2011 April Voice by Nebraska State Education Association

The

Voice The Nebraska State Education Association ď ś April 2011

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On the Cover: Nebraska’s Commission on Industrial Relations is getting a bad rap. It works for both sides, as Louisville Superintendent Ed Kasl and former negotiator Judy Roach attest. For more, turn to

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VOICE Nebraska State Education Association 605 S. 14th Street, Suite 200 Lincoln, NE 68508-2742 · www.nsea.org (402) 475-7611 · (800) 742-0047

Volume 64, No. 8 ISSN Number: 1085-0783 USPS Number: 000-369 Executive Director Assoc. Executive Director Director of Public Affairs Assistant Comm. Director

Craig R. Christiansen Neal Clayburn Karen Kilgarin Al Koontz

Inside this Issue: Helpful Information to Guide Your Plans for Summer Session Coursework

In a few short weeks, many of NSEA’s nearly 28,000 members will leave their own classrooms to return to classrooms on college campuses across the state. They return to class each summer for the summer coursework that begins in May and June. But how do those teachers select which course and which school might best meet their needs? They can start by reviewing the advertisements placed by many of Nebraska’s colleges and universites on the pages of this issue. The information in this special section should be of benefit to those looking to enhance their skills, knowledge and salary sched-

Chadron Educators Receive $5,000 NEA Grant

NSEA BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Jess Wolf, Hartington Vice President Nancy Fulton, Wilber-Clatonia NEA Director Mark Shively, Omaha NEA Director Leann Widhalm, Norfolk

The NEA Foundation Funds Educational Psychology Program

Official publication of the Nebraska State Education Association, Suite 200, 605 South 14th Street, Lincoln, NE 68508-2742. Periodical postage paid at Lincoln, NE, and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: send address changes to NSEA Voice, Suite 200, 605 S. 14th Street, Lincoln, NE 68508-2742.

Two Chadron educators – William Roweton of Chadron State College and Jerry Mack of Chadron High School – have received a $5,000 Student Achievement Grant from the NEA Foundation to train Educational Psychology students in observation. Their students will place remotely controlled video and audio digital equipment in local elementary, middle and high school classrooms to practice analyzing what they experience. The students will then analyze observational data, summarize results graphically, and prepare for direct classroom observations. Participating public school students, their instructors, and CSC pre-service teachers will discuss video segments at the conclusion of each semester. The NEA Foundation awards two primary categories of grants to public education professionals: Student Achievement Grants for initiatives to improve academic achievement, and Learning & Leadership Grants for high-quality professional develop-

Published 10 times yearly according to this schedule: September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April, May and August. Payment of annual NSEA membership dues entitles Nebraska educators to receive The Voice. Total cost of producing 10 monthly issues of The Voice each year is about $4.84 per member. Advertising rates of The Voice are available from the assistant communications director. All advertisements and advertisers are screened prior to publication. Appearance of an advertisement in The Voice does not necessarily imply NSEA endorsement of either the product being advertised or the views being expressed.

Great Public Schools For Every Child

ule standing through added summer classroom work. NSEA has solicited information for this special section, which includes at least partial summer session class offerings from nearly a dozen colleges and universities. The information includes class schedules, program availability and location of class offerings, as well as information on how to contact the colleges and universities for more details. All of the state’s colleges and universities were invited to participate, and many of them have done so. Let your college or university of choice know that you read about their course offerings in The Voice!

ment activities. Nationwide, the NEA Foundation has awarded 50 grants totaling $211,000 to support educators’ efforts to improve teaching and learning. Since 1999, the NEA Foundation has funded 27 grants for Nebraska educators. A team of 20 educators, many of whom are former grantees, carefully reviewed all applications and evaluated each one against a set of criteria. Funded grants were selected based on the quality of the proposed ideas and their potential for enhancing student achievement. The latest grants were awarded to educators in 33 different states. The NEA Foundation has awarded more than $6 million in grants like these over the past decade to educators in every state. Each year, the Foundation awards approximately 150 Student Achievement and Learning & Leadership Grants. The Foundation awards its grants to educators three times a year. Deadlines for the next review periods are June 1 and Oct. 15. Descriptions of current and past recipients, online application forms, and an instructional video can be found at the web site at: neafoundation.org

