TENNESSEE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION Legislative Session Wrap-Up

Transcription

1 TENNESSEE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION TEA RA Updates: Proposed amendments, agenda, budget and candidates, see page 5 TEA LEGISLATIVE REPORT APRIL 21, 2016 VOL. 2, ISSUE Legislative Session Wrap-Up VICTORY for public education! TEA members, their children and TEA staff ride the Civication bus to the legislature during spring break to protect public schools. Face to face meetings with lawmakers and personal calls made a difference this session. Constitutional amendment defeated at last Would have impaired Supreme Court s ability to rule on funding They tried and tried and tried. Rep. Bill Dunn and Sen. Dolores Gresham both support school vouchers. Both have stood in favor of out-of-state special interests seeking to make private profit off of our public schools. But, for the fourth year in a row, TEA stood in the way of vouchers in Tennessee. Undeterred, Dunn and Gresham teamed up again. This time, they tried to change the Tennessee Constitution to take away the requirement that the General Assembly adequately fund a system of public schools. Article Tennessee educators, parents and community members stood strong for our schools, our students and our profession - and won BIG in the 109th General Assembly. TEA passed * Teacher raises and ensured they go into paychecks * Test transparency * Hold harmless legislation (ensures TNReady scores will not harm teacher evaluations) * Strengthened and improved anti-bullying/cyberbullying requirements * Teachers right to be elected to county commissions XI, Section 12 of the state s constitution has long been a point of pride in Tennessee. It requires the General Assembly to provide for a system of free public schools. The fact of the matter is the state s comptroller says Tennessee is underfunding schools by some $500 million. That s caused some systems to go to court and seek relief. That s exactly what Dunn and Gresham wanted to stop. Fortunately, Dunn s version of the antifunding amendment met CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT Sen. Dolores Gresham tried to let public school dollars follow students to private vendors Selling our public schools to the highest bidder seems to be Dolores Gresham s sole focus at the Tennessee General Assembly. It s bad enough she supports vouchers and ending the state constitutional requirement of adequate school funding. She also wanted to create a new kind of voucher program the Course Access Program Act. This euphemistically worded bill purported to give students access to more course options by way of online offerings. But, the text of the bill would have provided LEA funds to students to use with private providers to take online courses. It was designed as a wholesale transfer of public dollars to private vendors with limited accountability. TEA s government relations team saw through this thinly-veiled scheme and worked with pro-public schools lawmakers to improve the bill. Thanks to reliable public education advocate Rep. John Forgety, the legislation was changed to allow it to apply only to current public school students and to give LEAs full control over dollars spent and eligible students. TEA defeated * Private school vouchers * Constitutional amendment (would have weakened state Supreme Court s ability to rule on school funding) * Attack on TEA membership * Parent trigger bill (would have allowed to close schools) * Privatizers efforts to make inroads into Tennessee with several dangerous initiatives TEA stays vigilant on voucher threat This change means there will be more options for students who want access to courses not offered and it also preserves local control of education and accountability for public education dollars. We can t allow the privatizers to have their way with our public schools, said TEA President Barbara Gray. As amended, this bill provides both meaningful options for students and accountability for the very limited public school dollars in our state. We will always fight back against those who seek to outsource public education in Tennessee. TEA fought back on this issue just as it did with the primary voucher bill. In this case, the TEA team worked with education-friendly lawmakers to make a bad bill better, removing the veiled threats and keeping the stated intent. Out-of-state special interests continue their efforts to siphon funds from our public schools, but we ve proven time and again that TEA fights to win. THE STRONGEST VOICE FOR SCHOOLS AND EDUCATORS 1

2 August primary elections critical to public education The 109th General Assembly will go down as one of the best legislative sessions in many years for public education, students and educators. We were able to pass legislation on testing transparency, salary increases, increased health insurance funding, a hold harmless period during the TNReady transition, and more. We were also able to defeat some seriously damaging legislation, including private school vouchers and a direct attack on TEA members payroll dues deduction. We saw more educators, parents and community members engage in the political process this session than ever before, said TEA Executive Director Carolyn Crowder. Having a large, united front advocating for public education gave more legislators the courage to stand up to powerful out-of-state interest groups and instead support their schools, students and teachers back home. With the legislative session over, the attention of all public school advocates must be on the upcoming primary and general elections. To continue the momentum of this session, it is crucial that legislators who supported public education be re-elected and new friends of education replace those legislators who sided with private interests over our schools. Many of the state races in Tennessee will be decided in the primary election on August 4. Tennessee s open primary system allows registered voters to choose the primary election in their district in which they want to vote Democratic or EVERY EDUCATOR REGISTERED TO VOTE CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE STATE OPEN PRIMARY! Voting history, campaign contributions