Happy Thanksgiving (break), EPEA!
Prior to the beginning of a well-earned break, there are some important announcements to be shared. This month’s newsletter includes the formal recognition of our new negotiations team for the 2025-27 contract and the annual notice of our financial audit, so be sure to read on!
Thanksgiving break is one of my favorite breaks during the school year. For me, it is an opportunity to slow down, remind myself of the reasons we do our work, and appreciate the time we get to spend together. This year, I am most thankful to have the opportunity to work on your behalf as we continue to advocate for what each of us, as teachers, deserve. During this break, I hope that each of you are able to spend the next five days in relaxation with your friends, family, and loved ones.
With gratitude,
Charles Cooper, EPEA President
EPEA NEWS:
2025-27 Negotiations Team Confirmed!
The EPEA is excited to announce that the following members have been appointed by the President and confirmed by the Representative Congress to serve as negotiators for the 2025-27 contract:
Josh Axtman
Charles Cooper
Max Ginsbeg
Kristen Mantel
Michelle Rada
We thank each of these members for choosing to fulfill the negotiator’s role! The team will be sharing information about how to make your voice heard during the negotiation process in the coming months.
Annual Audit Available for Member Review
The EPEA’s annual financial audit is available for members to review. This document is exclusive to EPEA membership, and it can be found on the Members Only page under EPEA links.
Q-COMP and OBSERVATIONS
With our previous settlement, the district’s Q-Comp plan, as agreed to by our union, is now part of our contract. As a result, the observation process is protected in the same manner as a duty-free lunch or access to health insurance.The Q-Comp steering committee has identified the Danielson framework as the core of our evaluation process. As a tenured teacher, domains 1-3 will be evaluated by the teacher observer within the first two observations and the fourth domain will be evaluated by an administrator-observer. Probationary staff will have all four domains evaluated by the end of the third observation. The determination of proficiency must be communicated directly by the teacher observer after the second evaluation (tenured) or the administrator following the third observation (probationary). A teacher may appeal an observation report and request an additional observation. Such an appeal must be filed with the Director of Human Resources within 10 working days of the post observation conference.
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 5 BOARD MEETING PREVIEW
The School Board’s meeting on December 5 is one of the most important meetings of the year. During this meeting, the district will hold its Truth in Taxation meeting. During this meeting, the board will finalize their approval of the district’s levy for the coming year. As a result, this meeting will provide the clearest picture of the district’s funding in the coming year. This will impact everything from negotiation parameters to program development and implementation. The December 13 membership update will include a summary of the meeting.
As teachers, we continue to be on the frontlines of an evolving understanding of digital technologies and the societal impacts. As vehicles for disinformation, defamation, slander, or libel, there are chances for teachers, students, and classrooms to find themselves in uncomfortable positions. If you become aware of personally defaming material published online, most social media platforms have a process for removing the material. It is important to document these occurrences and seek removal of the content as quickly as possible. More information can be found here.
"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." -William Arthur Ward
In Solidarity,
Charles Cooper, EPEA President
Mike Woizeschke, EPEA Vice President
Brent Bovitz, EPEA Treasurer
Jessica Premo, EPEA Secretary
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