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Public employees are not the cause of the financial meltdown our country has faced the past two years. That fact is so very important that it must be repeated: public employees had nothing to do with the financial crisis that hit the country in 2008. Even so, public sector employees and the contracts we negotiate have been singled out as the villains that caused the economy to tank; caused deep state budget revenue shortfalls in nearly every state; and are at the root of the antagonistic political climate that exists in our country today. A crisis always needs a ‘villain.’ The problem is, some fingers are clearly pointing in the wrong direction. I recall quite clearly that banks and other financial institutions made thousands of questionable housing loans, and those loans ‘went south’ – the main reason for the financial crisis we’ve battled for two years. That risk-taking led to the financial meltdown which caused the stock market to fall dramatically. That blow to the market, in turn, had an adverse affect on the employment status of the American workforce, and the resulting nationwide job loss reduced tax revenues collected by state and local governments. Today, as a result, governmental entities at every level face sharply reduced revenues. Rather Notorious The solution to the state budget problem offered in Wisconsin and other states by newly elected governors and legislators is to simply attack public employees and their unions. These mean-spirited attacks call for the repeal of collective bargaining laws and severe curtailing of the benefits negotiated at bargaining tables by public employees and their elected governing boards. We’re all willing to make sacrifices, and local association negotiators in Nebraska are known for reasonable bargaining that takes the local economy and local needs into consideration. Even so, we’re not immune to state budget cuts here in Nebraska. State aid plans now before the Legislature could well return us to pre-2008 state aid amounts. Our state-managed pension will

likely require an additional contribution by education employees to keep the plan sound. Serious challenges to collective bargaining and the Commission of Industrial Relations are being discussed in the Legislature’s Business and Labor Committee. The CIR debate is fueled by some rather notorious national groups that have seized on the financial crisis they caused, or at the least, abetted. They use the crisis to attack public employee unions as ‘unreasonable’ and government at all levels as ‘too big.’ These are the same groups that have been major campaign contributors to newly elected lawmakers who have proposed the legislative attacks. Further, as these wealthy players attack public sector unions, they seek to reduce their own tax burden. Stand and Resist This situation cannot be taken lightly. To a member, we must continue to fight for reasonableness in government and in the laws our government makes. We need to be ready to stand with our fellow public employees across the country in resistance to these attacks, especially if the attacks grow in scope and intensity here in Nebraska. As members, you would all be proud of the work we have done behind the scenes. To this point, the NSEA has continued to deal with matters in a sensible fashion, working with other education groups, meeting with legislative leaders, and communicating our concerns about proposed legislation to the governor and other policymakers. The debate has been reasoned, cordial and fruitful. At this writing, we believe we’re near consensus on meaningful change to the CIR. We’ll continue to work, on your behalf, for sensible solutions to the problems that confront us. But know that public schools as we now know them, are at risk. Your job, your benefits, your due process rights could be gone tomorrow, if we are not vigilant and strong. Will you be there to defend public schools if the need arises? If the call goes out, will you be willing to put forth an effort similar to what your colleagues across the country have done? My sincere hope is that we won’t need to ask. But our foes will not rest. Be ready. April 2011 n The NSEA Voice n Page 3