or even party preference is not a factor in Tennessee. The winners of many primary elections will be the next legislators to serve in the Tennessee General Assembly. This means you can t wait until November to elect your next state senator or representative! Early voting starts July 15, primary day is August 4. Vote for the legislators who stood with us! Let s stand for them! TENNESSEE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION (USPS 17201) is published nine times, biweekly, mid-january through mid-may, by the Tennessee Education Association, 801 Second Avenue North, Nashville TN Periodicals postage paid at Nashville, TN. POSTMAS- TER: Send address changes to TENNESSEE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, 801 Second Avenue North, Nashville, TN Periodical postage paid at Nashville, TN. The subscription price of $6.89 is allocated from annual membership dues of $ for active members; $ for associate, education support and staff members; $16.00 for retired members; and $10.00 for student members. Member of State Education Editors (SEE). Postmaster: Send address changes to TENNESSEE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, 801 Second Avenue North, Nashville, TN MANAGING EDITOR: Alexei Smirnov asmirnov@tnea.org 2 Republican. The political landscape of many areas of our state results in state legislative races being decided upon in the primary election. It is so important for educators to show up for the primary election and to know which party s ballot to select, said Crowder. It is no longer about republican or democrat. It is about electing candidates who will stand strong for public education in Tennessee, regardless of party affiliation. TEA members will begin receiving direct mail with more information about the state races in their districts and which legislators stood with us through some important fights this year. Local elections have potential to be just as important as the state races in August. Our opponents who are struggling to defeat us at the state level will see local school boards and county commissions as easier targets, for their anti-public education schemes, said Jim Wrye, TEA chief lobbyist. Educators and other public school advocates must stay vigilant. Many school boards, county commissions and city councils will also hold important elections in August. Please contact your local association for more information on the races in your area. I cannot overstate the importance of the upcoming elections, Wrye said. If you believe in your local public schools, you have to put aside party affiliation and vote for the candidate who will support our students and our profession. ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Jim Wrye EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & PUBLISHER: Carolyn Crowder 801 Second Avenue North Nashville, TN Telephone: (615) , Toll Free: (800) , (800) Fax: (615) Website: BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT: Barbara Gray* (800) VICE PRESIDENT: Beth Brown* (931) SECRETARY-TREASURER: Carolyn Crowder (615) DISTRICT 1 Joe Crabtree* (423) DISTRICT 2 Michele Bowman (865) DISTRICT 3 Michael Carvella (865) DISTRICT 4 Anthony Hancock* (865) DISTRICT 5 Jeanette Omarkhail (423) DISTRICT 6 Jennifer Eilender (931) DISTRICT 7 Emily Mitchell (615) DISTRICT 8 Kevin King (615) DISTRICT 9 Stephen Henry (615) DISTRICT 10 Becky Jackman* (931) DISTRICT 11 Brandi Adams (731) DISTRICT 12 Janis Carroll (731) DISTRICT 13 Trish Stephenson (901) DISTRICT 14 Tiffany Reed (901) DISTRICT 15 Kenyon Cook (901) ADMINISTRATOR EAST Jessica Holman (865) ADMINISTRATOR MIDDLE Margaret Thompson (615) ADMINISTRATOR WEST Dennis Kimbrough (901) HIGHER EDUCATION Josephine McQuail (931) BLACK CLASSROOM TEACHER EAST Pam Thompson (615) BLACK CLASSROOM TEACHER MIDDLE Kawanda Braxton (615) OPEN STATE PRIMARY: August 4 EARLY VOTING BEGINS: JULY 15 Rep. Curtis Halford R-DYER Rep. Larry Miller D-MEMPHIS Rep. Johnnie Turner D-MEMPHIS BLACK CLASSROOM TEACHER WEST Sarah Kennedy-Harper (901) STATE SPECIAL SCHOOLS Debi Ponder (615) NEW TEACHER Carrie Allison (812) ESP Stephanie Bea (901) TN NEA DIRECTOR Tanya Coats (865) TN NEA DIRECTOR Diccie Smith* (901) STEA MEMBER Raymond Boyd (615) TN RETIRED Linda McCrary (615) * Executive Committee AT LARGE RETIRED DIRECTOR ON NEA BOARD JoAnn Smith (423) TEA HEADQUARTERS STAFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Carolyn Crowder; ASST. EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS: Terrance Gibson; Steve McCloud; Jim Wrye; TECHNOLOGY & BUILDING OPERATIONS MANAGER: Galen Riggs; COMPTROLLER: David Shipley; UNISERV FIELD MANAGERS: Karla Carpenter; Leigh Phillips; STAFF ATTORNEYS: John Allen, Virginia We need to keep the legislators who stood with us to protect our students, our schools and our profession. Reps. Halford, Miller and Turner are just three of many friends of public education we must help to re-elect! Their primary is the only election they will have. VOTE for I I m registered. Education I vote. A. McCoy; GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COORDINATOR: Drew Sutton; WEB MASTER & COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR: Amanda Chaney; MANAGING EDITOR & COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR: Alexei Smirnov; INSTRUCTIONAL ADVOCACY & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COORDINATORS: Rhonda Thompson; William O Donnell; COORDINATOR OF ORGANIZING & AFFILIATE RELATIONS SUPPORT: Shannon Bain; ADVOCACY HOTLINE COORDINATORS: Forestine Cole, Gera Summerford & Cynthia Wood. UniServ Staff contact information can be found on page 6. I remember. TEA protects Constitutional funding provision CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT from page 1 a roadblock in the House as legislators began to realize its full implications for their districts. Unfortunately, Gresham chairs the Senate Education Committee and she brought a Senate version of the anti-funding bill to the committee she controls. She even asked members to read both the current language of the Constitution and her proposed amendatory language. After this, Rep. Dunn came before the committee and warned of activist judges coming to take away legislative authority. Although this has