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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,
Election results were a real mixed bag this week and moving forward we have some celebrations and some bridges to build, eventually. Everyone should be proud of the campaigns they built and all the outreach they did.
Meanwhile, wild urban myths are floating around the state from district to district. Furbies, furries and litter boxes- oh my!
I'm not sure which I miss more, critical thinking skills or the social contact.
Educators in Wisconsin have been underpaid due to the legal hand tying known as Act 10. Now that the legally mandated negotiation point of Consumer Price Index is a REAL number, some education institutions are realizing they need to make a commitment to their educators and pay the full 4.7% CPI increase . . . but some aren't.
Educators in Wisconsin have played by the rules for the past decade. Some years they received a 1% raise and some years they received none. They are entitled to the full 4.7%. The real outrage should be that some people are trying to deny them that.
Kristin Lytie
Regional Director
WEAC 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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This month we chatted with Lola DeVillers, an educator, actress and union member from Sturgeon Bay. We asked her to tell us about her efforts to make a community space for local performers in Door County.
Tell us a little bit about yourself Lola.
I am married and have two adult children. I have been teaching in the Sturgeon Bay School District since 1994. My work has been primarily in elementary education, with a focus in reading. I have always had a love for music and theater, performing in school and community groups throughout my life.
What inspired you to launch the Rogue Theater?
My husband and I had performed in community theater in Door County for many years. Ten years ago, all theater troupes in the area had moved to professional groups, not allowing local actors to participate. We knew that Door County had so much local talent and that those actors needed a place to perform. At the time, my husband said we needed to 'go rogue' . . . and the name stuck.
That's a great name! I notice you offer theater education for youth. With so many schools cutting art and music, why do you feel this is important?
Being an educator, teaching theater to youth was one of my main goals for the theater. I worked to build a summer theater camp for youth, teen programs, as well as family Christmas activities. Many students who struggle with pen and paper, excel in the arts. Finding those areas where students can succeed is crucial. Music, theater, and other art forms help students build self-confidence, self-expression, collaboration and imagination.
What has one of your favorite memories of this work been?
I have so many great memories with the youth I have worked with. The most rewarding experience is when those young actors return to our stage as adults and continue their love of theater with us and share their experiences with the new young actors. My greatest personal acting memories are when I am performing with my husband. We trust each other on stage and know we have each other's back. With live theater, there is no safety net. The show must go on with whatever happens. And believe me, each night can be a different performance.
That sounds like a really beautiful partnership. How has building a life at the intersection of performance, education and activism enriched or changed your life? The community?
Building a life is hard work, no matter what is on your plate. I have been fortunate to have family, colleagues, friends, and a community that supports me. I believe my experience as an actor has helped me be a better educator. And my experience as an educator makes me a better actor. I can see and nurture those sparks within a student that builds the self-awareness of their own strengths. Over time, I have learned to find my strengths and be a better activist. That road has been harder for me. But with the support of my colleagues, I have learned to have a voice and take a stand for what I believe in, and what is best for all, not just the few.
What are you most excited about for the Rogue Theater?
HOME!! That may sound corny but it is so comforting to have a place you call "home." The Rogue Theater began as a traveling troupe. When we first opened The Depot Performing Arts Center in 2013, it was so encouraging to have a home space. That space was then sold, as was the next theater space we rented. To finally have a space that will not be sold, leaving us to travel, is very exciting. Also, it's a space that is meant for the community- a venue that can be used by other art groups, including visual and performing arts.
Where can people learn more about the Rogue, buy tickets or take classes?
To learn more about the Rogue Theater, check out their website at roguetheater.org or feel free to contact them at 1roguetheater@gmail.com. We are always looking for people to join our team, whether on stage or behind the scenes with stage work, lights, sound, costumes, makeup, as well as advertising and graphics.
Thanks so much to Lola for being in the Member Spotlight!
Know a fellow union member doing great work in the community? Nominate them for a Member Spotlight! Email me at LytieK@WEAC.org!
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Voting began at noon on Friday, April 1, and continues to noon on Thursday, April 21, 2022.
The following Region 3 WTCS locals are recertifying: FVTC ESPA, FVTC FA, Lakeshore EA, and NWTC ESS.
Voting online is quick and easy at www.aaaelections.org/WERC.
As a reminder, certification with the WERC requires 51% or more of ALL ELIGIBLE VOTERS to vote “YES” in favor of being represented by the Local Association & WEAC Region 3.
Recertification elections are unique in that all eligible employees who do not vote are counted as “NO” votes. Therefore, encourage ALL of your co-workers to VOTE "YES.".
Additional Recertification Voting Information:
- Your vote is secret.