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Why Wisconsin Matters Nebraska Not Immune to Collective Bargaining Attacks NSEA Will Aid Wisconsin Affiliate The ongoing battle in Wisconsin over collective bargaining rights may seem like a distant ideological clash, but the reality is that it affects every NSEA member. At the moment, collective bargaining is under attack in 49 of the 50 states – only South Dakota has yet to see anti-bargaining legislation introduced. In Nebraska, nine bills have been introduced that would affect collective bargaining, including one that would prohibit some public employees from engaging in collective bargaining. The most embattled states, Wisconsin and Idaho, have asked neighboring states to provide aid in the form of state education association staff. UniServ directors from Washington state and California are on the ground, working with NEA members in Idaho. Wisconsin has asked NSEA to consider sending two UniServ directors to that state for up to six weeks. NSEA will meet that request. “There is a war on against collective bargaining, and our Association,” said NSEA President Jess Wolf. “It sounds trite, but it’s true: many, many brave souls have sacrificed a great deal for

the right to bargain. We need to defend that right when asked.” NSEA Executive Director Craig R. Christiansen said the request from Wisconsin will be filled by volunteers from the ranks of NSEA’s UniServ and program staff. “We will do as much as we can to help our colleagues in Wisconsin,” he said. “We may someday need their help in return.” In the short term, helping in Wisconsin means that NSEA members calling for assistance from a UniServ director might get help from someone other than their usual NSEA staff member. “Members might not get to talk to the UniServ director they’re used to talking to, or to the UniServ director they’ve worked with for the past 10 years,” said Christiansen. “But the services, as always, will be provided as quickly as possible, and with the quality that members have come to expect from the NSEA.” In the long term, turning the tide in Wisconsin will help to protect rights in Nebraska and elsewhere; will enhance the economic recovery over the long haul, and enable the teaching profession to continue to attract bright, young candidates into the classroom.

Why Protecting Your Rights is Important Why is protection of your right to bargain collectively so important? Consider this scenario, common in Nebraska 40 years ago, before the Legislature gave educators the right to negotiate contracts: A teacher takes a job teaching kindergarten with a school district, and is told what her annual salary will be. There is no contract, no salary schedule and no benefit package. Further, some teachers had one day of personal leave, others had two. And teachers with little or no experience – especially males – earned more than many others with significant experience. ‘Only a fool would try to deprive working men and working women of their right to join the union of their choice.’

— Dwight D. Eisenhower

Yes, that unjust scenario was the prevalent practice, up through the 1960s. But the instance above happened in a small Nebraska school in 2003 – not so long ago! “Without a balance between labor and management that collective bargaining provides, salary issues quickly become political issues, not compensation fairness,” said NSEA President Jess Wolf. Collective bargaining corrects salary inequities, provides for stable relationships between employees and their employers, and allows the district to easily project personnel costs for coming years, among other benefits.

‘Those who would destroy or further limit the rights of organized labor — those who cripple collective bargaining or prevent organization of the unorganized — do a disservice to the cause of democracy.’

— John F. Kennedy

‘There is no America without labor, and to fleece the one is to rob the other.’

— Abraham Lincoln

Percent of Americans interviewed believe unionized state and municipal employees should have the same rights as those union members who work for private companies (Wall Street Journal/NBC poll, March 2, 2011).

Percent of Americans strongly oppose laws taking away the collective bargaining power of public employee unions (USA Today/Gallup Poll, Feb. 23, 2011).

Percent of Americans oppose weakening the bargaining rights of public employee unions (New York Times/ CBS poll, Feb. 28, 2011.

‘These are the values inspiring those brave workers in Poland ... They remind us that where free unions and collective bargaining are forbidden, freedom is lost. They remind us that freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.’

—Ronald Reagan, Labor Day Address 1980.