never happened before, Dunn assured the committee that recent decisions in Kansas and Washington could embolden Tennessee s Supreme Court to plow new ground and usurp the General Assembly s rightful authority. Apparently, the committee remained unpersuaded. Or, at least, a majority ASD HITS PAUSE from page 8 School District has issued a firm statement that TNReady won t impact school takeover decisions for the upcoming academic year. That s good news for schools and communities weary of contentious takeover fights and a failing ASD model. It s not just the transition to TNReady that s creating trouble for the ASD. In fact, performance data indicates the ASD is failing to live up to its promises. The stated goal of the ASD, as often repeated by its former Superintendent, was to move the schools it managed from the bottom 5 percent in terms of student performance into the top 25 percent. In that regard, the ASD has failed miserably. Of the schools under ASD couldn t be persuaded. While Senators Gresham, Haile, Crowe, and Gardenhire voted for the anti-schools amendment, a fifth vote in favor could not be found. Sen. Steve Dickerson of Nashville cast the lone no vote and Senators Hensley, Tracy, and Tate passed, effectively killing the bill for this legislative session. After this defeat, Dunn admitted it wouldn t make sense to bring the bill up again next year, The Magic of Leadership because the timing would prevent a statewide vote until Rest assured, legislators heard from teachers and parents across the state about the importance of keeping our constitution intact and ensuring language regarding adequate school funding is protected. Your voice made a difference and you helped protect schools and public education once again. management the longest, only two have now moved beyond the bottom 5 percent in student performance. How far did they move? All the way to the bottom 6 percent. While the ASD is taking a year off in terms of new takeovers, the legislature will be conducting a summer study of legislation filed to add real accountability to the process. The pause by the ASD is an opportunity to take a step back, look at what s working and what s not, and reset the ASD s management style. TEA will monitor this process and continue to push for transparency and accountability for the ASD. For now, we re pleased Department of Education leaders have listened to TEA, the Legislative Black Caucus, and others who have called for a timeout. Now, let s use this time constructively. TEA Summer Leadership Academy Embassy Suites Hotel June 16 18, 2016 Cool Springs Register online now: TEA urges using salary schedule to promote raises Teachers around the state worked hard for the last two years to make sure that Gov. Bill Haslam followed through on his pledge to make Tennessee teacher pay the fastest improving in the country. The governor deserves credit for doing his part, introducing a budget with about $200 million for teacher pay in the last two years. But many teachers were frustrated last year when very little of that money made it to their paychecks. The governor heard these concerns and again took steps to address the fact that despite sending millions of dollars to districts for teacher pay, most educators received less than the 4 percent they were told to expect, and many saw no raise at all. The administration introduced new language into a bill making changes to the Basic Education Program, the state s public school funding formula that requires money sent to systems be used for teacher pay if teachers in that system make less than the state average. We are thrilled the governor has engaged on the important issue of making sure when the legislature tells teachers they will get a raise, it actually happens, said TEA Executive Director Carolyn Crowder. The bill language could impact as many as 80 percent of the systems in the state, making good on the promise to help teachers who have been treading water for years. As good as that language is, there has been another factor hurting the growth of teacher pay in recent years. The state minimum salary schedule was gutted in 2013, and teacher pay has stagnated ever since. In addition to collapsing the schedule, the growth in the schedule itself hasn t kept pace with the money coming in for teacher raises. Rather than grow automatically when the state passes a raise, increases to the schedule are voted on every year by the state board of education, typically on recommendation from the Department of Education. Last year, the board chose to only raise the schedule by 2 percent, even though the state provided funds for a 4 percent increase. This is a problem because every school system in the state hires teachers above what the state funds through the BEP. These teachers are paid for with local dollars, and without a local match to the state raise money, everyone in the system receives a smaller raise. If a rising tide lifts all boats, the salary schedule ensures that the smaller ones remain afloat as well. Because the salary schedule is the main way to make sure districts do their part to pay for teacher raises, it is critical for the state board to increase it by the same amount passed by the legislature. The state provided for a 4 percent raise for teachers, but unless the board votes to increase the schedule, most teachers will see far less than that, Crowder said. Local money has always been critical in making sure we have strong schools in Tennessee, and our teachers deserve more than fifty cents on the dollar. TEA is joining with other propublic education groups to call on Commissioner of Education Candice McQueen to ask that the state board raise the minimum salary schedule by at least 4 percent this year. This will ensure teachers receive the raise they deserve, and will put teachers back on the path the governor set when he made teacher pay a priority in PUSHING FUNDING INTO PAYCHECKS from page 8 below the state average. The language also requires that districts use the new state salary money for salary improvements rather than to supplants local funds. Again, this pushes BEP funds into teachers paychecks. At the very least, districts have a strong incentive to push their salaries up in order to move them at or above the state average and provide added budget flexibility. Does a $104 million infusion of BEP salary money mean a raise for Tennessee teachers? This year, for most teachers, the answer is yes. Tennessee s teachers deserve a professional wage, said TEA President Barbara Gray. The BEP Enhancement Act moves us in the right direction. Taking steps to ensure our state s excellent educators actually see an increase in their paychecks is the right thing to do. 3

