Ogden/Weber UniServ

Senator Osmond introduces evaluation and performance pay bill SB 64

2012-02-10T04:20:00.000-08:00

Go to www.myuea.org to read more about SB 64. Sen. Osmond introduced his bill yesterday. The UEA worked with and supports the bill.
Rick

OEA will meet in their third Interested Based Negotiations Meeting Monday

2012-02-09T11:09:00.001-08:00

Our OEA negotiations team will meet Monday with the district team in our third meeting to discuss our concerns and issues and work on solutions.
Rick

Legislative Updates at "Under the Dome"

2012-02-08T07:17:00.000-08:00

Go to the following site to read the daily legislative updates from UEA's lobby team.

http://www.myuea.org/politics_legislation/uea_under_the_dome.aspx

Rick

Contact legislators on Sen. Howard Stephenson's bill

2012-02-07T07:26:00.000-08:00

UEA President Sharon Gallagher-Fishbaugh would like you to contact the members of the Senate Education Committee and tell them that SB 151 (Howard Stephenson) is just another voucher bill taking money from public schools and sending it to private schools.

Go to this site to get more info.

http://www.myuea.org/politics_legislation/uea_under_the_dome.aspx

Rick

Linda and Richard Eyre Column: What schools could do to help families.

2012-02-06T08:59:00.000-08:00

Interesting column: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700222472/What-schools-could-do-to-boost-families.html

Rick

Visit to the legislature today

2012-02-03T12:08:00.000-08:00

Today we visited the legislature and got some updated info on bills of concern:

HB 106 Grover is a bad bill that would limit collective bargaining for teachers. Please contact your legislator and let them know that we meet collaboratively with our districts which is a positive for both of us.

Sen. Karen Morgen has a good bill on setting some limits on the class sizes in K-3. We support her efforts.

The budget is always important and we need continue pressure on our legislators. We met with Rep. Jeremy Peterson and Dixon Pitcher and they listened to our concerns.
For more info go to www.myuea.org and click on "Under the Dome".

Rick

Collective Bargaining under attack by legislature

2012-02-02T07:15:00.000-08:00

Read this article by Robert Gehrke on Rep. Keith Grover's attempt to restrict collective bargaining by public employees.
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/53424938-90/allow-bargaining-bill-collective.html.csp

For more info go to www.myuea.org and click on "Under the Dome"

Rick

Legislative updatesat "Under the Dome"

2012-01-31T06:59:00.000-08:00

Go to Under the Dome at www.myuea.org to read daily updates from the UEA legislative team.
Rick

Language Immersion Programs in schools

2012-01-30T13:09:00.000-08:00

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700220292/Language-immersion-classrooms-Programs-are-popular-diligence-translates-to-performance.html

Interesting article on language immersion programs. Ogden and Weber have both spanish and chinese programs.

Rick

Utah legislature begins

2012-01-26T18:03:00.000-08:00

Go to www.myuea.org and click on the under the dome under politics to read the daily updates. The first educator on the hill begins Friday, Jan. 27.
Rick

NEA UniServ Conference

2012-01-24T09:42:00.001-08:00

I am attending the NEA UniServ Training yesterday and today learning organizing ideas to help engage our members in the defense of our organization and public schools.
Rick

WEA Leaders attend NEA Western Region Training

2012-01-20T09:21:00.000-08:00

WEA President Jo Egelund and WEA Executive Board members Glen Larsen and Cheryl Parkinson left today for Oklahoma City for the annual Western Region training this weekend. They will receive information on important topics and leadership training.

Rick

Future Educators have been active.

2012-01-19T08:34:00.000-08:00

The Future Educators Association at OHS and in Weber has been very busy this year. They have participated in "Read for the Record", led activities at Halloween for elementary students and participated in WSU's FEA Conference.

They have lots of other activities planned for second semester. Thanks go to Suzy Davis (OHS), Joan Iverson (Weber) and Stephanie Heath (WSU).

Rick

Legislative Session begins Jan. 23

2012-01-18T11:36:00.001-08:00

The Utah Legislature begins their session next Monday, Jan. 23. Stay informed by going to www.myuea.org and click on the Under the Dome icon.