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Win-Win in the CIR

Louisville Case Illustrates the Norm: Either Side Can Win ty, we’re friends with board Blatant attacks on workmembers,” she said. “The er’s rights in Wisconsin, CIR is a last resort. The last. Idaho and Tennessee have We didn’t want to go there.” made national headlines. In But, as Kasl said: “What’s Nebraska and other states, the alternative when our the attacks are more subtle. teachers walk out of the fifth But make no mistake, negotiation session and say the nine bills now before ‘they won’t budge. Now the Nebraska Legislature what?’ Or when the board could alter the face of colwalks out and says, ‘They’re lective bargaining for years not going to budge.’ We have to come. If unchallenged, to have something, and that these proposals would have something is the CIR.” drastic effects on the salaIn Louisville, the CIR adries, benefits and retirement hered to boundaries set by of public employees, includyears of case law, and selecting educators and education ed the 10-school array prosupport professionals. posed by the LEA. But there At most risk in Nebraska is the more than 60-year-old Reviewing the facts: Former Louisville Education Association were a couple of unexpected Commission on Industrial Negotiator Judy Roach reviews the Commission of Industrial Re- surprises, and a long-term benefit for both sides. Relations. The CIR is a five lations ruling with Louisville Superintendent Dr. Ed Kasl. member set of judges, apUnexpected Twist and a New Rule pointed by the governor. It resolves bargaining disputes bePrior to Louisville, the CIR had ruled that in compensation tween public employees and their local or state employers. cases involving cash-in-lieu of health insurance benefits, the commission would conclude that each employee “would make Split Decision an economically rational choice to accept the maximum fringe The CIR follows a well-established, predictable, rule-ofbenefits available.” Thus, when comparing law process that results in decisions drawn Louisville’s salary schedule to that of other from facts. In the rare instance that a K-12 What’s the Tally? districts, the ‘maximum benefit’ standard school district or local association appeals would be used. to the CIR for relief (see box), sometimes There have been remarkably few Louisville changed all that. Today, when management wins; sometimes labor wins. cases brought before the Nebrasan array school offers cash-in-lieu, the And sometimes, as in a case involving the ka Commission of Industrial Rela‘Louisville Rule’ invokes one of four objecLouisville Education Association, there is a tions in recent years – particularly considering the number of school tive considerations, depending on the cash split decision. districts that have bargained conamount offered at the school. As a result, the Starting in February 2006, the Louisville tracts with local education associacash-in-lieu option must be sufficiently simiEducation Association began negotiating tions. In fact, only about one-third lar (at least 50 percent) at an array school, or with a Lincoln attorney hired to represent of one percent of contracts barthe CIR will use the cash-in-lieu offered at the school district in negotiations for the gained since the 2003-04 school the school that has petitioned the CIR. 2006-07 school year. LEA offered an NSEAyear have ended up before the CIR. The new methodology resulted in a stanresearched array of 10 area schools for saldard which further promotes a final deterary comparison purposes. Talks stalled, School K-12 Dists. No. of mination of predictability, logic and fairhowever, when the Lincoln attorney sought Year Bargaining K-12 CIR ness, and a more accurate comparison of the a cumbersome array of 16 schools – which Statewide Cases benefit offerings by school districts. What it included all 10 schools the LEA proposed. meant in Louisville’s case was a move to the Long-time Louisville Superintendent Ed 03-04 495 2 middle of the 10-school array in terms of salKasl — a regional Superintendent of the 04-05 477 0 ary and benefits for the LEA; and a savings Year just last year — said contract talks nev 05-06 449 2 for the school district over what might have er boiled over. 06-07 254 3 otherwise been ordered. “It just got to the point where we said ‘we 07-08 254 0 Because the CIR has become so predictcan’t resolve this; let’s go to the CIR,’” he 08-09 254 1 able, NSEA’s Research and Bargaining team said. “Defining the array became difficult. 09-10 254 1 predicted that a CIR ruling, using LEA’s The CIR helped us define our array.” 10-11 251 0 10-school array, would raise the Louisville Judy Roach was LEA’s chief negotiator. Total 2,688 9 base from $26,250 to $28,422, a hike of “We’re a small school, a small communi (0.0033%) April 2011 n The NSEA Voice n Page 7