3 Privatizers are targeting your membership. TEA is the LARGEST and 4 STRONGEST advocate for public education. Out-of-state interest groups want to weaken TEA and silence your voice by eliminating payroll dues deduction. It is time to take control of your membership and remove the threat. Make the switch to EZ Pay today! Protecting your membership is easy with EZ Pay through your credit card or checking account. It is fast, easy, and ensures your membership in TEA - the only organization protecting our schools! If your credit card provides miles or cash back, take advantage with EZ Pay! It also is good for your record-keeping. Remember, your state dues are tax-deductible as a professional expense! PROTECT YOUR MEMBERSHIP. IT ONLY TAKES 5 MINUTES ONLINE! Sign up with a credit card, debit card or checking account. TEA Representative Assembly May 13-14, TEA RA Elections President Two-year term Vice President Two-year term 2016 Assembly to convene in Cool Springs The following pages contain updated information regarding the 2016 TEA Representative assembly, including an updated agenda, candidate list, proposed amendments to TEA s constitution and bylaws, and TEA budget. Hundreds of delegates from local affiliates across Tennessee and student chapters on college campuses are expected to attend the annual business meeting of the Tennessee Education Association set for May at the Franklin Marriott Hotel in Cool Springs. The new location is expected to further ease access and comfort of attendees, as well as provide them with better dining and entertainment options after the close of RA business on Friday night and Saturday afternoon. Franklin Marriott Hotel, Cool Springs TEA Board of Directors District 4 District 5 District 7 District 10 District 14 District 15 TENTATIVE AGENDA REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY Friday, May 13, 5:15-5:45 p.m. - Delegates from the following districts will convene to nominate candidates for the TEA Board of Directors: Four (three-year term); Five (two-year unexpired term), Seven (three-year term), Ten (three-year term), Fourteen (three-year term) and Fifteen (two-year unexpired term). For TEA- FCPE Executive Council, the following districts will convene: One (one-year unexpired term), Two (two-year unexpired term), Four (three-year term), Six (threeyear term), Seven (three-year term), Eight (three-year term), Ten (three-year term), Eleven (three-year term), Fourteen (three-year term) and Fifteen (three-year term). Friday, May 13, 6:00 8:00 p.m. First General Session 1. Invocation 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. National Anthem 4. Seating of Delegates 5. Approval of Minutes 6. Approval of Agenda 7. Adoption of Standing Rules -Consider Amendment to Standing Rules 8. Appointment of Committees -Credentials Committee -Resolutions Committee -Elections Committee 9. President s Speech 10. Legislative/FCPE Report 11. Constitution & Bylaw Amendments 12 Susan B. Anthony Award 13. E. Harper Johnson Human Relations Award 14. Friend of Education Awards 15. Presidential Merit Award 16. Nominations a. Board of Directors (1) TEA President for a two-year term (2) TEA Vice-President for a two-year term (3) West Tennessee Administrator for a threeyear term (4) West Tennessee Black Classroom Teacher for a three-year term (5) ESP Representative for a three-year term (6) NEA Director for a three-year term (7) Classroom Teacher Board members from TEA-FCPE Executive Council District 1 District 2 District 4 District 6 District 7 District 8 One-year unexpired term District 10 District 11 District 14 District 15 Districts 4, 7, 10, and 14 for three-year terms (8) Classroom Teacher Board member from District 5 and 15 for a two-year unexpired term b. East Tennessee contact to the Board of Trustees of the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System for a three-year term c. East Tennessee contact to the Local Education Insurance Committee for a three-year term d. Districts 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 14 and 15 TEA-FCPE Council members for three-year terms e. District 2 TEA-FCPE Council member for a two-year unexpired term f. District 1 TEA-FCPE Council member for a one-year unexpired term 17. TEA/NEA Fund Report 18. Report of the Committee on Campaign Policies and Candidate Expenses 19. Reading of New Business Items* Saturday, May 14, 7:30 9:15 a.m. Election Polls Open Saturday, May 14, 9:30 a.m. Second General Session 1. Membership Awards 2. Tennessee Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) 3. Report of the Executive Director 4. Adoption of the Legislative Program 5. Distinguished Educator Awards 6. Memorial Recognition 7. Financial Report 8. Presentation and Adoption of the Budget 9. Continuation of any unfinished business from the Friday night agenda 10. Action on Proposed Resolutions 11. Action on New Business Items 12. Report of the Credentials Committee 13. Report of the Elections Committee (to be given when vote count is completed) 14. Introduction of Elected Officials 15. Announcements 16. Adjournment *Standing Rules require that this agenda item be completed prior to the adjournment of the First General Session. 5

