FY15-16 Outlook City Council Briefing Meeting September 2, 2015 CARE Key Focus Area:
September 2015 Focus
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Transcript of September 2015 Focus
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focus on educators is an award winning publication of the Pittsburg Education Association/CTA/NEA www.peateachers.org
California Teachers Association
Statement of Mission
The California Teachers Association exists to protect and promote the well-being of its members; to improve the conditions of
teaching and learning; to advance the cause of free, universal, and quality public education; to ensure that the human dignity
and civil rights of all children and youth are protected; and to secure a more just, equitable, and democratic society.
SEPTEMBER 2015
Volume XXIV, Number 1
Dear PEA Members,
Welcome back to a new school year
full of extraordinary possibilities! I
hope you are all well rested and
excited about what will happen here
in very sunny and HOT Pittsburg,
California. As you know, our former
president, Dawn Cova, has moved
into a staff position with CTA. With
the vacancy of the presidency I had
the opportunity to step into the role
for the full term of office as your
president for the next two years. Im feeling energized by the many
messages of encouragement and
congratulations Ive received from members. Thank you all for your
support and confidence as we begin
this new journey together.
Not to take us back to summer, but I
need to describe something awesome
I want all of us to think about doing in
the future. I was a NEA RA State
Delegate this summer in Orlando,
Florida. My second assembly was
better than my first one because I did
have some concept of what to expect.
The first choice I made was to be a
Green Delegate. That meant not
picking up all the papers one needs to
accomplish the job of learning of the
proposed amendments to the
constitution, bylaws, and standing
rules that would be discussed and
voted on. Instead I used my phone to
access the information. The
Assembly still held that sense of awe
for me as I recognized that policies
for public education would be
discussed and decided on that week.
There of course was down time for
one day and I ventured out to
Universal Studios solo. I walked the
two parks only to see one thing,
everything Harry Potter!!! I geeked
out and smiled broadly in Diagon
Alley and Hogsmeade. I rode the
Hogwarts Express, drank butterbeer
(non-alcoholic), toured Hogwarts
School, and watched a dragon breathe
fire on top of Gringotts Bank. I
couldnt stop taking pictures!
The rest of the week was full. I was
able to meet new people, listen and
learn what NEA and its members
proposed for us as educators, vote as
a state delegate, and cheer on many
speakers that inspired me with the
vision of our future and our students futures. It was amazing and all I
wanted was to see more of us from
Pittsburg there together. So, next
year lets make it a party!
Back to the new school year of 2015-
2016, we have a lot to look forward
to. I want us all to have that broad
smile on our face. I hope you feel
geeky and giddy with anticipation for
all you want to accomplish with our
students. As PUSD educators youve shown your dedication to your
profession and your willingness to dig
deeper in advocating and gaining
success in your students learning. I know you will make this year count!
Thank you for all you do.
Sincerely,
Tammy Carr
PEA President
On educators
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PEA Leadership 2015-2016
President
Tammy Carr
Highlands Elementary/PEA Office
Elementary Vice President
Vacant
Secondary Vice President
Bertha Ramos
Rancho Medanos
Secretary
Michell Redfoot
Willow Cove Elementary
Treasurer
Vicky Krywokulsky
Stoneman Elementary
Committee Chairs:
Grievance Committee
John Kleinjans Pittsburg High
Chris Coan Willow Cove Elementary
Negotiations Team
Mark Maselli - Chair
Political Action Committee Chairs
Chris Coan
Jim Vaughan
Elections Chair
Ruth Foster
Human Rights & Womens Issues Chairs
Yvonne Burton
Najah Perkins
O-Team Chairs
Arthur Pruyn
Marissa Young-Padilla
CTA State Council Representatives
Mark Maselli PEA
Arthur Pruyn (Alt.) - PEA
Membership Chairs
Lisa Gunderson
Yvonne Burton
Technical Editor
Susan Harrison PEA Office Administrator
Focus on Educators
is a publication of the
Pittsburg Education Association CTA/NEA
159 East 4th Street
Pittsburg, CA 94565
Phone: (925) 432-0199
email: [email protected]
website: www.peateachers.org
Rep. Council Meeting Calendar (Tuesdays)
September 15
October 20
November 17
December 15
January 19
February 16
March 15
April 19
May 17
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School Board Meeting Calendar
September 9 & 23
October 14 & 28
November 18
December 9
January TBD
February TBD
March TBD
April TBD
May TBD
June - TBD
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Are You Getting Your PEA Information?