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$2,712, or 8.2 percent. But when the CIR unexpectedly reworked cash-in-lieu standards, it found Louisville was closer to the middle of the 10-school array than calculated using the old standard. As a result, the CIR ordered a base salary of $27,540 – an increase of $1,290, or 4.9 percent. So while the school district took home a win and substantial savings on the cash-in-lieu side, LEA members still earned a decent salary increase. In fact, the $1,290 base increase was just $10 less than a series of settlement proposals made by the LEA a year earlier. Admittedly, not every CIR case works to the benefit of both parties. Sometimes management wins; sometimes labor wins; and sometimes both sides win – as Louisville discovered. And, there was one other benefit: The district no longer hires a third party to handle negotiations. Expensive Advice The third-party attorney-as-a-negotiator effort used in 2007 was pricey: it cost the district more than $40,000. Now, school board members and LEA members sit face-to-face, work together on a comparability study, and settle a contract each year without outside influence. “We’ve had the positive experience of sitting down and working on a comp study together,” said Kasl. “The CIR gave us the basics.” Roach agreed. “Since the decision

in 2007, both sides now use the CIRdefined array. As Mr. Kasl said, representatives from both the LEA and the board of education sit together and do a comparability study. It’s wonderful!” So don’t look for Louisville to return to the CIR soon. “Maybe it’s the fear of the CIR,” said Kasl. “It’s a better idea to try to resolve the issue.” Roach doesn’t believe any local association wants to go to the CIR.

“When we went to CIR, we knew that their decision was final. We knew that we could win some things, but we could also lose some things. Everything in our Negotiated Agreement was open. That’s a very serious matter when you consider all of your members who could be affected,” she said. “It’s reassuring to know that the CIR is there to help when negotiations get stuck and there is no way to get things settled. It’s just not something you set out to do at the first meeting.”

CIR Fosters ‘Good-Faith Bargaining’ In today’s political environment, outcry by opinion leaders and mechanisms without actually going to the CIR.” public officials – most of it clearly manufactured for political gain – alFurther, neither Louisville Superintendent Ed Kasl nor NSEA’s leges that CIR rulings favor public employees over management; that veteran crew of UniServ directors, could recall a CIR order that hogthose rulings ‘tie the hands’ of public officials, ratcheting up employee tied a school district budget so tightly that Reduction-in-Force nosalaries as those officials try to make budgeting decisions; that going tices were handed down the following year. to the CIR is too costly for local governmental subdiviAnd there’s another benefit:“The CIR keeps nesions; and that the CIR does not consider ability of local gotiators – on both sides of the table – at the table,” “The CIR keeps and state subdivisions to pay for the contract settlesaid NSEA President Jess Wolf. “It keeps them barments that it orders – never mind the fact that those negotiators — on both gaining in good faith.” orders can be appealed. The CIR allows for the peaceful resolution of sides of the table — But for each of those arguments, there is an opposbargaining disputes.As one analyst suggested,“if you at the table.” ing point, backed more by fact than rhetoric. For incut the CIR, or leave bargaining in a place where it’s stance, teacher salaries have hardly been ‘ratcheted up,’ completely unfair, people will walk out, as they’re — Jess Wolf, given that the average teacher salary in Nebraska is 43rd doing in Wisconsin.” NSEA President in the nation and ranks behind every neighboring state Just as onerous: placing the CIR in an advisory but South Dakota. capacity only, and leaving the final decision on a con“The effect of the CIR in ratcheting up salaries in Nebraska is nil, a tract dispute to an elected board or officials as some – even some myth,” said NSEA Executive Director Craig R. Christiansen.“It would with legal backgrounds! – have suggested. Such a move would yank happen if we had a lot of people who went to the CIR (to resolve the rule of law from the process and replace it with political considbargaining impasse), but that doesn’t happen.” erations. Why so few cases? The rules and standards set by the CIR, parFinally, any business that hopes to attract and keep the best emticularly in cases over the past 40 years, are predictable and fair – and ployees must pay competitive wages.Without good employees – any helpful to local associations and school boards as they negotiate. company’s most valuable asset – a business will lose its competitive “The CIR gives structure to negotiations,” said Larry Scherer, advantage. NSEA’s director of Bargaining and Research. “Locals use the CIR And that’s something that Nebraska just can’t afford to lose. Page 8 n The NSEA Voice n April 2011

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Gifts Help Children’s Fund Bottom Line Bolstered By Gifts From Locals, Individuals