Rick

First Educator on the Hill Jan. 27

2012-01-17T09:56:00.000-08:00

The first UEA Educator on the Hill is scheduled on Friday, Jan, 27 at 7am. Contact your local president if you are planning on attending. You will need to use personal leave to go. Go to www.myuea.org and click on Under the Dome for more info or contact us. rick@ogdenweber.org

Rick

OEA participates in district appraisal

2012-01-13T08:03:00.000-08:00

President Doug Stephens and I met witha member of the RMC staff to discuss our district relationship. Focus groups met across the district. A report will follow. This audit was mandated by the state.
Rick

Report gives Utah Public Ed a C grade

2012-01-12T12:05:00.000-08:00

Read today's article in the SL Trib about the grading of our public ed program here in Utah.

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/53279780-78/education-utah-percent-report.html.csp

Thanks Rick

Salt Lake Tribune Editorial supports more education funding

2012-01-11T07:50:00.000-08:00

Read this SL Trib opinion piece that supports increased public ed funding.

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/opinion/53272304-82/state-utah-education-business.html.csp

Thanks Rick

Parents for Public Education meeting Wednesday, Jan. 11, 6:30 pm

2012-01-10T12:24:00.001-08:00

Our UniServ will be hosting our second Parents for Public Education meeting tomorrow, Wed., Jan. 11 at 6:30 pm at our UniServ office.

Rick

Interest Based Bargaining Training

2012-01-09T14:26:00.000-08:00

The OEA Negotiations Committee: Doug Stephens, Sara Byrd, Whit Freund, Clay Kirkham and Ann Olsen met with the District team today for the second part of our Interest Based Bargaining training facilitated by Kathy Yamamoto, Boise Education Director.

Rick

Interest based bargaining training with Ogden district Monday

2012-01-06T08:48:00.000-08:00

The OEA negotiation team will meet with the district for interest based training Monday with our trainer Kathy Yamomoto from the Boise Education Association.

UEA Board and Successor Delegate Election Deadline

2012-01-05T06:50:00.000-08:00

http://www.myuea.org/sites/utahedu/Uploads/files/Form/Declaration%20of%20Candidacy%202012.pdf

The deadline for getting a application to run for the UEA Board of Directors and for the Successor Delegate for the NEA Representative Assembly is January 12th. You can click on the site above to download a form.

The UEA Board Member represents OEA and WEA on the the governing board of UEA. This term is only one year, because of changing the terms of offices. Usually it is three years. The successor delegate to the NEA RA is in case the UEA board member cannot attend the convention in July.

If you are interested please download the application and send it in to UEA before Jan. 12.

Thanks Rick

Bullying in U.S. schools causes long-term harm

2012-01-04T07:42:00.000-08:00

Read Lois Collin's article on Bullying in Schools in today's Deseret News.

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700212212/Bullies-do-long-term-damage-to-themselves-as-well-as-victims.html

Happy New Year.
Rick

WSU Orientation Yesterday

2012-01-03T09:31:00.003-08:00

I visited with over 100 new WSU student teachers yesterday in their orientation. I told them a little bit about the association and gave them some membership forms. As they come into the schools we will invite them to join as student members. I also spoke to three groups of Level 1 teacher ed students.

Rick

Happy 2012: Deseret News article on OHS and BLHS Tardy reductions

2012-01-02T09:07:00.000-08:00

Read the article in the Des News today about the efforts at Ben Lomond and Ogden Highs to reduce the number of tardies.

Happy New Year.

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700211827/Longer-lunch-period-proves-an-effective-motivation-for-Ogden-teens.html

House GOP vows to fund education...SL Tribune

2011-12-21T07:30:00.000-08:00

Read Robert Gehrke's entire article at:
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/53156558-90/tax-education-debt-fund.html.csp

Happy Holidays
Rick

FEA Conference at WSU

2011-12-20T11:04:00.000-08:00

FEA students from Granite, Davis, Ogden and Weber districts attended an FEA conference headed by Stephanie Heath at WSU today. They attended breakout sessions and a keynote address. Shawna Blamires (T.O. Smith) and Tami Youngman were honored by former students.

Rick

New PAC supports education

2011-12-18T07:58:00.000-08:00

New political action committee formed to support education. Read the article in the Sunday sl tribune.rick

OEA/WEA Leadership meets with Weber Legislators

2011-12-16T09:55:00.000-08:00

Five of our ten Weber County legislators: Brad Dee, Brad Galvez, Ryan Wilcox, Gage Froerer, and Allen Christensen met with our leadership Thursday night to listen to UEA Government Relations Director Kory Holdaway discuss some of the upcoming issues concerning education. Also attending was Jay Blain, UEA Bargaining Director.