4 TEA Representative Assembly Proposed Amendments to TEA Constitution/Bylaws TENNESSEE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION ANTICIPATED INCOME FOR BUDGET BUDGET Leadership Meetings / Trainings $ 81,500 $ 79,500 A. Organizing Summit $ 25,000 $ 30,000 B. UniServ Council Meetings / Trainings in UniServ District $ 56,500 $ 49,500 (Regional and Local Affiliate Training) Candidates Running For TEA Positions Elections will be held at the TEA Representative Assembly at the Franklin Marriott Hotel in Cool Springs on Saturday, May 14, between 7:30 and 9:15 a.m. Biographical information and campaign statements submitted by the candidates and/or their campaign coordinators may be found in the March-April issue of Teach. President (two-year term) Barbara Gray Germantown-Arlington EA Vice President (two-year term) Beth Brown Grundy County EA District Four (three-year term) Sherry Morgan Knox County EA District Five (two-year unexpired term) Jeanette Omarkhail Hamilton Co. EA District Seven (three-year term) Emily Mitchell Rutherford EA District Ten (three-year term) Becky Adames Clarksville-Montgomery Co. EA Randall Woodard Robertson Co. EA West Tennessee Administrator (three-year term) Dennis Kimbrough United EA West Tennessee Black Classroom Teacher (three-year term) Tiffany Reed United EA ESP (three-year term) William Joe Sumter Knox County EA Sandra McDurmon, Bartlett NEA Director (three-year term) Karen Anderson Johnson City EA Becky Jackman Clarksville-Montgomery County EA Anthony Hancock Knox Co. EA District One TEA-FCPE (one-year unexpired term) Jenee Peters Washington Co. EA District Ten TEA-FCPE (three-year term) Constance Brown Clarksville-Montgomery Co. EA Need information, services? 801 Second Avenue N., Nashville, TN (615) , (800) , FAX (615) UniServ Coordinators District 1 Harry Farthing, P.O. Box 298, Elizabethton, TN 37644; phone: (423) , fax: (866) ; Assns: Carter, Hancock, Hawkins, Rogersville, Johnson, Northwest Comm. College, Sullivan, Bristol, Elizabethton, Kingsport. District 2 Jennifer Gaby, P.O. Box 70, Afton, TN 37616; (423) , fax: (855) ; Assns: Cocke, East 6 TN State Uni., Newport, Greene, Greeneville, Unicoi, Washington, Hamblen, Johnson City. District 3 Tina Parlier, P.O. Box 70288, Knoxville, TN , (865) , fax: (866) ; Assns: Claiborne, Grainger, Jefferson, Sevier, Union, Scott, Campbell, Oneida (in Scott Co.), Walters State Comm. College. District 4 Duran Williams, KCEA, 2411 Magnolia Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917; (865) , fax: (865) ; Assns: Knox, Pellisippi State Comm. College, UT-Knoxville, TSD, District 5 Jason White, P.O. Box 5502, Oak Ridge, TN 37831; (615) , fax: (855) ; Assns: Anderson, Clinton, Oak Ridge, Blount, Alcoa, Maryville, Lenoir City, Loudon. District 6 Jim Jordan (interim), P.O. Box 3629, Chattanooga, TN 37404, (423) , fax: (866) ; Assns: Bradley, Cleveland, Cleveland State Comm. College, McMinn, Athens, Etowah, Meigs, Monroe, Sweetwater, Polk, Rhea-Dayton, Roane. District 7 Theresa Turner, HCEA P.O. Box 21267, Chattanooga, TN 37424; (423) , fax: (855) ; Assns: Chattanooga State Comm. College, Hamilton, UT-Chattanooga. District 8 Josh Proposed Amendments to TEA Bylaws The TEA Board recommends that the Representative Assembly amend the following articles by deleting the words indicated by a strikethrough and adding the words indicated by bold type. According to Bylaws Article XVI, Any portion of these bylaws may be amended at the annual meeting of the Representative Assembly by a majority vote of the delegates present and voting provided that the proposed amendment has been submitted in writing to the executive director of the Association by an affiliated local association, or by a petition signed by 100 active members, or by the Board of Directors of the Association not later than sixty days prior to the date set for the convening of the Representative Assembly. The executive director shall cause said proposed amendments to be printed in a publication of the Association at least twenty (20) days prior to the annual meeting of the Representative Assembly. An amendment shall become effective on July 1 following its adoption unless the amendment includes a different specified beginning date. An amendment adopted by the Representative Assembly shall not become effective prior to the date following adjournment of the Assembly. Proposed Bylaw Amendment 1 BYLAW ARTICLE X - ELECTIONS District 13: The thirteenth board district shall include all local associations within the counties of Crockett, Dyer, Lake, Lauderdale, Obion, Tipton, and Shelby (Municipals), exclusive of the Memphis-Shelby County Education Association affiliated local education association representing members in the Shelby County School System. Rationale: Article X of the TEA Constitution and Bylaws contains descriptions of the TEA Board Districts. The Memphis Shelby County Education Association is no longer the affiliated TEA local representing members in the Shelby County School System (SCS). The United Education Association of Shelby County (UEA) is now the affiliated TEA local representing members within SCS. Since the description of other Board districts in the bylaws do not contain the name of a local the proposal is to make the change to be more in line with the rest of the TEA Board descriptors. Proposed Bylaw Amendment 2 BYLAW ARTICLE X - ELECTIONS District 14-15: The fourteenth and fifteenth board district shall be the Memphis-Shelby County Education Association affiliated local education association representing members in the Shelby County School System. Rationale: The rationale for the proposed change in this portion of the bylaw is the same as the rationale Trent, P.O. Box 451, Livingston, TN 38570, (931) , fax: (855) ; Assns: Clay, Cumberland, Fentress, Jackson, Morgan, Pickett, Putnam, Overton, York Institute, TN Tech. Univ, Bledsoe, Sequatchie,Van Buren, White. District 9 Jackie Pope, 2326 Valley Grove Dr., Murfreesboro, TN 37128;phone: (615) , fax: (855) , Assns: Bedford, Moore, Cannon, DeKalb, Coffee, Franklin, Grundy, Manchester, Tullahoma, Marion, Warren. District 10 Jeff Garrett, P.O. Box 1326, Lebanon, TN ; (615) , fax (855) ; Assns: Rutherford, Murfreesboro, Sumner, MTSU, Macon, Smith, Trousdale. District 11 Antoinette Lee, P.O. Box 1412, Antioch, TN 37013; (615) , fax: (888) ; Assns: FSSD, Williamson, TN Dept. of Ed. District 12 Sue Ogg; P.O. Box , Nashville, TN ; (615) , fax: (855) Assns: Giles, Lawrence, Lewis, Lincoln, Fayetteville, Maury, Marshall, Motlow State Comm. College, Perry, Wayne. for Amendment 1. It is more in line with other Board district descriptors to take out reference to a particular local. Proposed Bylaw Amendment 3 BYLAW ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP c. Beginning with the membership year the