The NSEA Children’s Fund is called upon nearly every day to help children in dire situations. For instance, in the past two months, the Fund has assisted children from three different Nebraska families who have lost their home to fire. Now, NSEA members have begun to respond to the dire situation that faces the Children’s Fund. The recent economic downturn has put great pressure on the fund; at one point earlier this year, requests for funding were arriving so rapidly that it was feared the fund might run dry by the end of the year. Since the call went out in January alerting members to the Children’s Fund’s dwindling resources, members have responded with contributions of more than $11,000. Still, the Fund is on shaky ground. “We’re in better shape than we were two months ago, but we’ve got a long way to go,” said NSEA Comptroller Sheri Jablonski. Teachers often use their own pocketbook to pay for the needs of a child in their classroom. The Children’s Fund was founded in 1994 to assist those students. Typically, all that is needed is a phone call to the NSEA from a member. With the need detailed – new eye glasses, a new winter coat, or the like – funding is taken care of without need for red tape, forms or further calls. And every penny donated to the Children’s Fund benefits a child; NSEA absorbs all overhead costs. One NSEA member wrote this: “As a K-8 counselor, I have used the Fund, and I know it to be a very useful resource for our members and our students.” If a child in your classroom is in need, contact NSEA’s Sally Bodtke. Usually all that is needed is one phone call. She can be reached at 1-800-742-0047, or at: sally.bodtke@nsea.org

Locals, Individuals Boost Children’s Fund Health

Over the past several years, annual expenditures by the NSEA Children’s Fund have topped $40,000. So it was gratifying to see more than $11,000 in gifts arrive over the past six weeks: n $2,935 from the Bellevue Education Association, or $5 for every member. n $540 from the Elkhorn Ridge Middle School staff in Elkhorn. n $200 from the Imperial Education Association. “We proudly contribute $200 from the Imperial Education Association,” read the note that came with the check. “Thank you for all you do for the children of Nebraska.” n $1,150 from the Waverly Education Association. n $25 from the activities fund at the Mullen Public Schools. n $150 from the Shickley Education Association. n $200 from the Schuyler Education Association. n $250 from the Kearney Education Association. n $240 from the Exeter-Milligan Education Association. n $100 from the Harvard Education Association. n $1,000 from the South Sioux City Education Association. n $1,357 from the Fremont Education Association. n $120 from the Palmyra Education Association. n $1,683 from the Grand Island Education Association, after a Denim Day. n $100 from the West Holt Education Association. “Thank you for reminding us of the Children’s Fund and how important it is to the children of our state,” read the note that came from WHEA. n $130 from the staff at Bellevue’s Twin Ridge Elementary School. n $26, a $1 donation from each Seward Education Association member at a recent meeting. n In addition, individual teachers and NSEA staff members have given gifts ranging from $20 to $100 and totaling more than $1,000.

Spice Up Your Life with Mike! Experience, Enthusiasm, and Desire! Vote Michael Schawang for NEA Director

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Campaign Touts State’s Public Schools “We love our public schools and we know you do, too.” That’s the opening line of the ‘About Us’ fact sheet on the newly minted ‘Nebraska Loves Our Public Schools’ campaign, hosted by Susie Buffett’s Sherwood Foundation. The campaign hopes to tell how Nebraska’s public schools “are using innovative programs and practices to effect change.” The mission of the Sherwood Foundation is to promote equity through social justice initiatives enhancing the quality of life in Nebraska. The campaign itself is designed to instill pride in Nebraska public schools among

various constituents, from parents to lawmakers to taxpayers and beyond. “Education is a vital tool for closing the socio-economic gap, giving children the leg up they need to succeed in the world,” according to the campaign web site. “We believe that Nebraska state residents have a lot to be proud of. And although we know that when it comes to education, there is always room for growth, we can all be proud of the myriad success stories coming

from Omaha to Ogallala.” Thus far, the campaign has filmed or is filming stories about innovative public school programming in Arnold, Omaha, Scottsbluff, Hastings (Adams Central), O’Neill and Newman Grove. The stories have been posted, or will be posted, to this web site: http://nelovesps.org/ And the campaign is seeking more public school stories. If you have a story, go to the web site or email your story idea to: susan@nelovesps.org

