four educators who are living it now. Come learn how to prepare for life after school and negotiate the path to retirement. Cost: FREE, but you MUST be a SEA Member to register. Registration and more information: https://www.seattlewea.org/retirement-info/
Sick Leave Hours Requests
 
Request from Keith McLaren, SpEd at Bridges Program:
I am asking for shared leave donations, so that I can have bonding time with my newborn son, Theo, and help my partner recover from her birth-related procedures. I used my accrued leaves in the fall recovering from a serious medical condition, so anything helps. Thanks for anything you’re willing to give.
 
FYI: Members can access the shared leave form to donate hours by clicking
HERE. Forms can be submitted to HRLeaves@seattleschools.org or FAXED to 206-252-0021 or mailed to Seattle Public Schools, MS 33-380, PO Box 34165, Seattle, WA 98124-1165.
Welcome New SEA Members!
 
Check out the SEA website here and all the useful links such as our current contracts, salary schedules, and more!