NEA-New Mexico

Española Community Celebrates Completion of Contract

May 1st is the date set for NEA Española’s ratification of the first collective bargaining agreement for the school district. During the second half of the April, radio and print ads in Española will highlight the accomplishment. The agreement addresses a wide range of issues, including: the district’s payment of more than 2% of the insurance premium, voluntary work during the summer and weekends, new leave policies, updated stipends, a Reduction in Force policy, fair student and employee discipline and grievance policies, and no more time clocks for employees working in one building. A celebration party is set for May 1st following the ratification vote.

Lincoln Teacher Fellowships This Summer

Lincoln Teacher Fellows
Five-Day Summer Seminar
July 13-17, 2009
For Social Studies, History and English Teachers
With a Focus on Learners in Middle Grades
A five-day learning adventure that will immerse participants in the Civil War history of Washington and the nation. By preparing and performing historical speeches, interpreting letters, and "reading" artifacts, images and places, Lincoln Teacher Fellows will develop teaching techniques intended to strengthen reading comprehension and critical thinking skills.
Visits to three historic sites in some of Washington's most historic neighborhoods are scheduled. This program is designed for teachers in the D.C. Metropolitan area, but teachers interested in Civil War Washington history from around the country are also welcome.
To download a program and application, please click here. For more information, please call Jake Flack at (202) 638-2941 ext. 567 or email jflack@fords.org.

INFORMATION ON AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT

The guidelines of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act are of special interest to us, especially the spending Title I and IDEA part B fundsand their allocation. These are funds that local school districts will have some flexibility on decisions for spending.

For instance, New Mexico school districts could use Title I funds to pay for additional time for professional development to help make up for the salary decreases caused if House Bill 854 is signed to increase retirement withholding by 1.5 percent. Also, districts that receive IDEA part B funds may be able to spend up 50 percent of their stimulus grant on operational needs. However, new guidance from the US Department of Ed indicates that only school districts that receive a determination under IDEA 616 of "meets requirements" can take advantage of this flexibility. Only 19 districts met requirements last year, although many more are expected to meet requirements this year. Your school district should be able to give your this information or it will be available on the PED web site.

The U.S. Department of Education's web site has a number of significant documents on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

Raffle and Silent Auction

The NEA-NM Minority Caucus will hold a raffle and silent auction on Saturday, April 25, 2009 at the Spring Delegate Council to be held in Santa Fe. The proceeds from the fundraiser will fund delegates to the NEA Representative Assembly in San Diego. Ethnic minority members interested in running as local, cluster or state delegate positions are encouraged to join the Caucus. Donations to the raffle and silent auction are welcome.

Española Teacher Recognized for Accomplishment

Former Velarde Elementary teacher and NEA member Beth Sanchez accepted an award at the state capitol in recognition of her students’ 80 percent proficiency on last year’s standardized tests. This was the highest ranking of students from around the state. Several of her former students, now seventh graders, accepted the award with her. Sanchez now teaches at Española Elementary.