Brennan Institute Conference Ideal for Members, Leaders Six CEU Hours Offered Those interested in expanding the boundaries of democracy should consider this event on Saturday, April 9: the 12th Promoting the General Welfare Conference, sponsored by the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s William Brennan Institute for Labor Studies. The event is ideal for union members and their leaders, members and leaders of community and faith-based organizations, faculty and students. The session will include a talk on Organized Labor’s Contributions to Economic and Social Justice, by AFL-CIO’s Liz Shuler. In addition, three workshops will repeat during the conference: n Understanding Taxation and its Contribution to Our Nation’s Commonwealth, by Rebecca Thiess, of the Economic Policy Institute. n Retirement: How This Important Component of the American Dream has Changed Over the Last 30 Years, by Ken Kriz, UNO’s School of Public Administration. n Ties Between Union Density and National Happiness, by Benjamin Radcliff, University of Notre Dame, and Alexander C. Pacek, Texas A&M. Attendees can receive up to six hours of social work continuing education units. There is a cost: $35 for students; $45 for general admission. To register, call the Institute at 402-595-2344. April 2011 n The NSEA Voice n Page 11

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Delegate Assembly Hits 150! Meeting Has Been Called 150 Times Since Association’s Founding in 1867 When NSEA’s annual meeting convenes on the outskirts of Omaha on April 15, it will be a landmark moment: the 150th Delegate Assembly of the Association. The Assembly will be significant for other reasons as well. By the time the gavel comes Wolf Pringle down on April 16, there will be new faces on three, and possibly all four, of the Association’s Executive Committee posts. NSEA President Jess Wolf, Hartington, will preside over his final Delegate Assembly. Also ending terms of service will be Vice President Nancy Fulton, Wilber-Clatonia, and NEA Director Mark Shively, Omaha. And, depending on the outcome of elections to fill those slots, Norfolk teacher Leann Widhalm’s seat on the NEA Board of Directors may also be open. In addition to elections to fill those vacancies, NSEA members will have plenty of other business to handle. Six changes to the NSEA Bylaws have been filed (see pages 1819); a dues proposal for 2011-12 has been properly forwarded for consideration; and several New Business Items have been forwarded for consideration by delegates. The Bylaws are NSEA’s governing documents; a New Business Item calls for a specific action by the Association.

Lively, indeed! This year’s Delegate Assembly marks the 150th in Association history. This photo appeared in The Voice following the 1991 Assembly, and was captioned as ‘a lively promotional parade for the upcoming Summer Leadership Conference in Chadron.’

NEA Representative to Attend Since it was founded in 1867 — just five months after Nebraska gained statehood — members have met nearly every year since. In some years, the Association held two and was elected to her current post in N Delegate Assemblies; the regular meeting to deal with elec2008. tions, Bylaws and mostly routine matters. In other instances, S when the call was needed, delegates returned for a second E Bylaws Proposals meeting. For instance, a second Delegate Assembly in 1978 2 0 As noted, there are six proposed A 1 was held to adopt strategies in support of Proposition 300, 1 changes to the NSEA Bylaws. which would have increased state aid, and in opposition to Delegates will also consider a Initiative 302, which would have placed a 5 percent lid on $10, one-time special assessment to school budgets. be used to fight And, in other years, there were ballot initiatives that would no annual meetings. In 1918, on the On These Pages: harm public school education. orders of the Department of Health The 2011 Delegate Assembly schedule, as well The more than 300 NSEA memand in the face of the Spanish Flu as proposed changes to the NSEA Bylaws and the bers, elected to represent their colEpidemic, the meeting was canproposed dues for the 2011-12 Association year. leagues, will consider those issues celled. Online: and more during the meeting at the On the agenda for Friday eveAll NSEA committee reports and proposed Omaha-LaVista Embassy Suites ning will be NEA Secretary-TreaDelegate Assembly Standing Rules have been Convention Center, which opens surer Becky Pringle, a physical posted to the NSEA Web site. Find them at: on Friday, April 15, and closes on science teacher from Harrisburg, www.nsea.org Saturday, April 16. PA. Pringle has taught for 31 years, April 2011 2011 nn The The NSEA NSEAVoice Voice nn Page Page 15 15 April

