- Apple Ballot Wins!
- Urgent Call for Action: Tell the County Council that our Schools Need More!
- RSVP: President Martin Retirement Celebration, June 14
- Minority Affairs Committee (MAC) EOY Celebration June 6
- Addressing Air Quality Concerns in Schools
- National Board Interest Sessions: Registration Now Open!
- MSEA Casting Calls
- Summer Social Justice Conference and Heritage Programs
- Upcoming Events from MSEA
- 2024 DC Labor Filmfest May 1-30
1.Apple Ballot Wins!
Above, left to right: Natalie Zimmerman at the polls; Laura Stewart, center-right; Rita Montoya and her family. Below: Member volunteers helped ensure these candidates will make it to the general election in November!
We did it! Last Tuesday, our collective power moved educator voices forward in a major way. All three of our Apple Ballot endorsed board of education candidates are poised to move forward to the general election. Natalie Zimmerman, Laura Stewart, and Rita Montoya each won because we stood together and fought together. Let’s keep up this momentum to get these candidates over the finish line in November! Stay tuned for more ways to get involved!
2. Urgent Call for Action: Tell the County Council that our Schools Need More!
Last week, in a straw vote, the Montgomery County Council indicated that they would add back $26.3 million that County Executive Marc Elrich had cut from the MCPS Board of Education’s FY2025 budget request. Unfortunately, that leaves the school system approximately $30 million short of funds to maintain current services. It’s our understanding that this is the final budget the county will send to MCPS. As such, it is now up to the Board of Education to determine what will and will not be funded for FY2025.
It’s dismaying to see that painful cuts to programs and positions will be necessary in the coming year. This budget will force increased class sizes, eliminate critically needed positions, and reduce funding for vital programs like tutoring.
The Board of Education cannot balance the budget on the backs of students and staff! Be on the lookout for a special update on what we can do to hold the Board of Education accountable to quality learning and working conditions.
3. RSVP: President Martin Retirement Celebration, June 14
Join MCEA as we honor, and say farewell, to MCEA President Jennifer Martin.
The celebration will take place on June 14, 2024, from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at MCEA Headquarters, 12 Taft Court, Rockville.
RSVP here.
4. Minority Affairs Committee (MAC) EOY Celebration, June 6
MCEA’s Minority Affairs Committee (MAC) invites you to an End of Year (EOY) Celebration on Thursday, June 6, from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm at the MCEA Headquarters. Please RSVP by June 3.
5. Addressing Air Quality Concerns in Schools
At times, air quality and related maintenance concerns arise in our schools. The MCEA-MCPS Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) explains the first step educators can take to get these concerns addressed. According to Article 11 B. 1., Unit members who are experiencing problems with the indoor air quality in their workplaces may request an investigation and appropriate relief by using the mutually established process for an Indoor Air Quality Inquiry, Investigation, Report, and Review (MCPS Forms 230-23 and 230-24). The administration shall fix and/or upgrade building ventilation systems if inadequate according to CDC/MDH/MSDE guidelines. It is best practice to read and become familiar with your union contract, which holds a wealth of information about the rights of educators.
6. National Board Interest Sessions: Registration Now Open!
Are you a reflective teacher and ready to go on a journey of professional growth to achieve National Board Certification (NBC)? Eligible teachers who hold NBC receive a yearly $10,000 salary supplement and those who teach in low performing schools receive an additional $7,000 stacked on top of the $10K. If you are at least in your third year of teaching right now and curious about beginning the NBC process in Fall of 2024, please be sure to attend an NBC information session. Visit the flyer for more information and to register.
7. MSEA Casting Calls
MSEA is looking for student performing groups to potentially showcase their talent at future Fall RAs, including choirs, bands, dancing troupes, and other public school-based performance groups. If any such groups in your schools come to mind, please share information about them with Noreth Marquez Rico, [email protected].
8. Summer Social Justice Conference and Heritage Programs
Each May, our nation celebrates Jewish American Heritage Month, a time to honor the varied and vibrant history of Jewish Americans and explore their impact on the U.S., from its founding to today. Learn more about how NEA celebrates Jewish American Heritage Month.
NEA’s Conference on Racial and Social Justice will be held in Philadelphia June 30-July 2, 2024. For more information and registration details, visit the NEA website.
Celebrate the rich and diverse cultures of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI). Visit NEA for instructional resources and information.
9. Upcoming Events from MSEA
Educator Appreciation Day at MSEA Headquarters in Annapolis (June 8): Learn more about this exciting event and all participating businesses making this day special here.
2024 Summer Leadership Conference (July 23)—One Union, One Voice: We’re All in This Together—learn more about this event and register here. The deadline to register is June 24, 2024, additional information here.
MSEA Day at Camden Yards (July 28): see event description here.
10. 2024 DC Labor Filmfest May 1-30
Organized and presented by the Labor Heritage Foundation and the AFI Silver, this annual series features a wide-ranging selection of films about work, workers and the wider issues affecting workers’ lives. Union members receive Silver Cinema Club (Star level) ticket discount.
The filmfest is hosted at the AFI Silver Theatre, 8633 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD. Click here for more information.