Issues discussed included the budget, collective bargaining, payroll dues deduction, and orderly termination policy.

Go to www.myuea.org and click on the Under the Dome icon to learn more. Also watch the video that explains the "Educator on the Hill" program that will begin when the session starts in January.

Rick

Demos, GOP spar over education $$ Deseret News

2011-12-15T07:19:00.000-08:00

Read about the squable over public ed funding:

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705395806/Utah-Democrats-Republicans-spar-over-public-education-funding.html

Happy Holidays

Rick

Utah legislators skirmish over education money SL Trib

2011-12-14T08:15:00.000-08:00

Read Robert Gehrke's article>

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/53110207-90/budget-chance-education-funding.html.csp

Happy Holidays
Rick

"Educators pleased with guv's education recommendations" SL Trib

2011-12-13T08:29:00.000-08:00

Congrats to our WEA Blog Contest winners of Subway cards: Krista Stettler (Wahlquist), Mary Margaret Lyon (Bonneville), Debra Green (Sand Ridge), and Melanie Malan (WHS).

Governor Herbert's budget has the following recommendations:

Additional $111 million on public schools
Total of $3.6 billion (28% of the budget)
$41 million for the 12,500 new students
$21.5 million or an Increase of 1% in Weighted Pupil Unit (funding for a possible pay increase)
$10 million to continue extended day kindergarten
$12 million for computer-adaptive testing
$2 million for Charter School start up costs
$2.2 million for college readiness tests (ACT)

Read the articles at:http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/53100691-78/million-recommendations-utah-education.html.csp

:http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/53099197-90/budget-debt-education-governor.html.csp

Read in the SL Trib about funding for education in the Governor's budget

2011-12-12T11:21:00.000-08:00

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/53099197-90/million-budget-herbert-state.html.csp

Read about Governor Herbert's budget and how it affects public ed funding.

Rick

Dr. Ann Miller Retires from Weber District after 39 years of service

2011-12-08T07:02:00.000-08:00

Dr. Jeff Stephens paid tribute to Dr. Ann Miller (Director of SPED) at the Weber School Board meeting last night for her 39 years of service (24 as SPED Director). She is an amazing lady. Marilyn Runolfson was appointed as her replacement and then Lisa Dalstrup was also appointed as the new Green Acres principal.

Thanks Rick

Utah School Growth

2011-12-07T07:44:00.000-08:00

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/53059528-78/schools-students-utah-district.html.csp

Read this article in SL Trib about student growth in Utah this year.

We will draw for the WEA blog contest winners Monday at AR meeting.

Rick

Congrats to Mary Shaffner and Bradi Holder

2011-12-06T11:39:00.001-08:00

Winners of December's OEA Blog Contest for $15 Subway cards were Mary Schaffner (OHS) and Bradi Holder (Heritage) the luckiest teacher in the world (Bradi also won a Kindle at UEA Convention. She should go to Wendover this weekend..

Rick

WEA Leaders attend NCUEA in Orlando

2011-12-05T09:17:00.000-08:00

Association leaders from around the country attended the National Council of Urban Education Associations last week in Orlando, FL. Representing WEA and the UEA were President Jo Egelund and UEA Board Member, Terie Maxfield. The meeting has speakers on important educational issues and also great leadership training.

We will be drawing for the OEA Blog Contest today.

Rick

Great editorial from Sheryl Allen in Des News

2011-12-01T08:35:00.000-08:00

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700202938/Public-educations-biggest-problem-is-funding.html

Read this opinion piece on education funding.

Rick Stay on the ground in this wind.

Parents for Neighborhood Schools Meets with President Sharon Gallagher-Fishbaugh

2011-11-30T08:02:00.001-08:00

The "Parents for Neighborhood Schools" met for their first time last night at the UniServ office. Parents from around Weber District met and listened to UEA President Gallagher-Fishbaugh about the importance of parent involvement in changing public policy concerning education in Utah.

