With less than a week until Election Day, I want to pass along my thanks for everything we have done to make sure our schools, our students, and our profession find success on the ballot this November. To those of you who have already voted, a sincere thank you for engaging in the most sacred of our civic duties. To those of us who have made phone calls, knocked on your neighbors doors, or engaged in conversations with friends and family about this election, thank you for taking the extra time to invest in our democracy. There are plenty of issues to be decided on our ballots this November, but most importantly, our schools are on the ballot. When educators across the state stand together, we get results in the legislature. Our students feel these results. In the last cycle, we helped make sure no student had to worry about skipping lunch. We began to shrink the gap in educational funding that has grown out of control since 2008. That has allowed us to achieve the single largest salary increase in EPS’ history. We have made significant strides to provide our students with the education, and therefore the future, they deserve. However, our work to fully fund schools, ensure our access to quality health insurance, and afford ourselves a respectable retirement is far from over. The top of the ticket will garner the headlines this week, but our state races will determine what our classrooms will look like in the coming years. EdMNVotes.org is the place to go to find out who supports public education in those down ticket races. If you have not yet cast your vote this fall, I encourage you to make a plan to do so, and take along a friend, family member, or colleague, just in case the line proves to be a little bit lengthy.
In Solidarity,
Charles Cooper
EPEA NEWS:
Topics for Labor Management Committee Identified
The Labor Management Committee, staffed by EPEA negotiators and district leadership, serves as the unofficial barometer for the progress made between contracts. The committee’s topics for this year have been identified. Throughout the year, we will be asking for membership testimony regarding practices within the district. If you have an opinion or experience regarding any of the following topics that you believe can help our negotiations team continue to move forward, please reach out to Charles Cooper.
Fair, equitable practices regarding lunch breaks
Events taking place outside of the duty day
E-Learning plans for inclement weather and other occasions
Compensation for moving classrooms
Use of grading days
Classroom splitting to provide substitute coverage
Class size targets and realities, Special Education caseloads
Number of weekly meetings
403(b) contributions
Design and implementation of Professional Development
Labor Management meetings will be held on November 20, February 19, and April 16 from 3:50-5:00 PM at the Administrative Services Center.
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
School Board Workshop Meeting 10/14
Following a joint meeting with the Eden Prairie City Council, the School Board held their monthly workshop meeting at the district’s newest building on Valley View Road. All board members, with the exception of Debjyoti “DD” Dwivedy, were in attendance. The workshop meeting primarily focused on preparations for the Fiscal Year 25-26 budget. The district focused the discussion on the importance of the promise for five years of financial stability based on the levy previously authorized by voters. Board Member Ross addressed community concerns regarding EP Schools forecasting a deficit next year, to which Superintendent Swanson highlighted the neutrality of this year’s budget, and he emphasized that the district is not cutting any services or programing. Board Member Strehl reminded the body that surrounding districts are running budget deficits that have required school closures and programming cuts. Board Members Bartz and Stubbs voiced reticence around raising the maximum amount of funds to be levied because of community concerns that the increase outpaces inflation. The board, as a whole, requested additional time for reviewing the final levy assessments prior to the truth in taxation hearing to be held at the December meeting of the Eden Prairie School Board.
When can I afford to retire?
One of the many benefits of being an Education Minnesota member is access to financial seminars. Education Minnesota ESI will be holding "When Can I Afford to Retire?" seminars this November and December.
Regardless of how long you have been an educator, attending this seminar will help you understand how your pension, Social Security and other savings, such as a 403(b), all contribute to your financial and retirement plan. Register early as seating is limited at the in-person events. A virtual event will also be hosted on November 12 from 6:00-7:00 PM.
Teacher of the Year nominations are open from October 1 through November 15!
Do you know someone who goes above and beyond for their students? Do you have a coworker that is always there for you? Now’s the time to recognize those folks. EdMN’s Teacher of the Year program utilizes an independent selection panel to choose a teacher that best represents our profession in the coming year.
"Autumn teaches us the beauty of letting go. Growth requires release-it's what the trees do." -Ka'ala
In Solidarity,
Charles Cooper, EPEA President
Mike Woizeschke, EPEA Vice President
Brent Bovitz, EPEA Treasurer
Jessica Premo, EPEA Secretary
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