- The WERC will release the number of votes cast (not who or how) in each election at the mid-point of the voting period.
- Voting "Yes" does not obligate anyone to become a member.
- All employees in a bargaining unit vote, not just union members.
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If you have questions about the election process, click here for FAQs on recertification.
- If you have problems voting, call 1-800-529-5218 during the hours of 9 am to 5 pm Monday-Friday.
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If you are still having problems, please report the issue to Region 3 at 920-496-2440, 800-472-5582 or email Region3@weac.org.
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Urgent Action Needed:
Protect Public Education
The Federal Charter School Program is the single largest funder of charter schools in the country and the US Department of Education has just proposed new regulations that would severely limit for-profit charters and abuse in the system! The pro-privatization movement is flooding the Department of Education with thousands of comments opposing this common sense regulation.
Most importantly, the proposed regulations would:
- Prohibit for-profit operators from getting federal grants to open charter schools.
- Require that all applicants submit a "Community Impact Analysis" on the impact of opening a new charter on existing public schools; including whether additional student seats are needed, or whether there is under-utilized capacity in existing public schools.
These two requirements would significantly restrict the abuse, waste, and profiteering that is rampant in the current Federal Charter School Program. Additionally, we are advocating that the proposals go further in order to:
- Require that all federally funded charters comply with state Open Meeting and Freedom of Information laws
- Require that all federally funded charters employ only certificated educators
We and our allies have until Wednesday, April 13th to submit comments supporting the proposals - and urging them to go further.
We need your help in generating comments. Ask your family, friends and your community allies.
Comments can be submitted HERE.
We encourage you to customize comments, especially with information about local charter schools and the impact on the community and our public schools.
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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.
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!
Early Enrollment lets potential members join the union now and pay no dues until September. This of course excludes people seeking representation, but it does give people a great opportunity to attend union events, workshops and learn more about your unique union culture!
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Join Early at No Extra Cost
WEAC EARLY ENROLLMENT
When you become a member of your local association, WEAC and NEA,
by completing an early enrollment membership form, you pay nothing
until September 1 and immediately receive:
- $1 million in coverage under the Educator Employment Liability (EEL) insurance to protect you if a student or parent sues you during the course of employment
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Discounts and savings through NEA Member Benefits (www.neamb.com).
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Savings through WEA Member Benefits (www.weabenefits.com).
At the start of the school year, you will enjoy the full benefits of membership
including:
- Representation through your local and region in employment disputes
- Eligibility for assistance through the WEAC Legal Services Program in matters related to your employment
- Access to the Attorney Referral Program that provides for two, free half-hour consultations with a participating attorney every year
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Educator Retention Bills Formally Introduced in Legislature
A package of bills aimed at addressing the massive staffing shortages in Wisconsin’s K-12 schools has been formally introduced in the state Legislature.
Our union collaborated with elected officials to bring forward the legislative solutions included in WEAC’s platform for solving the educator shortage. This legislative package supports maintaining our education workforce through treating educators as professionals once again. It includes establishing a minimum pay threshold to pay educators fairly. The package also creates mandated preparation periods, gives educators a voice on school boards, lessens the burden of student loans and more.
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Paid Organizer Positions
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 works closely with these individuals to teach them all about organizing membership drives.
The program 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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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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WEAC Region 3 Representative Assembly
May 14, 2022
The WEAC Region 3 RA will be held Saturday, May 14. 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 April 15. 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.
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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.
If you have not registered delegates, please do so here. 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. April 10 is the deadline to turn in your Delegate and Successor Report forms. Forms can be emailed to WEAC Conference Coordinator Becky Bachman.
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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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The NEA has limited funding available to assist in supporting affiliates interested in affiliate-led professional learning programs.
Each of NEA’s interactive blended learning online courses provides high quality professional learning to members in a combination of in person and online learning platforms allowing participants to learn at their own pace while improving classroom practice and support for all students.
Each course participant becomes part of an NEA blended learning community that provides the opportunity for dialogue and collaboration with other participants across the country. All NEA online blended learning courses run six weeks and are facilitated by NEA trained blended learning course instructors. Participants receive a certificate for 15-hours of professional development upon completion.
The deadline for a local association to apply to bring the blended learning program to your members is Saturday, April 30, with finalists notified by May 10.
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WEAC Webinar Wednesday
On Wednesday, May 4, be sure to register for Sustaining Family Engagement. As the school year comes to a close, this session will focus on strategies that will assist families as they support their student’s learning in the final weeks of school and into the summer. A diagnostic tool will be shared to measure family engagement and how it has the ability to change for the better over time. Register HERE.
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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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