Go to our website www.ogdenweber.org to see a flyer on a benefit for a family in need. (Dec. 8th)

Rick

State Revenue growing by $280 Million

2011-11-29T08:43:00.001-08:00

Read Lisa Riley Roche's entire article in the Deseret News.
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705395009/State-expects-280-million-revenue-growth-next-budget-year.html
"New estimates released Monday by Gov. Gary Herbert anticipate a $280 M increase in state revenues in the 2013 budget year, but officials caution that much of that money is already committed. "

To enter the December BLOG CONTEST: Read the article and respond to rick@ogdenweber.org

Thanks Rick

NEA President Article in Washington Times/Idaho Online Classes

2011-11-28T08:10:00.001-08:00

http://m.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/nov/21/teachers-union-leader-says-battles-just-begun/?page=1

http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2011/11/03/8619364-board-approves-idaho-online-class-requirement
Hope your T-day was fun and restful. Read these articles and respond to enter the BLOG CONTEST

email rick@ogdenweber.org

Thanks Rick

Happy Turkey Day

2011-11-22T08:26:00.001-08:00

What are you thankful for? I have a lot to be thankful for: a great, loving wife, three wonderful kids (with great daughter and son in laws) and nine great grandkids and two loving parents. (oh and a great job working with you all)

Email me at rick@ogdenweber.org with what you are thankful for to enter the blog contest.

UEA Brief on Collective Bargaining

2011-11-21T07:59:00.001-08:00

http://www.myuea.org/politics_legislation/uea_under_the_dome/2012_issue_collective_bargaining.aspx

Go to this link to read UEA's position on collective bargaining. Happy Thanksgiving.

To enter the BLOG CONTEST email rick@ogdenweber.org and respond to the brief.

Rick

SL Trib Article on teacher evaluation

2011-11-18T07:51:00.001-08:00

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/world/52940331-68/states-teacher-teachers-student.html.csp

Read this article on teacher evaluation and respond to rick@ogdenweber.org to enter the BLOG Contest

Thanks Have a nice weekend. Rick

Interim Legislative Committee

2011-11-17T09:42:00.001-08:00

http://www.myuea.org/politics_legislation/uea_under_the_dome.aspx

Read the UEA's report of the interim meeting at the site listed above.
For the Deseret News Article on Senator Osmond's report to the interim committee go to this address.

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705394462/Utah-senator-says-teacher-morale-is-low-and-lawmakers-need-to-address-teacher-perceptions.html

You can enter the blog contest by responding to rick@ogdenweber.org

Thanks Rick

Senator Osmonds response to teacher meetings

2011-11-16T07:44:00.001-08:00

http://utahpubliceducation.org/2011/11/14/lessons-learned-and-next-steps/

Click on the above site to read Senator Aaron Osmond's response to the teacher meetings he has held.

To enter the blog contest email me: rick@ogdenweber.org with your response.

Rick

Interesting editorial on Mitt Romney

2011-11-15T13:12:00.001-08:00

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700197936/Could-Mitt-Romneys-niceness-be-a-liability-in-a-season-of-nastiness.html

Interesting Kathleen Parker column on Mitt Romney

To enter the BLOG CONTEST email your opinion of the column to rick@ogdenweber.org

Rick

Blog Contest Winners for November

2011-11-14T15:43:00.001-08:00

November winners of $10 gift cards to Applebees and Itunes are:
WEA- Heidi Peaslee- Lakeview Elem. Allison Pfister-Lakeview -Shannon Hansen - Fremont High
Melanie Malan - Weber High

OEA- Nancy Shaw - Lincoln Elem. Amy Shirts - Heritage Elem.

Congrats.

We will continue the Blog Contest for December.

Rick

Blog Contest Drawing today at WEA AR meeting

2011-11-14T10:25:00.001-08:00

We will draw for gift cards today at the WEA AR meeting. We will draw for OEA winners also.

Read an interesting editorial from Sunday's Tribune http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/opinion/52872782-82/schools-education-stephenson-grading.html.csp

Email me with your response to this article to be entered in the BLOG CONTEST rick@ogdenweber.org

Rick

Help Lincoln Elementary get a walking path

2011-11-11T07:01:00.001-08:00

Vote at this site: http://www.refresheverything.com/search/?q=mt+eyrie
to help Lincoln Elementary (Ogden) get a walking path.

Thanks Rick

Good Analogy to Merit Pay: How to pick the best dentist

2011-11-10T13:52:00.001-08:00

Go to this site to read a good analogy on merit pay.

Email rick@ogdenweber.org to enter blog by responding to the story.

http://www.inspiringteachers.com/classroom_resources/inspirational_humorous/analogy_for_education.html

Legislative Issues: Go to www.myuea.org

2011-11-10T06:45:00.001-08:00

To learn more about the upcoming legislative issues concerning collective bargaining, orderly termination and other hot-button items go to the UEA website at www.myuea.org and click on the Political Action/Under the Dome site.