Having our Site Reps collect your input, attend the monthly Rep
meeting and then report back to you is vital in the
communication chain of our Association.
Roll call at last June 1st Rep Council Meeting:
Adult Ed. absent Stoneman present
Foothill present Willow Cove present
Heights absent MLK Jr. absent
Highlands present Hillview - present
Los Medanos present Rancho Medanos present
Marina Vista present PHS - present
Parkside present Black Diamond present
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Site Reps Wanted!
Attend 1 meeting per month at the PEA office
$20 stipend per meeting
Hold 1 10-minute meeting at your site per month
Raffle & prizes for attendance and for holding your 10-minute meeting
Stay informed & be the first to know whats happening!
Be selected for joint PEA/PUSD committees and interview panels
Hear what the hot topics are at all the school sites
Become a strong advocate for Pittsburg public schools, teachers, and students
Site rep training provided!
Site Reps Job Description
1. Attend the monthly Representative Council meeting at the PEA office.
2. Represent the views and input of the membership at your school site.
3. Collect the FOCUS and any other materials from the Rep Council meeting and distribute to the members at your school site.
4. Hold a monthly 10-minute meeting at your site after the Rep Council meeting; gather any site concerns or questions to forward to the Executive Board.
5. Collect the email addresses of the members of your school site. Forward messages from the Executive Board to members. Distribute email messages from PEA to your members.
6. Conduct elections at your site: distribute ballots, encourage members to vote, collect and return ballots to PEA by the required dates.
7. Survey site members or collect site data as requested by the PEA Executive Board.
8. Be familiar with the PEA/PUSD collective bargaining agreement (contract). Assist members in answering questions about the contract.
9. Attend meetings with members as their Association Representative, when requested.
10. Know your duty of fair representation.
11. Support teachers at your site in any way you can.
12. Ask for assistance from the Executive Board when you are unable to answer members questions.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Welcome
New Teacher Orientation August 14, 2015
New Teacher Orientation was held on August 14 at the Elks Lodge, Pittsburg. PEA was able to host the lunch portion of the orientation with food from Las Panchitas. It was wonderful to see the 81 new members joining our district (PUSD), as well as, our Association! The new teachers were able to ask questions and learn more about PEA.
Member Benefits Corner
Did you know that your CTA and NEA associations provide you with a wide array of member benefits? I didnt until I attended a CTA Member Benefits Workshop last month. I was amazed at the vast amount of services available for all of us, like the CTA Well Baby Program, a CTA Cash Rewards credit card, or an NEA program guaranteeing savings on new car purchases.
If youre a Facebook friend of mine, you know my 2003 Volkswagen Bug is running on its last leg. Ive taken it to several local mechanics and my dealership only to hear, I can try to fix it for $800, but it probably wont pass smog. In California if I cant smog it, I have to junk it. I needed a new car so I went shopping through my NEA Auto Buying Program. Online, I was able to search for the type of car I wanted and get instant quotes from several local dealers. For each competitive quote, I was issued a certificate stating that my quote was good for 30 days.
So sometime soon, Ill be sporting a 2015 Kia Soul! If youre interested in buying a car, check out: http://www.neamb.com/shopping-discounts/nea-auto-buying-program.htm
The NEA Auto Buying Program offers members Guaranteed Savings through local dealers. Search for any new vehicle and view a wide range of used vehicle listings. There is never any cost to use the service or obligation to buy plus all dealers are prescreened to provide you with the best car buying experience.
See Guaranteed Savings on NEW CARS
Members have seen an average savings of $3,221 off MSRP*
Get a price and your Guaranteed Savings** before going to a dealership
Work with pre-screened dealers for customer savings and a great experience
NEA Member Discounts on USED CARS
Save up to $1,000 off used vehicles Used car pricing tool lets you know youre getting a great
deal Free CARFAX reports and/or warranties on select
vehicles
Respectfully submitted, Yvonne Burton, Foothill Elementary
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This Month in Politics
By, Chris Coan & Jim Vaughan
Political Action Chairs
This article is designed to inform our members of the recent political activity effecting students in the classroom and our professions. For more information, consult your CTA and NEA websites.