annual membership dues of active and education support members of the Tennessee Education Association shall be increased by seven dollars and fifty cents ($7.50). This dues increase shall be allocated to the TEA- Fund For Children and Public Education (FCPE). Active and education support members who do not wish to contribute to the TEA-FCPE can opt out of the contribution in accordance with TEA Board Policy 3911 and the appropriations shall be redirected to general government relations support funds. Rationale: Currently, the yearly per person contribution to the TEA Fund for Children and Public Education is approximately $4.50. This proposed new section c to Bylaw III would increase that amount to $12.00 per year or 1.00 per month. TEA is being far outfunded in lobbying and in election campaigns by special interests with deep pockets bent on destroying public education and TEA s influence. While this will not match the amount of money being spent against us, it would give us a fighting chance to get our message out regarding friends of public education candidates during election season and thus help us defeat those that are leading the charge against us during the legislative session. It needs to be noted that TEA Fund monies can only go to state candidates. None of the funding as a result of this bylaw change can go to federal candidates. Standing Rule 2 DELEGATE CREDENTIALS AND SEATING The executive director of the Association shall issue delegate credentials to any eligible active member of the Association who shall be designated by the president and secretary of the member s affiliated local association as having been elected a delegate by the membership of that local association and submitted within at least 90 minutes of before the start of the first business session. Any professional member possessing valid delegate credentials shall be seated as a member of the Representative Assembly unless the seating of such member is challenged before the close of the first business session by a delegate from the challenged member s local affiliate, the TEA Board of Directors or upon signed petition of fifty (50) delegates. Rationale: This change clarifies when delegate credentials need to be submitted on the first day of the TEA Representative Assembly. It also clarifies when such credentials can be challenged. District 13 Mary Campbell, Susan Dalton, Metro Nashville, 531 Fairground Court, Nashville, TN 37211; (615) (Campbell), (615) (Dalton), fax: (855) (Campbell), (855) (Dalton); Assns: Cumberland Uni., Dept. of Higher Ed., Metro Nashville, TN School For The Blind, Lebanon, Wilson. District 14 Maria Uffelman, P.O. Box 99, Cumberland City, TN 37050; phone: (931) , fax: (855) ; Assns: Austin Peay State Uni., Clarksville-Montgomery, Robertson. District 15 Cheryl Richardson, P.O. Box 354, Goodlettsville, TN 37070; phone: (615) , fax: (888) ; Assns: Benton, West Carroll, Central, Clarksburg, Huntingdon, McKenzie, Henry, Paris, Houston, Humphreys, Stewart, Cheatham, Dickson, Hickman. District 16 Lorrie Butler, P.O. Box 387, Henderson, TN 38340; (731) , fax: (855) ; Assns: Chester, Hardeman, West TSD, Henderson, Lexington, Jackson-Madison, Jackson State Comm. College, McNairy, Decatur, Hardin. District 17 Terri Jones, P.O. Box 2140, Cordova, TN 38088; (901) , fax: (844) ; Assns: Crockett, Dyer, Dyersburg, Dyersburg State Comm. College, Gibson, Humboldt, Milan, Trenton, Haywood, Lake, Lauderdale, Obion, Union City, UT-Martin, Tipton, Weakley. District 18 Zandra Foster, 3897 Homewood Cove, Memphis, TN 38128; (901) , fax: (855) ; Assns: Bartlett, Collierville, Fayette, Germantown-Arlington- Lakeland, Millington, Southwest State Comm. College, Uni. of Memphis. District 19 Assns: TEA West Karla Carpenter, UniServ Field Manager; UniServ Directors: Glenda Jones, Tom Marchand Stage Road, Bartlett, TN 38134; phone/fax (901) ; Membership Income $ 7,813,777 $ 7,555,800 (a) 2. Rent $ 10,908 $ 10, Interest projections $ 355,000 $ 5, UniServ Grants from NEA to TEA $ 891,434 $ 1,081,708 (b) 5. Miscellaneous -Legal Fee Recoveries, etc. $ 55,000 $ 55,000 -Underspent approved funds from previous budgets $ 796,594 Grand Totals $ 9,126,119 $ 9,505,010 (c) (a) Membership Income based on dues of $ ($ for TEA budget + $4.50 as pass-through TEA-FCPE) [c] Active Members - 27,100 x $ $ 7,371,200 Education Support - 1,100 x $ $ 149,600 Student Members - 3,500 x $10.00 $ 35,000 Subtotal $ 7,555,800 (b) This is based on 27 units x $38,804 + $34,000 special one time grant $ 1,081,708 (c) $124,445 pass-through funds will go to TEA-FCPE based on the above membership projections. If bylaw amendment 3 passes, the amount will equal $211,500. Proposed Budget for Governance TEA will develop, in partnership with elected leadership, professional development and decision making processes that clearly advance the association s mission and vision. 1. Travel, President and Board $ 133,500 $ 133,500 Travel for the president and the Board including board meetings and NEA Convention under the same policies as apply to state delegates, except TEA Committee expenses which are charged to the respective committee. 2. Housing Allowance - President $ 15,000 $ 15,000 If the home of the president is more than 50 miles from Nashville, it is necessary for the president to live in Nashville. This item is to cover rent and utilities. If the president lives within 50 miles, this item will not be expended, but the president may commute daily at TEA expense. 3. Departments and Sections $ 2,000 $ 2,000 Funds for activities of affiliated departments and sections according to a funding formula based upon attendance at their annual meeting. Sections are organized by education specialty (English, science) and job assignments (elementary principal, attendance teacher). Departments encompass broad areas (higher education, retired teachers). 