The war on public education is real, and it is here
We must stand up and fight this budget Kentucky is the latest battleground in a war on public education that has had devastating effects on school systems in Wisconsin, Michigan, California, Ohio and other states. Governor Bevin’s proposed budget for the 2018-2020 biennium is his most recent shot at students, educators and parents across the Commonwealth. By now, it should be clear to everyone who works in or cares about Kentucky’s public schools that this governor has joined a nationwide campaign to destroy public education and replace the non-profit, taxpayer-supported constitutional system of common schools with privately-run charter schools and other profit-making enterprises. The primary goal is to make public schools and educators seem as ineffective as possible, which the agenda’s supporters message constantly and implement in very insidious ways. For instance, the governor has publicly complained about teacher quality, but in his budget, he cut all funding for teacher professional development. He used low student test scores as one of the rallying points in his charter school push, but his budget slashes after school tutoring programs, FRYSC funding, Medicaid subsidies, and literacy and writing programs, all of which alleviate the adverse impacts of poverty on student learning. State and federal laws tie school funding and educational effectiveness directly to student attendance, but the Executive Budget cut in half the money needed to transport students to school each day. When he rolled out the Executive Budget, the governor made much of the fact that he did not reduce the basic SEEK funding of $3,981 per student. But although the same amount of money is allotted to each student, the proposed budget heaps new financial obligations on local school districts, with the ultimate result that school administrators will have less money available for direct instruction and student support. In his zeal to drive home his point that it costs too much to pay public employee pensions, the governor funded those pensions but simultaneously shifted employer contributions for school employee health insurance benefits to the local school districts, eliminated the medical insurance subsidies promised to retirees under 65, and saddled individual school districts with costs they have never been asked to bear—and which many cannot afford to pay. All of this ultimately works to the detriment of every public school student in the Commonwealth. Susan Perkins Weston, an independent education policy consultant said that, if enacted as proposed, the governor’s drastic cuts to transportation funding and imposition of new health insurance costs could destroy the fund balances of at least six local school districts in the first year of the biennium and 19 more in the second year. (See the illustration for details.) The prospect of bankruptcy will force impossible choices on these districts and will require them to lay off staff and eliminate services just to keep the doors open for students. But even if the doors are open, who is going to be there to teach? To make lunch? To drive students to school?
Teachers who are eligible to retire in cash-strapped districts might do so, except that Governor Bevin also eliminated in his proposed budget an estimated $145 million to pay the equivalent of the employer contribution to the health insurance of retired teachers who are not eligible for Medicare. In so doing, he broke a promise made to teachers by the Commonwealth as part of the “shared responsibility solution” embodied in the 2010 version of HB540. Without that promised funding from the state, teachers who already retired will suddenly have to pay hundreds of dollars more each month for their health insurance. Teachers who would otherwise retire will have no option but to remain employed until they turn 65. By making these draconian cuts, Bevin will accomplish indirectly something he sought in his failed pension proposal, i.e., raising the effective retirement age for teachers. It’s all very disheartening and offensive. But remember, when Governor Bevin released his pension bill last October, he presented it to the public as a done deal. He said several times that he had the votes to pass it and that he would call a special session “soon” to make it the law of the land. But then you happened. Thousands of you attended public forums with your state legislators at locations across Kentucky and let them know in no uncertain terms the governor’s plan was not acceptable. Without the support of your legislators—and with no prospects to win that support—the governor withdrew the proposal and shelved his plan for a special session. Now we must stand up and fight again. We must tell those same legislators just as loudly and clearly that the proposed Executive Budget is unacceptable, and that if they vote for it, we will not vote for them. We must make sure they understand the harm the budget will ultimately do to Kentucky’s students by underfunding their districts, teachers and support staff. We must let legislators and the administration know that we are watching them as they make policy decisions that will affect all Kentuckians for generations to come. By the time you read this, there will be fewer than 20 days left in this legislative session, but that is time enough for plenty of good—or plenty of harm—to be done. You must keep fighting. With you, anything is possible.
2
The state budget process: a primer Every two years, the Kentucky General Assembly passes a budget in the form of four separate bills: one each for the executive, legislative and judicial branches and a bill for transportation. Together, the final versions of these four bills comprise the biennial budget. However, the budget is only half the picture: equally important in building a strong state economy are the revenues that pay for these investments. Although there are many players involved in the process, the ultimate constitutional responsibility for both raising revenues and appropriating funds rests with the General Assembly.