Recently, Governor Brown signed into law legislation that suspends the requirement for high school students to pass the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) to receive a diploma for students who completed their credits to graduate last school year! There is legislation being proposed to suspend the requirement for students to pass the tests (English and Math) in order to receive their diploma this year as well.
CTA is a co-sponsor of a law (AB 709) that will require Charter Schools to comply with public law governing the operation of publicly funded schools. Currently, Charter Schools are not being required to conduct their business with public access to important information and records. This allows them to act as though they are a private entity while they are receiving public funds to operate the school. The bill specifies that Charter Schools have to comply with the Brown Act, the Political Reform Act and Government Code 1090.
Election Year 2016 is upon us! We need volunteers from each site to help get the word out to voters. Volunteers will have the opportunity to express our views on candidates and issues impacting the education our students receive and the conditions under which we work. Please notify your Site Representative if you are willing to help make a change in our political environment that better serves the needs of students in public education.
And locally
Did you know that the School Board makes decisions that affect your teaching and working conditions? We have decided to begin our School Board 2016 campaign by putting together a timeline of action for the next year. With two School Board seats opening up in November of 2016, PEA is committed to filling those two seats with School Board Members who listen and understand the challenges we face each and every day as educators. We will need the support of local Pittsburg teachers and residents of Pittsburg to ensure viable candidates that are effective for our school board. Please stay tuned and be willing to help!
NEWS
2015 Summer Institute Conference
Los Angeles, California The sessions I attended at the 2015 Summer Institute Conference were so informative and current. The presenters were excellent and professional. The scheduling of the sessions offered was well timed and arranged. Staying in the dorms made attendance easy. The evening activities were so much fun. Meeting new fellow educators and working together made the summer one of the most memorable of my Professional Developments, thus far. I look forward to attending next summer and highly recommend the experience to all PEA members for professional and personal growth!
Respectfully submitted, Najah Perkins, Foothill Elementary
Najah Perkins and Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsome
Yvonne Burton and Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsome
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Know Your Contract
Now that school has begun we still have a shortage of
substitutes and so this is how it may affect you:
If you are asked to give up your prep to cover a
class you need to be compensated at the full class
coverage hourly rate. Please notify your office
secretary and check your pay stub. Article 6.4.1
If you are a prep teacher and are usually the person
who gives up their teaching day to cover a class
without a sub, then that is a problem. Article 6.4.3
states that members shall be requested to
substitute on a fair and equitable basis.
If one person is being asked to cover class without
a sub, then that is a problem of equity. Here is what
your site rep needs to discuss with your principal as
per the contract: Each site administrator shall
compile a list of bargaining unit members who wish
to volunteer for class coverage. The volunteer list
shall be posted at a central location chosen by the
site administrator. A second roster shall be
compiled listing the remaining bargaining unit
members at that site. If no volunteers are available
for substituting, substitutes are to be selected from
the second list. The second list shall be made
available to any bargaining unit member to review
upon request. Bargaining unit members shall be
requested to substitute on a fair and equitable
basis.
Remember that our contract is the AGREEMENT
between PEA and PUSD.
Respectfully submitted,
Chris Coan & Jim Vaughan
Political Action Chairs
Why You Need a 403(b) or 457 Plan
Could you live on just over half of your teaching salary? What would retirement be like on less than two-thirds of your income?
It sounds scary, but in fact, its reality for educators who are counting on CalSTRS or CalPERS as their sole retirement plan. Consider these facts:
60%-65% = Percentage of salary the California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS) pension replaces, on average, for current and retired members.*
$0 = Amount CalSTRS participants can expect in the form of federal Social Security benefits. (Please note that educators participating in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) do pay Social Security taxes and are eligible to receive benefits. In addition, CalSTRS participants may be eligible for Social Security benefits from a spouse's earnings or earnings from other jobs, but those benefits may be reduced by the Windfall Elimination Provision (or Government Pension Offset.)
90%- 100% = Percentage of salary financial experts recommend replacing in retirement to maintain same standard of living as your working years.
30%-40% = Percentage of CTA members who take advantage of a 403(b) retirement savings plan to supplement their pension plan.
