This time of year can be as busy as it can be exciting. As the calendar prepares to roll over into another year, I am excited to think about where we are. A year ago, we were in the midst of protracted contract negotiations. We were unsure how our community would react when they learned about our members’ needs. Our community rallied behind us. Now, we have a new-look school board with an EPEA-endorsed majority. All of the positive changes that have happened in our schools this year are a direct result of our decision to stand together. Our work can be hard, and the results can come slowly. However, when we choose to work together, we have seen the great benefit of our efforts.
In the new year, we will continue to build our efforts to make sure our members are protected and provided for. With a new legislative cycle, we will work to bring quality, affordable insurance to all of our members. We will also continue to advocate for a pension plan that affords our members the lifestyle they deserve after decades of giving to their community. The new year will bring challenges, and I am confident that we will overcome those challenges together. I remain thankful for the opportunity to serve as your advocate and a daily basis, and I hope you enjoy a peaceful, restful winter break with your family and loved ones.
In solidarity,
Charles Cooper
PS: Before the new year starts, I’m asking you to take a moment to complete this survey about your EPEA gear. We are working on restocking, and it is a good time to get an idea of what folks are looking for!
EPEA NEWS:
Local Action Leaders Needed
There’s an old saying about government employees sacrificing their individual wealth for worthwhile benefits. As school employees, we know these benefits have been eroded over time, and many of us are left wondering what is left. From healthcare to pensions, we have watched our benefits dissolve as our wages struggle to keep pace, let alone close the gap. We are looking for members that want to stop this erosion. If you want to learn about opportunities to impact these problems during the next legislative session, get in touch with Charles Cooper (epea4you@gmail.com).
When can I retire?
Retirement can be confusing. Whether you are one year into the profession or one year from leaving the profession, it is important to know how to prepare for life after work. Education Minnesota ESI/EFS Advisors will be hosting a virtual seminar on January 22, 2025 from 4:30-5:30PM for EPEA members. This informational meeting is a great way to ensure you understand the benefits available for you to prepare for retirement, so register now!
Paid Time Off: Workplace Injury
As employees of public schools, there are risks inherent in our job that simply do not exist in the private sector. One of those risks is the increased opportunity for violence and, therefore, personal injury. We hope none of us find ourselves in this position, but if you do, it is important to know your rights. The district has a worker’s compensation policy that addresses work-related injuries, but there are some gaps in that coverage. One of our newest MOUs works to close one of those gaps.
“In the event that a staff member is injured on the job, files a workplace injury claim with the worker’s compensation insurance carrier, and needs to be absent from work … the employee will be paid by the School District for the first three days of absence. The first three days of absence will be reimbursed in the employee’s sick leave bank. In the event a worker’s compensation claim is denied by the insurance carrier, the employee’s sick leave bank will not be reimbursed.”
All of us hope that we will never be hurt on the job, but it is important to know what to do if you are. If you are ever injured at work, be sure to file the proper paperwork to start the worker’s comp process!
GUIDANCE from YOUR MEMBER RIGHTS ADVOCATE:
If you are in need of support at an administration meeting, believe there is a contract violation, or have a performance/conduct-related support request, please connect with Carla Thompson
(Lead MRA) cthompson@edenpr.org or 952-240-6577
MEMBER BENEFITS:
BUILT IN BENEFITS WITH MEMBERSHIP
ESI PerksConnect - discounts to area activities and restaurants
NEA Discount Marketplace - discount tickets and travel programs
December 9 Summary
Our School Board met on December 9 for their annual truth in taxation hearing. During this meeting, the district presented the board with their final levy suggestion for the next year. The district acknowledged the rising property taxes across the metro area. In Eden Prairie, the property taxes will remain on the lower side of the regional averages. Since the original proposal in September, the district decreased the percentage to be levied. The final proposal, which was unanimously approved by the board, was for a levy increase of 4.39%.
Interestingly, outgoing board member CJ Strehl addressed the possibility that our district may be under-levying in order to maintain programming. Board member Ross echoed these concerns and shared that the Minnesota School Board Association addressed numerous proposals for increasing school funding. The board acknowledged the district’s efforts to work creatively to provide the most opportunities for our students. Board member Bartz recognized the bulk of this work typically falls onto administration and teachers.
During the meeting, “DD” Dwivedy announced that he will be taking a short-term leave from the board, as he has been deployed overseas for several months. DD took great efforts to attend remotely during the beginning of his deployment, but his shifting responsibilities as a servicemember resulted in his decision to take a leave. The board will be filling a short-term vacancy in the new year.
When reconvening in January, two new members, Jody Ward-Rannow and Anne Bradsher (both EPEA-endorsed) will be seated, and we look forward to the impact they will assuredly have on our school board. I would like to take a moment to thank outgoing board members CJ Strehl and Dennis Stubbs. The time and effort these gentlemen have provided over the years on the behalf of our schools is much appreciated.
FREE virtual teacher mentorship program
Looking for help to meet the needs of all learners? Join Minnesota’s next Modern Classrooms Project cohort Virtual Mentorship Program! This self-paced, virtual PD teaches practical strategies to increase student engagement and differentiation. Participants also work with a personal mentor to help apply what you learn to your classroom immediately. This is a FREE professional development opportunity for all Minnesota educators and includes a $500 completion stipend. Learn more and apply by Jan. 18.
Restorative practices overview
The Minnesota Department of Education is hosting a free introductory workshop on restorative practices -- both in-person and online.
Thursday, Jan. 16 (online)
Wednesday, April 23 (in-person)
Thursday, May 15 (in-person)
Each session is from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. In-person sessions are held in the lower level conference area at MDE, 400 Stinson Blvd. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413. Learn more and register. CEUs available.
Important Dates and Happenings
January 15 - EPEA Executive Board Meeting
January 16 - Restorative Practices Workshop (virtual)
January 21 - EPEA Rep Congress (Central Middle School)
January 22 - ESI-EFS presents “When can I retire?” (Zoom, registration required)
January 24 - Education Minnesota Collective Bargaining and Organizing Conference
April 23 - Restorative Practices Workshop (in-person)
April 25 - Education Minnesota Representative Convention
“Relax, Recharge and Reflect. Sometimes it’s OK to do nothing.” – Izey Victoria Odiase
In Solidarity,
Charles Cooper, EPEA President
Mike Woizeschke, EPEA Vice President
Brent Bovitz, EPEA Treasurer
Jessica Premo, EPEA Secretary