EEEA Resolution Supporting Unification of EUSD and EUHSD, 2011

Whereas, we believe unification of EUSD and EUHSD would result in improved student achievement through a clearly articulated K-12 education plan for college readiness; and

Whereas, we believe unification of EUSD and EUHSD would create a single, more financially stable unified school District; and

Whereas, we believe unification of EUSD and EUHSD would result in streamlined educational offerings, including a single school-year calendar, for Escondido children and their families; and

Whereas, we believe unification of EUSD and EUHSD would provide increased options for current and future employees, therefore increasing a Unified District’s ability to hire and retain the best and brightest; and

Whereas, we believe unification of EUSD and EUHSD would result in a more unified Escondido Community.

Now, therefore,

On behalf of all members of the Escondido Elementary Educators Association (EEEA), the EEEA Representative Council respectfully requests that the School Board Trustees of EUSD and EUHSD take the actions necessary to initiate the process of unification of the Escondido Union School District and the Escondido Union High School District.

Based on the plan rates comparison, what are your thoughts on the issue of tiered vs. composite rates for employee health benefits?

To clarify:

• Tiered rates are when employees pay different rates based on the number of folks in their families they want to cover. For example, the three tiers on the rates comparison use the tiers of :

o employee only

o employee plus one (spouse, child, partner, etc)

o employee plus family

• Composite rates (what we've traditionally used in the District) are when all employees pay the same rates regardless of whether or not they cover only themselves, a spouse/partner/child, or if they cover a family.

Please use this to discuss the current issues related to School funding and reform.

Diane Ravitch's Answers Bill Gates' Questions

Here is the link to the article:
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/answer-sheet/diane-ravitch/ravitch-answers-gates.html

Feel free to discuss, comment, or ask questions below.

Proposed EEEA Dues Increase

The EEEA Board of Directors and the EEEA Representative Council have unanimously approved a proposal for a $3/month dues increase to take affect for the 2011-2012 school year, followed by an additional dues increase of $3/month to take affect for the 2012-2013 school year. This increase, combined with operating budget cuts in excess of $60,000 will allow us to maintain and build on the services we currently provide members. All dues resulting from this change will go exclusively to the EEEA the operation of our local Association.

According to the EEEA bylaws this must be put forward for a vote by all EEEA members. This will take place in February. Site Reps are prepared to answer questions in order to facilitate clear and accurate communication.

Please discuss and post comments below.