Kentucky Education Association
In fulfilling these two responsibilities, the General Assembly establishes the blueprint for Kentucky — who we are, what we value, what we aspire to be, and whether our communities prosper and flourish. The budget is the primary policy document of the Commonwealth, and revenues provide the means by which those policies are carried out. The Kentucky Center for Economic Policy created this concise introduction to the budget process and explains the various players. We reprint it here with their permission.
March 2018
Volume 54
Issue No. 3
3
March 2018
Volume 54
Issue No. 3
Kentucky Education Association
4
146th Delegate Assembly meets April 4-6 The KEA Delegate Assembly, which meets each spring in Louisville, is the highest decision-making body of the Association. This year more than 570 delegates have registered to attend the event at the Mariott Louisville Downtown Hotel. The first business session will begin at 8:00 pm (EDT) on Wednesday, April 4. Delegates will work all day Thursday, April 5 and will continue until late in the afternoon of Friday, April 6. During the four business sessions, delegates will vote on a proposed amendment to the KEA Constitution, elect one NEA Director and two Ethnic Minority Directors at Large to serve on the KEA Board of Directors, debate and approve the KEA budget and legislative program for the coming year, and conduct other official business of the Association.
Proposed amendment to the KEA Constitution, Bylaws and Standing Rules Amendments to the KEA Constitution must be approved by two thirds of the delegate present and voting. If approved, this amendment will require action by the KEA Board of Directors as set forth in New Business Item 1, which appears at the top of page 5. Amend ARTICLE IV. COMMITTEES to read as follows: ARTICLE VI. COMMITTEES Section 1. Standing Committees. Standing Committees shall be established and/or discontinued by the Delegate Assembly. B-6.1. Standing Committees: Establishment and Accountability. Standing Committees may be established and discontinued by the Delegate Assembly. When that body is not in session, Standing Committees shall be accountable to the President, the Board of Directors, and the Executive Committee. B-6.2. Types and Functions of Standing Committees. a. Standing Committees are established to facilitate the operations of the Association and to advise the Association’s governing bodies in various areas. Membership of each committee shall consist of one person elected from each district association, one person elected from the Retired association, and one member elected from the Student association. No person may simultaneously serve on more than one standing committee. Each district association, the Retired association and the Student association shall also elect one (1) alternate member of each Standing Committee. No person may simultaneously serve as an elected member of a standing committee and as an alternate of another committee, nor may any member simultaneously serve as an alternate for more than one standing committee. Members from district associations and the retired association shall be elected for a term of two years beginning July 1. Student members shall be elected for a term of one year beginning July 1. A member shall serve for no more than six consecutive years except in the case where the member was originally elected to fill a partial unexpired term which had become vacant. In that case, the member may serve no more than the unexpired term plus six consecutive years. These committees are: 1. Compliance/Constitution 2. Government Relations 3. Membership, Organizing, Visibility & Engagement (MOVE) 4. Diversity 5. Program and Budget Teaching and Learning b. The functions of the Standing Committees shall include the following: 1. The Compliance/Constitution Committee shall: • Review the governance documents of the local and district associations for compliance with the KEA and NEA constitutions and bylaws; • Receive and process proposed amendments to the Constitution, Bylaws and Standing Rules; • Supervise the submission and processing of new business during the Delegate Assembly; • Issue advisory interpretations upon request on issues arising from the floor of the Delegate Assembly; • Perform other duties at the Delegate Assembly as specified in the Rules or requested by the President; • Supervise the accreditation of delegates and alternates to the Delegate Assembly and the seating of delegates and members; • Conduct elections at the Delegate Assembly, prepare and check ballots for accuracy, supervise the voting area, and act as judge and constable of the election;
Kentucky Education Association
• Conduct the election of state delegates to the NEA Representative Assembly; • Develop all state election guidelines, report its recommendations to the Board of Directors for approval, and upon approval, implement the appropriate guidelines governing each state election; and • Monitor minority involvement in the Association and address compliance issues. 2. The Government Relations Committee shall: • Recommend the Legislative Program to the Delegate Assembly; • Influence and support the accomplishment of the Legislative Program goals and related issues; • Facilitate members’ legislative activity; • Help facilitate activities in the Legislative Support goal area; • Exert continued energy toward the pursuit of and continuation of negotiations with local boards of education; and • Support crisis activity.
Committee, with the exception of the Program and Budget Committee, which the Vice President shall Chair . B-6.3. Expansion of Standing Committees. If a Standing Committee requires more members on subcommittees to accomplish its responsibilities, it shall submit a request for additional subcommittee members to the President. The President shall consider both the work load of the committee and its budget in determining the number, if any, of subcommittee members to add to the Standing Committee. Additional subcommittee members to the Standing Committee shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the Board of Directors. B-6.4. Subcommittees of Standing Committees. A Standing Committee may form subcommittees to facilitate its work. B-6.5. Vacancies. a. In the event an elected member cannot attend a scheduled Standing Committee meeting, the elected alternate may attend. However, absence of the elected member from two (2) consecutive meetings shall constitute resignation.
