SL Tribune: "Is double-dipping done for""

Go to www.sltrib.com to read the article about the concerns lawmakers have over the practice of teachers (and other public employees) returning to work after retiring and receiving their pension plus a 401K contribution (around 15%). The term "double dipping" is offensive, but the public sees it that way. We know that teachers endure low pay and tough conditions with the hope of a good retirement benefit. When teachers were in high demand (that will return) districts saw value in bringing an experienced teacher back into the classroom. The debate will be intensifying January 25th when the legislative session begins. Again, go to www.utea.org and click on the "Under the Dome" logo to fine your legislator. As a constituent, you can make a difference. Rick

Arizona legislature makes sweeping changes to state teacher contracts

The AZ legislature removed seniority, salary and contract guarantees from teacher contracts.

"School districts will be prohibited from using tenure or seniority as a factor in determining which teachers can be laid off. Additonally, school districts no longer have to honor seniority when they rehire." Arizona Republic

"Gone is an April 15 deadline that required school districts to notify teachers of their contract status for the following school year."

"Guv's Budget Oozes Optimism"-Deseret News

Read the article online at www.deseretnews.com.

• Governor's budget paints a rosier picture.
• The shortfall is not going to be as bad.
• No tax or fee increases.
• Budget is announced today.

Rick

Legislators Meet with Chamber of Commerce

Last year our UniServ joined the Weber Chamber of Commerce with the goal of representing our teachers in the discussion of public ed funding. We had our Legislative Breakfast last Tuesday and heard from Rep. Brad Dee (Majority Whip of the House). I was gratified to hear him say that businesses' number one request when thinking of moving to Utah is "Where are the good schools?". He also reported that the budget deficit will come to about $700 million ( a little bit less than the $850 Million we have been hearing). He is in a position of leadership and it is important that he represents our interests here in Weber County. Several other legislators were in attendance: Ryan Wilcox, Dist. 7 representative, Sen. Jenkins, Sen. Christensen, and Sen. Jon Greiner.

Our meetings will continue in January when the session begins. We will also be meeting at the legislature.

Rick

Who is my legislator???

UEA's website, www.utea.org, provides an easy way to identify your State legislators (House and Senate) . Click on the the "Under the Dome" logo at the UEA website, Click on the "Get involved-Take Action! Contact your elected official" logo. Enter your zip code, click and then fill in your address. Your elected officials will appear. It is important to know your legislator, because they will respond (or at least read) your email if you identify yourself as one of their "constituents" (members of their voting district). As the legislative session begins, it will be important to contact our legislators.

Thanks Rick

Utah School Law Update

I sent our building reps the link for the Utah School Law Update (comes from Jean Hill, attorney for the Utah Professional Practices Commission) this week. I think it is interesting and useful for our teachers to read. With all of the bad press some "bad apples" have received in the news this year, it was nice to see Jean write about the reality of the low percentage of teachers who actually have transgressed compared to all of the fine teachers who do not cross the boundaries of acceptable behavior. Read the entire article at www.schools.utah.gov/uppac/

Rick

"Let's Get Down and Physical" Activity

Suzy Davis, Future Educator advisor at Ogden High, and Stephanie Heath, WSU FEA advisor, along with FEA students from OHS, Ben Lomond High, Northridge High, and WSU put together a night of physical activities at the Swenson Gym for children with Downs Syndrome and their families. Brandi Christopher, WSU physical ed student, said, "It's just great to see these kids having so much fun." It also gave the students a chance to work with special needs kids in preparation to starting an education career.

Rick