It is really exciting to be back in the schools, seeing the students with eager to learn faces! This is why we do this, right? I know this year will be challenging with the new curriculum and CFA is already a dirty word, but we can get through it and make it work. Now we have a baseline to work with, and it can only get better. The thought process of implementing all at once (at least at the elementary level)is beyond me, but we'll do our best.
We had a successful new teacher lunch at the old District Office on Wednesday, August 17th. Thank you, Todd Huck (BCMS), Christina Martinez (GES), Dianne Coombs (EES), Deb Jordan (GCMS), and Johnna Williams (JCES). It was great to get these members from different sights. They came out and spoke with the new teachers and helped sign up 12 people. Members, please remember to speak to new teachers or people who are not yet members to ask them to join. Share your reason for being a member. Let your building rep know if they are interested and we can get them a membership form! If you don't have a rep, let me know.
A big issue that will be facing us this fall is the mill levy ballot question. It has to pass! Students will be the ones who suffer most from the next round of cuts. As a parent of students in our elementary schools, this scares me. Knowing it will come in the form of increased class sizes due to dramatic staff cuts scares me as a teacher and as an employee. We are not familiar here with the acronym RIF (Reduction in Force). That means about the same as RIP and it can be presented to anyone no matter if you are non-probationary. If a program is cut, you lose your job. Period. (Unless you are highly qualified for another position and that position is available.)
The School Board approved the language for the ballot and now it is up to the voters. In order for it to pass, people need to vote. In order to vote, they must be registered here. This is our FIRST priority. Getting people to register. The focus will be this for September.
Again, welcome back to school and thank you for being members of Eagle County Education Association.