You can also reach it by going to our website: www.ogdenweber.org and click on the political action site.

To enter the BLOG CONTEST for gift card drawing email me: rick@ogdenweber.org with a list of the position papers on UEA's Under The Dome site.

Thanks Rick

Ohio votes down anti-collective bargaining law

2011-11-09T07:24:00.000-08:00

http://www.educationvotes.nea.org/2011/11/08/ohio-voters-reject-sb-5-and-anti-worker-agenda/

Go to this site and read more about how the Ohio Education Association helped defeat the anti-collective bargaining law in Ohio.

To enter the BLOG contest email rick@ogdenweber.org and tell me your response

you may enter more than once.
Rick

Educators pack Weber Board room to comment on upcoming legisation

2011-11-08T08:38:00.000-08:00

The Weber District Board Room was "standing room only" last night to listen to Senator Aaron Osmond and State Supt. Larry Shumway discuss their proposed legislation. The emotions ran high as educators from northern Utah (Weber and Ogden were well represented) spoke to the controversial bills. To learn more about the proposed bills go to "Under the Dome" at www.myuea.org (Political Action) or our UniServ website: www.ogdenweber.org (Political Action)

Also you can go to http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/52867332-78/teachers-osmond-utah-education.html.csp and read Rosemary Winter's article.

Today's Blog Contest question: How do you feel about this legislation?

Email rick@ogdenweber.org to enter for the chance to win fun gift cards.

You may enter more than once.

Ogden District team and OEA Team meet in negotiations training today

2011-11-07T14:01:00.001-08:00

Kathy Yamamoto, Boise Education Association UniServ Director, spent 6 hrs with OEA and Ogden's negotiation teams today discussing Interest Based Bargaining. It was successful and we will schedule a second training in December.

Rick

Teacher Performance pay considered

2011-11-03T13:09:00.001-07:00

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705393600/Lawmakers-considering-performance-pay-measures-for-Utah-teachers.html

Rick

Parents for Choice promote Indiana"s Voucher Plan

2011-11-03T08:03:00.000-07:00

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/52835400-78/florida-reforms-utah-state.html.csp

Read this article on Indiana's voucher program and the legislature's plans for education in Utah.

Halloween is over but this is scarrrrrryyyyy!!!

Enter the blog contest by telling me what Utah State Senator wants to give "Tuition Tax Credits".

Email me at rick@ogdenweber.org to win gift cards.

Thanks for reading the BLOG.

Rick

Taxation policy, Economic Development and Education funding

2011-11-02T09:21:00.000-07:00

The TEF message (TAX POLICY, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, and EDUCATION FUNDING) will be presented to five school community councils: Lakeview, Farr West, Fremont, South Ogden and Washington Terrace. We will show the TEF video and handout our message cards.

To enter the NEW IMPROVED BLOG CONTEST: email rick@ogdenweber.org

and tell me what TEF stands for.

You can enter more than once for some nifty gift cards.

Rick

Senator Osmond to present termination plan

2011-11-01T08:37:00.000-07:00

Senator Aaron Osmond (took Chris Butter's place) and State Supt. Larry Shumway will present their ideas to the public, Monday, Nov. 7 at the Weber School District Board Room at 7:00 pm. Their plans include eliminating the state "Orderly Termination Law" and allowing teachers to be "at will employees".

To access Senator Osmond's presentation to the Interim committee you can go to our website: www.ogdenweber.org

To enter our BLOG CONTEST for GIFT CARDS email me with your response to this blog entry
by emailing me at rick@ogdenweber.org

You may enter more than once.

Rick

Idaho is laboratory of teacher pay plans

2011-10-31T12:40:00.001-07:00

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700193149/Idaho-is-laboratory-of-teacher-pay-plans.html

Read this article in the Deseret News about Idaho's teacher pay plans.
Rick

School District to allow "Bible" on slip

2011-10-28T07:40:00.000-07:00

Read
Amy Choate-Nielsen's article in the Deseret News today: "A California school district has given the OK to a Christian church group to include the word "Bible"on permission slips distributed in schools"

Go to www.deseretnews.com to read the entire article on religious freedom in schools.