4. Committees and Commissions^ $ 31,990 $ 31,990 Adm. Task Force (1)* $ 1,000 $ 1,000 Communications (1) $ 1,000 $ 1,000 ESP (1) $ 1,000 $ 1,000 Human Relations (2) $ 1,810 $ 1,810 Internal Organizational Needs (1) $ 1,000 $ 1,000 IPD Commission (2) $ 2,350 $ 2,350 Membership (1) $ 1,000 $ 1,000 Member Benefits (1) $ 1,000 $ 1,000 Minority Affairs (2) $ 1,810 $ 1,810 NEA Concerns (2) $ 1,810 $ 1,810 Organizing and Advocacy (1) $ 1,000 $ 1,000 Resolutions (1) $ 1,000 $ 1,000 State Special Schools (1) $ 1,000 $ 1,000 Status of Women (2) $ 1,810 $ 1,810 Career and Tech (1) [Vocational ] $ 1,000 $ 1,000 New Teacher Committee $ 1,000 $ 1,000 Miscellaneous $ 3,400 $ 3,400 Presidents Council $ 8,000 $ 8,000 *Number of Meetings 5. TEA Representative Assembly $ 55,000 $ 55,000 Auditorium rental, credentials, services of parliamentarian, required liability insurance, audio visual equipment, awards luncheon and awards. 6. NEA Convention $ 63,000 $ 63,000 Meals, lodging, travel for non-board state delegates and other expenses according to established policies. 7. Publications and Association Dues $ 10,000 $ 10,000 Dues payments to the National Council of State Education Associations and other approved professional organizations. Certain education related publications and materials are included. Governance $ 310,490 $ 310,490 Organizing TEA will aggressively advance an association-wide culture of organizing and engage members as a collective, in pursuit of TEA s vision of great public schools that prepare students for success in a diverse and interdependent world. 8. Workshops and Conferences Membership A. New Educators Events / Membership Events / Trainings $ 42,000 $ 42,000 (This above line includes the former Association Rep. Membership Training within UniServ District) B. ESP Conference $ 2,000 $ 2,000 C. Field Organizing Events / School Visit $ 14,000 $ 14,000 D. Administrators' Conference $ 2,000 $ 2,000 E. New Teacher Conference $ 2, TEA Summer Leadership Training $ 38,000 $ 38,000 Summer Leadership Education Summer 11. Local Membership Organizing Plans Plans may include funding for retried recruiters, or other elements to convert, recruit, or sustain membership. $ 72,500 $ 80, Member Assistance Program $ 20,000 $ 25,000 Members Assistance Program provides professional counseling to TEA members. Organizing $ 272,000 $ 284,500 Business Operations TEA will administer the business operations in a manner that supports the changing needs and priorities of TEA and ensures efficient and effective infrastructure that supports good fiscal management and uses technology for innovation that strengthens the Association. 13. Salaries and Benefits for President and Staff $ 6,401,329 $ 6,734,230 Includes retirement, Social Security, insurance, Workers Compensation, federal and state unemployment taxes for professional staff, associate staff and president. 14. Audit and Tax Reporting $ 25,000 $ 25,000 TEA retains the services of a local accounting firm for this purpose. 15. Liability Insurance $ 9,000 $ 9,000 Liability insurance for educational support members who are not NEA members, and association liability insurance for local and state officers. (NEA provides the $1 million liability insurance on individual UEP members.) 16. Travel, Staff $ 260,000 $ 260,000 Work-related expenses for in and out-of-state travel including NEA Convention and TEA- funded workshops, conferences. Expenses include food, lodging, air travel, car rental, and fleet automobile expenses. 17. Computer Operations $ 70,000 $ 70,000 Computer supplies, some equipment items and software licensing fees. 18. Telephone $ 54,000 $ 54,000 Telephone service for the TEA headquarters and UniServ staff including toll free lines for the TEA building. 19. Office Supplies $ 35,400 $ 35,400 a. Membership Forms & Cards b. Other office supplies and envelopes Page 1 Page Postage $ 70,000 $ 70,000 Postage for all mailings, including UPS, except Member Publications (teach, Advocate) 21. Printing $ 75,000 $ 50,000 Paper and printing supplies for TEA printing. 22. Insurance: Travel and Automobiles $ 30,000 $ 30,000 Travel accident insurance for Board members, professional staff, commission and committee members while on official TEA business, and fleet insurance on cars operated by the staff and the president. 23. Miscellaneous $ 15,000 $ 15,000 Moving expenses for the TEA President, TEA staff who are required to move, and unanticipated expenses. 24. Utilities $ 95,000 $ 95,000 Electricity, water, and sewer 25. Building and Equipment Maintenance Contracts $ 115,000 $ 115,000 Maintenance and service contracts on equipment, building and grounds. 26. Building Repairs, Maintenance, and Supplies $ 45,000 $ 25,000 Repair and maintenance of building, grounds, furniture, and equipment not covered by maintenance contracts and janitorial supplies. 27. Taxes (Property) $ 132,000 $ 132,000 Taxes on the TEA building, land, and personal property. 28. Insurance $ 40,000 $ 40,000 TEA building and contents and an umbrella excess provision for covering personal injury, property, and advertising liability; additional coverage as required. 29. Office Furniture and Equipment $ 3,000 $ 3,000 Replacement of furniture and small office machines and the purchase of additional items as needed. 30. Automobiles $ 80,000 $ 80,000 TEA provides automobiles for staff in accordance with TEA policy. (Automobiles are usually traded after 100,000 or more miles). 31. Fixed Asset Replacement A. Computers $ 10,000 $ 10,000 B. Miscellaneous $ 50,000 $ 50,000 C. Building Depr. Res. $ 71,010 $ - Total $ 131,010 $ 60, NEA 360 $ 6,000 The NEA 360 website will allow members to connect on educational, leadership, political, or organizational topics. 33. TEA West Office $ 40,000 The TEA West Office was opened to aid in serving members in Shelby and other western TN counties. TEA PROPOSED BUDGET go to page 8 7

