OEA Negotiations at Impasse

OEA's Negotiation Team notified the OCSD and the State Supt. of Instruction of their intention to ask for a mediator to help resolve the impasse in negotiations. The OEA and the district will choose a mediator to come work with the teams and resolve the impasse. We look forward to beginning the mediation process. Stay tuned.

Jordan Teachers Attend School Board Meeting

Between 75 and 100 Jordan Education Association members jammed the School Board meeting this week to protest the cuts in steps and lanes to their salary schedule. Not only are they losing steps and lanes, but also Quality Teaching salary because of the legislature's cuts to the budget. The JEA has declared impasse in their negotiations and they await mediation to resolve this impasse. Any association or school board can declare impasse after 90 days of bargaining. At that time Supt. Harrington is contacted to find a mediator to resolve the negotation impasse.'
You can read the article at www.deseretnews.com (Amy Stewart: "Jordan Teachers Grim as Board Votes on Cuts")

Deseret News article disputes Graduation Rates

Go to www.deseretnews.com to read Wendy Leonard's article entitled "Graduation Findings Disputed". According to Education Week Magazine Ogden has a 40.3% graduation rate and Weber has a 67.9% rate. Utah ranks (according to this same article) 26th in the nation with a 72.2% rate which is above the national average of 69.2%. Brenda Hales, associate state superintendent disputes the numbers.

Rick

NEA Foundation offers grants

Here are some grants offered by the NEA Foundations:

• Student Acheivement Grants- $5,000 - Promotes classroom innovation
• Learning and Leadership Grants - $2,000 for individuals - $5,000 for groups - Support high-quality professional development opportunities
• Who can apply? Pre K- 12 teachers. When do I apply? Throughout the year.
• Books Across America Library Book Awards - For Librarians, teachers or other school employees - Accepted in November

Go to www.neafoundation.org for application information.

Thanks Rick

OEA Negotiations Summary

OEA signed off on a few proposals today and countered the District's proposal on salary. We will know more after Wednesday's school board meeting.

OEA Negotiations Resumes Today

OEA's Negotiations Team resumes meeting with the District team this morning at 10 am. Check this site later today for a report. Rick

Cassie Cox-Two Rivers Selected for Holocaust Event

Cassie Cox was selected as 1 of 5 teachers selected to be part of the Holocaust Remembrance Project in Chicago. She will leave June 22 for a five day visit with Holocaust Survivors and visits to the new Holocaust Museum and other sites. We congratulate Cassie for this honor.