Rick

State Senator A. Osmond and State Supt. Shumway propose changes to Orderly Termination Law

2011-10-27T10:19:00.000-07:00

Representatives from Ogden and Weber school districts will be meeting with Senator Osmond (took Chris Butters place) and Supt. Shumway in the next couple of weeks to discuss their legislation to change the current orderly termination law. We will have OEA and WEA representatives there to listen and represent teachers. This is only one of many negative pieces of legislation we will be dealing with in the next session. We have planned to meet with all of our Weber legislators before the session to discuss our priorities.

Rick

Good news and bad news

2011-10-26T07:53:00.000-07:00

The good news first: OEA's VP Sara Byrd gave birth to a healthy baby boy (8lbs +) named Marcus Alexander...congrats to the parents.

Bad news: we are sorry to announce the passing of Lynn Trenbeath, long-time Davis District administrator and a mediator for both WEA and OEA during our troubled negotiations. She was a special lady and will missed by many.

Read Randy Shumway's opinion article in Deseret News

2011-10-25T10:33:00.001-07:00

Go to www.deseretnews.com and read Randy Shumway's comment piece: "Education must be legislature's highest priority.

Rick

Go to USOE website to see new PSD Gateway

2011-10-25T07:57:00.000-07:00

Go to www.schools.utah.gov/main to check out the new Public School Data Gateway. This new website allows the public to compare schools. Eventually this will be the site that grades schools also.

Rick

UEA Convention

2011-10-24T07:32:00.001-07:00

Go to www.myuea.org to read information about the UEA Convention that was held last week.
Rick

Attend UEA Convention Oct. 20-21

2011-10-19T09:36:00.001-07:00

Hope you are able to attend the UEA Convention Thursday and Friday. If not, enjoy the "Fall Break"...you surely deserve it.

Rick

Utah asks Federal Govt for waiver of some NCLB standards

2011-10-18T08:00:00.001-07:00

Read in today's Salt Lake Tribune the article about Utah State Office of Education's request to grant waivers from the feds for NCLB.

www.sltrib.com

Rick

Ogden Interest Based Bargaining Training Scheduled

2011-10-17T09:26:00.000-07:00

OEA's negotiation team will meet with the District's team, Supt. Smith and one school board member in preliminary Interest Based Bargaining training, November 7th under the direction of Kathy Yamamoto, Boise Education Association Executive Director. Kathy has extensive experience in facilitating IBB training.

Rick

Sl Tribune supports improved funding for schools

2011-10-14T14:43:00.001-07:00

Go to www.sltrib.com and read the editorial about funding education in Utah.

Rick

Read in today's SL Tribune about Gov. Herbert's message to High School students

2011-10-13T08:46:00.001-07:00

You can read in today's SL Tribune or Deseret News about Gov. Herbert's message to students
www.sltrib.com or www.deseretnews.com Gov. Herbert will be speaking also at the UEA Convention next week.

Rick

Utah State Supt. Larry Shumway laments wilting funding

2011-10-12T10:01:00.000-07:00

Read Lisa Schencker's entire article about Supt. Larry Shumway's "State of Education" speech. He said, "Our effort, our willingness to invest, just doesn't match our claim of valuing children, our claim of being committed to the future. I believe we must do more." (www.sltrib.com)

Rick

Ethics, Professionalism and School Law: Ed 1010

2011-10-11T09:31:00.001-07:00

I presented to Dean Rasmussen's Ed 1010 class at WSU today. I talk to the students about the role of the association and the boundaries that teachers must be aware of to stay out of trouble.

Rick

WEA AR and Executive Board Meet today

2011-10-10T09:08:00.001-07:00

The Weber Education Association Building Reps and Executive Board will meet today at 4:15 at the UniServ office.

Read today's Lee Benson column at www.deseretnews.com to read about how teachers can get things donated to their classroom. Also check out Kate Bideaux's list of grants on our webpage at www.ogdenweber.org

Rick

Read about the Future Educators "Read for the Record" event in the Standard-Examiner

2011-10-07T07:37:00.000-07:00

You can go to www.standard.net and read the article about the Ogden and Weber Future Educators reading to break a world record in elementary classrooms yesterday.

Rick

Future Educator students "Read for the Record"

2011-10-06T09:02:00.000-07:00

Today, for two hours, Future Educators around the world are reading "Llama, Llama, Red Pajama" to thousands of students in order to break the world record. Our OHS and Weber FEA Chapters, under the direction of advisors Suzy Davis and Joan Iverson are reading to elementary students around the districts. Grants from the UEA Children at Risk Foundation helped buy the books and the WSU FEA chapter directed by Stephanie Heath also sponsored some books.