5 BEP changes mean money for raises Governor Bill Haslam proposed and the General Assembly passed a $104 million (4 percent) increase in the BEP instructional component. Does this mean teachers will get a 4 percent raise? This is the question Tennessee teachers are sure to be asking as the school year winds down and local budget discussions heat up. To put it simply, with the BEP changes passed this year, there s a better chance almost every teacher will see a significant raise than in any other year since Bill Haslam has been governor. Will it be 4 percent? That s a bit more complicated because of the way the state funds teaching positions. The state only pays 70 percent of salaries for teachers generated through the BEP formula. That leaves districts to cover the remainder AND pay the full cost of any teachers hired over the BEP formula. The good news: The BEP Enhancement Act contains language that will essentially compel almost every district (116 of 141) to use the new money for salary. Specifically, the bill states: When funds are appropriated through the basic education program (BEP) funding formula for instructional salaries and wages, all such funds must be expended on instructional salaries and wages; however, if an LEA s average licensed salary exceeds the statewide average salary, such funds may also be expended on instructional benefits. (C) An LEA shall maintain its budgeted level of local funding for salaries and wages from the prior year, with exceptions made for loss of enrollment, and shall not utilize increases in state funding for instructional salaries and wages to offset local expenditures in these categories. What does all that mean? It means that unless your district pays a higher average salary than the state average of $50,463, the district MUST use all BEP instructional salary money for salary and wages not benefits. Now, this could mean they hire more teachers. But it also essentially ensures actual salaries will rise. In many rural districts, it will mean a raise at or approaching four percent. As noted, almost every district pays a salary PUSHING FUNDING INTO PAYCHECKS ASD hits pause Won t take over schools in The Tennessee Achievement School District recently announced that it will not take over any schools in the school year. The reason behind this move is the transition to TNReady. TEA has been pushing for just such a moratorium since the beginning of this year. We are pleased to see ASD leaders responding to the communities demanding accountability. Back in January, as the legislative session was just beginning, we wrote: The lack of true community input (in ASD decisions) led the Legislative Black Caucus to call for a moratorium on ASD expansion. TEA supports a moratorium. After the recent takeovers, the ASD will manage more than 30 schools. They have been managing without accountability and without a record of positive results. The community input process in both Nashville and Memphis has been a sham. When caught in deceptive practices, the ASD has simply said they are allowed by law to do what they are doing to be the school-eating monster across the state. The Department of Education hinted at this move during legislative discussions on the hold harmless bill regarding TNReady. Now, the Achievement ASD HITS PAUSE TEA PROPOSED BUDGET from page Human Resource Project $ 5,000 TEA will be developing an employee handbook and other new employee orientation materials. Business Operations $ 7,685,739 $ 7,953,630 Instructional Advocacy 35. Instruction and Professional Development $ 37,000 $ 37,000 A. IPD Symposium $ 22,000 $ 22,000 B. Minority Affairs Conference $ 15,000 $ 15, Student Programs 1. Student TEA $ 28,000 $ 28,000 Funding for leadership training, allowable expenses to TEA and NEA representative assemblies, STEA annual convention, travel for state officers, and special projects. 2. Future Teachers of America $ 6,500 $ 5,000 Funding for three regional college career days and annual convention, a summer briefing for FTA sponsors, and special projects. Instructional Advocacy $ 71,500 $ 70,000 Legal Advocacy 37. Legal Services $ 515,000 $ 615,000 This amount is to pay the legal firm retainer, lawyer fees, court costs, and other legal services in accordance with the reimbursement agreement of the NEA DuShane Fund to cover approved legal expenses of UEP members. Costs of subscriptions to legal publications and reporting services are also included in this amount. Political Advocacy 38. Government Relations A. Public Information Program -- Funds for $ 62,590 $ 52,278 a media campaign to promote public education. B. Polling (Issues, Candidate) -- Polling to determine $ 35,000 $ 5,000 positions of members and voters on candidates and political issues. C. Member Lobby Activities -- Travel expenses for $ 13,000 $ 13,000 members to lobby in the state legislature, participation in the annual Black Legislative Caucus retreat, plus training and lobby activities at the local level. D. Legislative Functions -- Legislative leadership meetings, $ 2,000 $ 2,000 committee functions, regional and national legislative meetings, and legislative receptions. Meals and/or refreshments may be included with these activities. E. Campaign Promo Activities -- Outside consultants $ 1,000 $ 1,000 to assist with campaign strategy, public relations programs, media, and design of materials. F. Communications/ Program Support-- Workshops, special $ 20,000 $ 20,000 subscriptions, lobbyist registration, phone banks, other printing, postage, plus other supplies and materials. G. The Advocate $ 16,188 $ 78,000 The Advocate is sent to active, retired, student, and educational support members. This item includes cost of paper, printing, art work, non-profit second-class mailing. The Advocate was moved from Communications. Funds from TEA's Image Campaign, Clipping Service, and Polling are being moved to fund the Advocate. H. Miscellaneous and Committees $ 10,000 $ 10,000 Legislative Editing Committee (TEA-FCPE Funds are not included in the TEA budget as pass-through funds.) Page 5 Political Advocacy $ 159,778 $ 181,278 Page 6 Communication TEA will utilize the best communication strategies to engage members, partners, parents and communities. 39. Public Relations $ 39,800 $ 18,300 A. Image Campaign: (radio and TV spots, billboards, bumper stickers, newspaper ads, branding program) $ 30,000 $ 10,000 B. Local Newsletter Contest $ 600 $ 600 C. News Clipping Service $ 1,500 $ - D. Photography (processing, equipment, repair) $ 1,200 $ 1,200 E. School Bell Awards Program $ 1,000 $ 1,000 F. Cavit Cheshier Local/Assn Award $ 1,000 $ 1,000 G. Video Supplies & Production $ 1,500 $ 1,500 H. Miscellaneous Communications $ 3,000 $ 3, Member Publications (teach, etc.) $ 71,812 $ 71,812 TEACH is sent to active, retired, student, and educational support members. This item includes cost of paper, printing, art work, non-profit second-class mailing. Communication Totals $ 111,612 $ 90,112 8 Page 7