The bottom line: The majority of educators are facing a retirement savings shortfall. Thats why you need a 403(b) or 457 plan to make up the difference. Lets take a closer look at these sources of retirement income:
CalSTRS and CalPERS state pension funds. Your pension, or defined benefit plan, is an important part of your retirement savings. These retirement systems continue to provide a key benefit to educators. Your benefit is based on your age at retirement, years of service and final compensation level. You can run the numbers and estimate your benefit level by using the calculators on your pensions Web site (www.calstrs.com or www.calpers.ca.gov ).
Social Security. Educators with a CalSTRS pension do not pay Social Security taxes. They contribute a greater percentage of pay into the pension fund instead, and therefore are generally not eligible for Social Security benefits. (They may qualify for benefits earned through another job, although those benefits may be reduced due to
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the Windfall Elimination Provision. For more information, visit www.ssa.gov/pubs/10045.html.)
Educators and school employees with a CalPERS pension pay 6.2% of salary for Social Security and generally qualify for Social Security benefits. Educators are often confused or mistaken about what they will collect from Social Security in retirement. If you are eligible for Social Security benefits, you should receive an annual statement in the mail with an estimate of your projected benefit from the Social Security Administration.
403(b) and 457 plans. The 403(b) is a tax-deferred retirement plan available for eligible employees of public schools and other tax-exempt organizations. A 457 plan is available for eligible employees of public schools and government workers. They are called defined contribution plans, because the participant makes contributions and investment decisions. It is different than your pension or defined benefit plan through CalSTRS or CalPERS, where you and your employer make contributions and CalSTRS or CalPERS make all of the investment decisions. Ultimately, you are in control of your 403(b) or 457 plan.
Prepare for a Financially Secure Retirement
The 403(b) or 457 plan is designed with features to help you make the most of your retirement savings. In 2014, you can contribute up to $18,000, or an additional $6,000 (total of $24,000) if you are age 50 or better. If youre a long-term employee who has not consistently contributed to your plan, you may also be eligible to make lifetime catch-up contributions.
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Open Enrollment Period for Catastrophic Leave Bank:
September 16, 2015 through October 6, 2015 PEA, in conjunction with PUSD is excited to offer an opportunity to join the Catastrophic Leave Bank. The Bank is comprised of sick days that have been donated by those members who join during the Open Enrollment Period. Members will have an opportunity to apply for additional sick leave when experiencing a loss of work due to serious illness or long-term disability. There is a career maximum of thirty days available to members upon approval of the Catastrophic Leave Bank Committee. Since the implementation of the Catastrophic Leave Bank in 2001, we have been able to assist many members in their time of need.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Catastrophic Leave Bank, please complete the form that was distributed, by October 6, 2015 and return it to the PEA Office. If you have any questions, please call the PEA Office at 925-432-0199. We look forward to your support.
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MOU Between the
Pittsburg Education Association
And
Pittsburg Unified School District
Resource Specialists What happens if your caseload exceeds 28?
When a Resource Specialists caseload goes above 28 students, he/she shall have the choice of serving those students and shall be compensated as follows for each student over twenty-eight (28):
1. One (1) student over = $ 225/month 2. Two (2) students over = $ 500/month 3. Three (3) students over = $ 800/month 4. Four (4) students over = $ 1,125/month
Compensation shall be paid for each month in which the Resource Specialist is over twenty-eight (28) students.
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Calendar
SEPTEMBER 2015 1 PEA Executive Board PEA Office 159 East 4th St. 3:45 PM
7 Labor Day 9 PUSD School Board Meeting 2000 Railroad Ave. 7:00 PM 13 Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown 15 PEA Rep Council PEA Office 159 East 4th St. 3:45 PM 18-20 Region 1 Leadership Conference San Jose, CA 22 Yom Kippur begins at sundown 23 PUSD School Board Meeting 2000 Railroad Ave. 7:00 PM 23 Autumn begins
OCTOBER 2015
6 PEA Executive Board PEA Office 159 East 4th St. 3:45 PM 6 Catastrophic Leave Bank Enrollment Closes 12 Columbus Day Mandatory Staff Development Day No school 14 PUSD School Board Meeting 2000 Railroad Ave. 7:00 PM 20 PEA Rep Council PEA Office 159 East 4th St. 3:45 PM 20 Elementary V.P. Candidacy Forms Due 28 PUSD School Board Meeting 2000 Railroad Ave. 7:00 PM 31 Halloween
Next Deadline for Articles is Tuesday, October 13, 2015
STAY INFORMED @ peateachers.org cta.org & nea.org