Rick

Ogden School Board fills open seat

2011-10-05T08:01:00.000-07:00

You can read in today's Standard Examiner www.standard.net about the replacement for Supt. Brad Smith on the Ogden School Board. The board interviewed five applicants and chose Jeffrey N. Heiner, 36, a Roy native and a manager at MarketStar. He will be sworn in at the school board meeting Thursday, Oct. 6 at 5pm.

Rick

Evaluation Summit

2011-10-04T14:28:00.000-07:00

The Utah State Office of Education Evaluation Summit brought in experts on evaluation from around the area and country. The keynote speaker made it quite clear that evaluations were not to "fire teachers", but to help identify those who need help and prescribe the support needed.

Annette Brinkman, Granite District, presented their support for teachers and principals they use in their district.

Rick

Redistricting Drama to Play out : Deseret News

2011-10-03T06:32:00.000-07:00

The special legislative session to start the redistricting of legislative and school board boundaries begins today. You can read more about it at www.deseretnews.com

Tomorrow I will be attending an "Evaluation Summit" in SLC where keynoters and presenters will discuss the new evaluation plan that each district must complete.

Rick

OEA Leadership to meet with Supt. Smith

2011-09-30T08:03:00.000-07:00

OEA President Doug Stephens and Vice-President Sara Byrd will meet with Supt. Smith and other district leadership Wednesday to discuss our concerns and plan for our Interest Based Bargaining training.
OEA's regular AR meeting and Executive Board meeting is Monday, Oct. 3 at the UniServ office.
Rick

OEA Priority Schools Community Partnerships

2011-09-29T08:35:00.000-07:00

OEA is working with NEA to receive a grant to help with Community Partnerships in our five School Improvement Grant Schools: Madison, Dee, Odyssey, George Washington, and OHS. I will be in a conference call with NEA in Washington, D.C. and our Western Region representative, Bev Johnson to plan our use of the grant.

Rick

Go to our website to view grant and seminar opportunities

2011-09-28T06:21:00.001-07:00

Go to www.ogdenweber.org and look at the many grant opportunities and a social studies seminar in October.
Rick

What does WEA do for me?

2011-09-27T07:59:00.001-07:00

Go to our website at www.ogdenweber.org and read a list of things that WEA has done for members. Rick

Whose mediocrity? SL Trib Opinion on Howard Stephenson's plan to privatize schools

2011-09-26T08:53:00.001-07:00

Please read at www.sltrib.com the opinion piece: "Senator's goal: Privatize schools

"Sen. Howard Stephenson has on, seemingly all-consuming goal: to privatize public schools..."

Read in Thursday's, Sept. 22, Deseret News about "School Comparison data made public"

2011-09-23T06:29:00.000-07:00

If Senator Howard Stephenson is happy you know it can't be good...read yesterday's article in the Deseret News (www.deseretnews.com) about the new "Public School Data Gateway" that the USOE has built to give data on schools and (I am sure it is coming) specific teachers.

Rick

SL Tribune: If school gets "F", let's privatize it, Stephenson says.

2011-09-22T08:17:00.000-07:00

Sen. Howard Stephenson thinks that if a school receives an "F" under the new USOE grading system it should be "dismantled" and let private contractors and parents put it back together. Also Sen. Stuart Reid wants to put all three education depts. Higher Ed, k-12, and ATC's under the leadership of the governor.

Read the entire article in today's Salt Lake Trib at www.sltrib.com

Rick

Ogden Supt. Brad Smith meets with Ben Lomond High faculty

2011-09-21T07:48:00.000-07:00

New Ogden Supt. Ben Smith met with the BLHS faculty this morning and answered questions from the faculty about his goals and qualifications for being appointed Supt. He was accompanied by Sandy Coroles, Donna Corby and school board member Jennifer Zundel.

Rick

Ogden "Alternative Compensation" Committee picked

2011-09-19T09:05:00.000-07:00

We were happy that the Ogden School Board chose to include a UEA staff person, Dr. Sara Jones, on their "Alternative Compensation" committee. Also, one of our OEA Executive Board members, Clay Kirkham, was chosen as a Special Ed representative. Their first meeting is October 7.

Rick

Ogden School Board open position

2011-09-16T06:37:00.000-07:00

The appointment of board member Brad Smith to supt. has caused an opening in District #4. The district is taking applications until Sept. 22. You can find a list of the requirement on their webpage at www.ogdensd.org.