3. The Membership, Organizing, Visibility & Engagement (MOVE) Committee shall: • Promote the activities of the Standing Committees; • Conduct surveys and needs assessment of members to share with the Board of Directors and other committees for the purpose of assessing member needs; • Promote and enhance the image of the Association both internally and externally; • Conduct programs providing grants, scholarships, awards, and competitions; • Oversee and promote the Member Benefits Program; • Encourage current members to retain KEA membership and encourage non-members to join; and • Develop effective communication programs and assist local and district associations in doing so.
b. A vacancy on a Standing Committee shall be filled temporarily by the elected alternate or by election by the district board of directors (or board of directors of the affiliated retired or student association) until the district (or affiliate) delegate assembly or the membership of the district education association (or affiliate association) has the opportunity to elect a permanent member to complete the unexpired term. Section 2. Special Committees. Whenever feasible, activities shall be assigned to Standing Committees. If necessary, Special Committees may be appointed by the President for the purpose of carrying out a specific activity.
4. The Diversity Committee shall: • Encourage affirmative action in school systems; • Promote and ensure awareness of cultural diversity; • Promote the inclusiveness of the educational family by stressing minority recruitment and leadership development; and • Coordinate human relations programs at all levels of the Association and assist locals and districts in doing so. 5. The Program and Budget Committee shall: • Prepare the annual budget of the Association for approval of the Delegate Assembly • Articulate annual financial goals of the Association for approval of the Delegate Assembly 5. The Teaching and Learning Committee shall: • Lead our professions in this arena; • Support the creation and execution of professional development offered by the Association; • Promote professional learning opportunities to the general membership; • Respond to professional learning needs as directed by the KEA Delegate Assembly; • Provide feedback on teaching and learning issues when solicited by the Association. 6. Each Standing Committee shall annually elect the chair to serve at the pleasure of the Standing
Section 3. Proportional Representation. a. Ethnic minorities and administrators shall be represented on each Standing Committee in proportion to their membership in the Association. When this proportion has not been met through elections, appointment for two-year terms shall be made by the President with the approval of the Board of Directors.
RATIONALE:
This constitutional amendment would create a new KEA Standing Committee called the “Teaching and Learning Committee.” This also eliminates the Program and Budget Committee as a KEA Standing Committee. The current Program and Budget standing committee will cease to exist on June 30, 2018. The Program and Budget Committee should be a committee of the KEA Board of Directors, similar to the current KEA Board Investment and Audit Committees. The KEA Board members act as the fiduciaries of the association and have constitutional responsibilities to expend contingency funds and make adjustments to the program and budget. KEA leadership has struggled in the past to have an appropriate committee to assign many NBIs that deal with teaching and learning issues. The creation of a new standing committee would allow for an elected representative body to lead in and deal with our association’s teaching and learning opportunities and challenges.
March 2018
Volume 54
Issue No. 3
New Business Item 1 will direct action of KEA Board of Directors if Constitutional Amendment 1 is adopted Delegates to the annual KEA Delegate Assembly also propose, debate and, by floor vote in open session, approve or reject New Business Items. NBI can be statements of association policy or directives for work to be done by staff and governance. Much of the association’s day-to-day business in any given year may be in fulfillment of a NBI passed by the KEA Delegate Assembly. NBI for the 2018 DA must be submitted in writing to the DA office by noon (EDT) on Thursday, April 5. One NBI already has been submitted by KEA Vice President Eddie Campbell and will be formally moved only if Constitutional Amendment 1 is adopted. New Business Item 1
I move: The KEA Board of Directors be charged with creating a subcommittee called the Program and Budget Committee. The KEA Program and Budget Committee will have the responsibility of creating and presenting a proposed budget each
year to the full KEA Board of Directors and also to the KEA Delegate Assembly. The KEA Board will create policies around the composition and duties of the Program and Budget Committee. This committee should have a representative from each KEA district, the KEA Student program, and KEA Retired. Rationale: • The KEA Board of Directors are the fiduciaries of the Kentucky Education Association. • Currently, the KEA Board of Directors has 2 existing subcommittees (the Audit and Investment committees), that review and make recommendations to the KEA Board of Directors. • The KEA board reviews the association financials on monthly, quarterly, and yearly basis. • In addition, the KEA Constitution outlines the following duties of the KEA Board: “Section 3. Functions. Consistent with the Purposes, Goals and Objectives, and the existing policies of the Association, the Board
5
of Directors shall act for the Association between meetings of the Delegate Assembly, and shall have the sole responsibility for any matter expressly delegated to it by this Constitution, the Bylaws, or the Delegate Assembly. B-5.4. Duties of the Board of Directors. a. Shall implement policies established by the Delegate Assembly . . . h. Shall have the authority to expend contingency funds and make adjustments in the program budget. i. Shall require an annual audit of the fiscal affairs of the Association . . . k. Shall designate a bank for deposit of Association funds.” It is for these reasons that the KEA Program and Budget Committee should be composed of members of the KEA Board of Directors, a group that consistently monitors and evaluates the financial health of KEA.
