September 14, 2004

It appears the school openings went fairly smoothly. It also appears most schools are seeing a few more students than anticipated at the end of last year. Very good news! Stop by the MEA Office and meet Harriet and, of course, your favorite Uniserv Director. A cold can of pop and/or a candy is waiting for you.

The State Budget is still in limbo. The State’s income continues to decline and no one wants to make cuts or suggest raising taxes. Even if they hold to the $6,700/pupil funding, it still factors out as a cut.

I learned this morning that the husband of the Uniserv Secretary in the Sault Ste. Marie office died yesterday afternoon. I did not know Al very well, but as a young teacher/leader with the Sault Area Schools have known Bonnie since 1970. So what’s the point? The point is at some time during our span on this earth we all come to the realization that we too will die. So what’s the point? The point is we must look forward, plan ahead, and be proactive. If we decide to be reactive (react to our surroundings/situation) rather than proactive (shaping and forming our surroundings/situations) we will find ourselves constantly caught sitting on our hands waiting for something to happen. So what’s the point? The point is our lives and situations will be formed/planned by someone other than ourselves if we allow it to happen. So what’s the point? The point is we have an election coming up in 50 days. We have the opportunity to vote for people who value our livelihood as much as we. Or we have the opportunity to vote against those who do not look upon public education as a priority for our city, county, state and nation. So what’s the point? The point is I have had many people say they are not going to vote because their "one vote" does not make a difference. With that attitude someone else will determine our future. It will become a sad state of education if we adopt this attitude. We have the ability to vote for our bosses in and out of office. If we don’t, someone else will. Get the point?

Posen ESP and Rogers City ESP are bargaining a 2004-05 contract.

Alpena Community College Faculty, Alpena EA, and Hillman EA are bargaining a 2004-2005 contract.

Rogers City EA is still bargaining a 2003-04 contract. Rogers City EA has gone through one Board bargainer and is now working on another. The EA bargaining team is committed to bringing in a fair and equitable settlement for their members.

I am very proud of the bargaining team members. All are committed to their membership and willing to put in the time and energy needed to bring back a good contract.

Cash for Kids will be initiated in the not too distant future. It is important that all contribute. This money goes directly to candidates/issues in favor of public education. In fact, 40 cents of every $1.00 contributed comes back to your Coordinating Council for use in school board elections, bond issues, etc., that effect the membership served by the 14A Coordinating Council. If you gave last year, increase your contribution by $5.00 or $10.00. If you did not participate last year, get your $10.00 or $1,000.00 to work for you and your livelihood!

The Conference Room will have phone banks running again this year. Should you have or know someone that enjoys telephoning, contact Harriet and we can fulfill your/their desire.

Local education employees have been scheduling meet-ups. Check with your local president and see who is having the "party".

Need someone to look over your investments? Don’t have any investments? Have questions on investing? Contact: Tom Luoma, MEA Financial Services at 1-800-342-0411.

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