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For years, education advocates have fought the Legislature to get the simple majority measure, HJR 4204, on the ballot for voters to decide. Finally, during this last legislative session, lawmakers agreed to send it out for a vote of the people.
Here are some facts to know about simple majority:
PLEASE VOTE ON NOVEMBER 6!
WEA-PAC is a political action committee that is only involved in candidate issues, not levies, not bonds, not initiatives, only political races from school board to state offices. It is a separate organization with a separate staff, funding and bylaws. They interview and question candidates to help members understand the candidates’ views. Republican or Democrat is not an issue. WEA-PAC supports any candidate that is a friend of public education regardless of party affiliation. It has an 80% success rate on political races.
WEA-PAC endorsed candidates including Governor Christine Gregoire and State Senator Chris Marr have been instrumental in funding the COLA, changing the retirement age for Plan 3 members and supporting the Simple Majority constitutional change.
For the first time in many years WEA-PAC membership will be available through payroll deduction. Yearly dues are now $27.00 and if you sign up for payroll deduction $2.25 per month will be deducted from your paycheck. You will remain a member and will not have to rejoin every year. You can resign at any time by notifying CVSD to end the payroll deduction. If you enroll for payroll deduction you can cancel your automatic checking account withdrawal by checking the appropriate box on the form.
Your building rep will have a meeting to urge all members to join. Please give it consideration. Remember, as long as politicians are involved in education-- educators should be involved in politics. Your professional well being may depend on it.
In addition to the Simple Majority issue Central Valley School District patrons will also have an important Central Valley School Board election to decide on November 6. Incumbent Lynn Trantow is being challenged for the Board Director District #4 seat by Spokane Valley veterinarian Keith Clark. It is very important that voters make an informed decision when they cast ballots for this important position on our school board. To learn more about Keith Clark’s views interested voters can go to his web site at www.keithclarkforkids.com. Additional information on both candidates can be found in the state Voter’s Guide that has been mailed to your home.
BE INFORMED AND VOTE!
GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR TEACHER PROJECTS
The Eastern Washington UniServ Council is providing funding for Community Outreach Program (COP) grants. The goal of the grants is to encourage local associations to develop and build cooperative relationships with and within their communities to promote public education. The grant may focus on department, grade level, building, district, council-wide or community impact. Projects must incorporate interaction between our members and community stakeholder groups in a setting with high community visibility and impact. Equipment purchases, unless uniquely needed for the project, are discouraged. Grants are available to local education associations, buildings or sites or individual association members.
The grant focus is intended to build relationships outside the Association with parents, community groups, community organizations (Kiwanis, Rotary, Elks, etc.), school related organizations (PTO, PTA, Administrators, School Boards, PSE, etc.) and any others that impact public education.
The maximum amount is $1500 per grant. Grants must be submitted by October 31 and a second round of grants will be available in the early spring.
Examples of previously awarded grants:
The grant should in some way be identified with the Association. At a minimum, the local association logo must be acknowledged. If possible, WEA-Eastern Washington, WEA and NEA should be acknowledged.
Grant recipients will be expected to make a presentation to the Council at the completion of their project.
For COP grant applications please see your building rep or call the CVEA office (926-0201).
I plan to be in the following buildings during lunch to meet members and answer questions. kr