Statements of candidates for KEA offices to be elected at the 146th Delegate Assembly
Jo McKim for NEA Director
Alvia Littleton for NEA Director
KEA embodies the spirit of a commonwealth, a group associated by choice and linked with common objectives and interests. We, the educators of KEA, have chosen to come together as the preeminent voice for public education. As one of only four states officially called a commonwealth, it is essential that our united voice for public education be strong at the national level. I have the experience and passion to continue to make our united voice for Kentucky heard on the NEA Board. With over 20 years of experience as an educator and an Association member, I have advocated at the local, state, and national levels for our common interests. From class size to evaluations to testing to retirement, I have been there, and I am ready to continue to be there, putting your voice in action at the national level. With challenges ahead, it is more important than ever that we have informed and passionate leaders to advocate for Kentucky students and educators. I am the informed and passionate leader you need speaking up for Kentucky on the NEA Board. I would be honored to have your support. Please vote to re-elect Jo McKim NEA Director.
I am Alvia Littleton and I am running for NEA Director. I know I have the ability to make a difference as a NEA Director. I am driven, experienced and a full time Advocate for Kentucky. As Senior Ethnic Minority Director-at-Large and a member of the Executive Committee of the KEA Board of Directors, I have traveled the state and been active in addressing questions and concerns. Since the age of twelve, I wanted to be a public school educator and vote. When I became a public school educator, my realization that politics pulled the “Education” purse strings ignited my passion for activism a top priority. I am a KEA activist 365 days a year! I would love your “Vote!” Alvia Littleton 4 NEA Director.
Regina Boone for Ethnic Minority Director at Large (1)
Noraa Ransey for Ethnic Minority Director at Large (2)
It would be my pleasure to serve as your next Ethnic Minority Director. I am currently serving as local president for the Hardin County Education Association and as secretary for Fourth District Education. I became of member of NEA in 2003 as a student and of KEA in 2008 when I moved to Kentucky. I have always had a voice to speak up for myself and others who could not or would not for themselves. Since being in Kentucky I have become even more EMPOWERED to advocate for myself and others. I was a member of the first class of KEA Fellows and attended the NEA Leadership Summit. In 2016, I was privileged to be offered the opportunity to attend the Mid-Atlantic Region Organizing Institute in Ohio. The following year I organized HCEA’s Rally Against Charter Schools. I was one of the three members who appeared in the commercials for KEA, where we told our story as PROUD Public School Educators: Our public school system is not failing but PREVAILING! I am a proud KEA member. I am honored to have the opportunity to serve in an association I love so dearly as your next Ethnic Minority Director.
I am in my twelfth year as a teacher at North Calloway Elementary. I have actively served in my local and currently as your Junior Ethnic Minority Director. I am an alumni of KEA Fellows and recently achieved my NBCT. I see myself as a leader from the classroom. My dream job has always been teaching. In addition, I also love being the voice for my students, peers, and our state. In my current year of service I have had the opportunity to work with the Student Program Conference, Women’s and Minority Conference, and as a voice on our KEA Board. Growing up in the GAP group I am able to understand the struggles of many of our youth. Having walked a mile in my own struggles gives me a passion to fight for ALL students and be a voice for ALL teachers. Being able to share my story and ability to overcome my own challenges lets me be a walking billboard for Family Resource, first generation college students, and proof that despite my background I can achieve my wildest dreams. I would appreciate your vote and once reelected will continue to fight for EVERY member of public education.