You can read about the UEA Road Trip at www.myuea.org

Rick

Two interesting editorials on education in Utah in Deseret News

2011-09-15T08:24:00.001-07:00

Go to www.deseretnews.com and read in the opinion section two interesting editorials on education in Utah.

Rick

UEA Convention: October 20-21

2011-09-14T07:20:00.000-07:00

The UEA Convention and Education Exposition will be held again October 20 and 21at the
South Towne Exposition Center. Friday, Oct. 21 a special session for new educators and education students will be held with several break out sessions and keynote speaker, Cea Cohen Elliott who will speak about peacemaking and conflict resolution.

Thursday's keynote will be noted Jeopardy champion, Ken Jennings.

Rick

UEA Road Trip a Huge Success

2011-09-13T08:35:00.000-07:00

Over 600 Ogden and Weber teachers and families attended our annual Dinosaur Park Party last night. It was a beautiful night and our UEA Road Trip leaders were able to meet and greet our teachers. We thank Chris Guymon and Nathan Cressell for sponsoring our night and for Paul Merrill of "Fat Boy" icecream for sponsoring our refreshments. Our UEA President Sharon Gallagher-Fishbaugh, Vice-president Tom Nedreberg, Jay Blain, and Mike Kelly (UEA Staff) visited five of our schools and even read to classrooms at Lakeview Elementary.

You can read an article at www.standard.net.

Rick

UEA Road Trip in Ogden/Weber Districts Today

2011-09-12T08:02:00.000-07:00

The UEA Leadership team will be visiting the following schools today:

Farr West Elementary
Lakeview Elementary
Sand Ridge Jr. High
Ben Lomond High
Madison Elementary

They will also be attending our WEA AR meeting today and our Dinosaur Park Party tonight at 6 pm

Rick

Big Win for OEA members

2011-09-09T10:22:00.000-07:00

You can read the memo from new Supt. Brad Smith on our webpage: www.ogdenweber.org It is a big win for OEA and it allows to begin to repair relations with the district and receive training in Interest Based Bargaining which allows for more collaboration. You can also read an article in today's Salt Lake Tribune at www.sltrib.com

Rick

Memo from Supt. Smith reinstates collective bargaining and recognizes OEA

2011-09-08T10:18:00.000-07:00

OEA was delighted to see the memo from Supt. Brad Smith that was sent yesterday. We are excited to return to bargaining and especially to receive training with the district on Interest Based Bargaining which is much more collaborative than the "positional bargaining" we have used in the past.

Rick

OEA Leadership meets with new Supt. Brad Smith

2011-09-07T08:22:00.001-07:00

OEA President Doug Stephens and VP Sara Byrd met with Supt. Brad Smith, Bruce Penland and Brenda Ruffier this morning to discuss future issues. We felt that progress was made. We will be sending out more information soon.

Rick

OEA ARs and Executive Board to meet tonight

2011-09-06T08:28:00.000-07:00

Tonight is our first regular OEA Building Rep and Executive Board meeting for the new school year. We will be discussing the appointment of the new supt. and also plans for the UEA Road Trip next Monday.

Ogden School Board is also meeting tonight to honor retiring Supt. Zabriskie and swear in the new supt., Brad Smith.

Rick

UEA roadtrip to visit Weber and Ogden schools Sept. 12

2011-09-05T07:07:00.000-07:00

UEA President Sharon Gallagher-Fishbaugh will visit five schools, WEA AR meeting and Dinosaur Park Party Sept. 12 as part of the month long UEA Road Trip.

Rick

OEA's Board met last night to discuss the new Supt.

2011-09-02T08:21:00.000-07:00

OEA's Executive Board met last night to discuss the appointment of the new Ogden Supt. Our leadership will report out to the building reps at our regular meeting Sept. 6th. OEA President Doug Stephens and Vice-President Sara Byrd will have their first meeting with the new Supt. on Wednesday morning.

Rick

OEA Executive Board to meet

2011-09-01T09:04:00.000-07:00

The OEA Executive Board will meet to discuss the appointment of the new supt. in Ogden today at 4:00. Staff from UEA will also attend.

To listen to Doug Stephens on the Doug Wright Show yesterday go to www.ksl.com (I think it was the third hour) Doug Wright also had Steve Marker, Ogden School Board member on his show in the same hour.

Rick