March 2018
Volume 54
Issue No. 3
Kentucky Education Association
6 Meet our award-winning #DifferenceMakers for 2018 KEA’s MOVE (membership, Organizing, Visibility and Engagement) Committee created the 2018 #DIfferenceMakers student art contest to let students honor the teacher, custodian, cafeteria worker, security officer, para-professional, school nurse, administrator, counselor, transportation worker or any other school employee who has made a difference in their lives. Here (clockwise from right) are the four winners in the 2018 contest, selected by members of the committee from hundreds of entries submitted by students from across Kentucky: Ciara Dame of McLean County Middle School won in the category for students in grades six through eight, for her portrait of security officer Dalmer. Ciara’s teacher is KEA member Rachel Sutton. The P-2 winner is Aryan Fulkerson, who attends West Louisville Elementary School in Davies County. Aryan’s teacher, Becky Luckett submitted his drawing of Mr. Satterly, the school principal. Jocey Stogsdill won the grades 3-5 category with her photograph of Mr. Jimmy, the custodian at her school, Shopville Elementary in Pulaski County. Her teacher is Shelley McBride. Henry Clay High School student Alyson Cruse is the winner in the grades 9-12 category. She titled her watercolor portrait of art teacher Charissa Riley, “The Art of Teaching.” Each child—and their teacher—will receive a check for $50. Their artwork will be displayed in the Capitol Annex Tunnel in Frankfort in March.
Nominations for delegates to Student Leadership Conference and NEA Representative Assembly and due by March 23 The KEA Student Program will hold an online election, if necessary, to choose its voting delegates to the 2018 NEA Representative Assembly to be held June 30 to July 5 in Minneapolis, MN. Elected delegates also will attend the NEA Student Leadership Conference June 27 - 29, which is also in Minneapolis. The number of delegates elected will be based on KEA SP membership as certified by NEA on March 15, 2018. Any member of the KEA Student Program who wishes to represent Kentucky as a delegate to the Representative Assembly and Student Leadership Conference must complete and submit the official nomination form to KEA Headquarters by 5:00 p.m. (EDT) on Friday, March 23, 2018. The form is printed here and is available at www.kea. org. Only the official nomination form or an exact duplicate thereof will be accepted. If there are more nominations than KEA SP slots, an online election will be held at www.kea.org, beginning at 6:00 a.m. (EDT) on Monday, April 9 and ending at 6:00 p.m. (EDT) on Friday, April 13. If you are a member in good standing of the KEA Student Program you are eligible to vote in the election. To log in you will need to provide your last name, the last four digits of your social security number and the name of the county in which you attend school. The results of the election will be unlocked and posted on the KEA website on Monday, April 16. KEA provides a stipend to all elected delegates to offset the cost of attending the NEA RA. The KEA Student Program pays for transportation, lodging and meals for delegates to Student Leadership Conference. All delegates must submit a completed voucher, with appropriate receipts, within 60 days of adjournment of the NEA RA, as required by KEA Board Policy 3.2. Nominees must read the guidelines for delegates posted at www. kea.org and agree to be bound by them. Completed nomination forms may be mailed to KEA Headquarters at 401 Capitol Avenue, Frankfort KY, 40601. Or, they may be scanned and sent by e-mail to rosalind.bryant@kea.org; or faxed to (502) 696-8905. Only the official nomination form will be accepted.
Kentucky Education Association
March 2018
Volume 54
Issue No. 3
7
KEA NEWS
Volume 54, Issue 3: March 2018
Stephanie Winkler, President Eddie Campbell, Vice President Mary Ruble, Executive Director Charles Main, Editor
March 2018
Volume 54
Periodical postage paid at Williamsport, PA. KEA News is published four times a year, in September, November, March and May, by the Kentucky Education Association, 401 Capitol Avenue, Frankfort, KY 40601. Phone 800-231-4532. KEA News is the official publiÂcation of KEA and reaches all KEA members. The annual subscription rate to members is $1.50, included in annual dues. The subscription rate to others is $5. ISSN 0164-3959 Postmaster: Send address changes to KEA News, 401 Capitol Avenue Frankfort, KY 40601
Issue No. 3
Kentucky Education Association
QUESTIONS? CALL SHERRY CASTLE: (800) 928-4321
AN ENTIRELY NEW LINEUP OF WORKSHOPS ON LEADERSHIP, ORGANIZING AND COMMUNICATION, LED BY KEA STAFF AND LEADERS FROM ACROSS THE STATE
FOUR POINTS SHERATON HOTEL, LEXINGTON.
SAVE. THE. DATE. JULY 15-17.
www. KEA .org
Kentucky Education Association 401 Capitol Avenue Frankfort, KY 40601
Address service requested
Periodical Mail-Time Sensitive
Photo by Fred Cantu, CBS Austin. Used by permission.
Ke n t u c k y E d u c a t i o n A s s o c i a t i o n March 2018 www.KEA.org Volume 54 Issue 3