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Order of Business: Delegate Assembly 2011 Embassy Suites Omaha-LaVista Hotel and Conference Center Jess Wolf, President, Presiding Registration: Embassy Suites Omaha-LaVista Hotel and Conference Center, Beginning at 5 p.m. Pre-Assembly Activity: Viewing and bidding on gift baskets for NSEA Children’s Fund, Beginning at 5 p.m.

Friday, April 15, 2011 t 7 p.m.

N S E A 1 1

Call to Order: NSEA President Jess Wolf, Hartington Pledge of Allegiance: SEAN President Kyle Rotert, University of Nebraska at Kearney 20 National Anthem: Assembly Delegates First Report of Credentials Committee Adoption of Standing/Procedural Rules: Doyle Anderson, Hartington Adoption of Order of Business: Sarah Brown, Wilber-Clatonia Report of the Auditing Committee Nominations for NSEA President, Vice President and NEA Director (all three year terms) Remarks from Candidates for Office (5 minute limit) Report of the Bylaws Committee: NEA Director Leann Widhalm, Norfolk, Bylaws Committee Chair Debate on Proposed Bylaws (Voting to take place Saturday from 7 a.m. until 8 a.m.) Dues Proposal for 2011-12: NSEA Vice President Nancy Fulton, Wilber-Clatonia, Chair, Budget Committee Address to Delegates: NEA Secretary-Treasurer Becky Pringle First Report of Resolutions Committee: Co-Chairs Daniel Ross, Lincoln, and Tracia Blom, S. Sioux City, Nebraska representatives on NEA’s Resolutions Committee; and Becky Torrens, Elkhorn, member of NEA’s Internal Editing Committee of the NEA Resolutions Committee Submission of Additional New Resolutions and/or Amendments to Continuing Resolutions Begin Action on New Business Items Submission of Additional New Business Items Reports from NSEA Program Directors (as time permits during the Assembly) Announcements and Recess These activities will take place immediately following the close of the First Session: tNEA and NSEA Resolutions Hearing, Fedora I Room. tNSEA Budget Hearing, Fedora II Room. tNSEA Children’s Fund Silent Auction, Hosted by the Omaha Education Association. Horace Mann Reception: Windsor Ballroom VII-X

Saturday, April 16, 2011 t 8:30 a.m. Voting will take place from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. Final Report of Credentials Committee Submission of Additional New Business Items (By 10 a.m.) Submission of Additional New Resolutions and/or Amendments to Continuing Resolutions (By 10 a.m.) NSEA Awards Program Election Committee Report (When available) Voting and Nominations (As necessary) Action on New Business Items Reports to the Assembly: NSEA Committees Report of the Executive Director: Craig R. Christiansen Report on the NEA Commission on Effective Teachings and Teaching: Maddie Fennell, Omaha, Chair Final Report of Resolutions Committee: Daniel Ross, Tracia Blom and Becky Torrens Action on Resolutions Address to the Delegates and Members by the President: Jess Wolf, Hartington Action on the Dues Proposal for 2010-11 Lunch (Served at Noon, or at Adjournment, whichever occurs first) Adjournment Parliamentarian: Dr. Jon Ericson, Drake University Friday evening break service provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska; Saturday Morning Break Service Provided by NSEA. Page Page1616n nThe TheNSEA NSEAVoice Voicen nApril April2011 2011

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2011-12 NSEA Dues Recommendation Dues for Certificated Staff The NSEA Board of Directors has recommended the following annual fee structure for Association membership by certificated staff. Delegates to the NSEA Delegate Assembly on April 16-17 will consider and act on these proposals. For the 2011-12 Association year, the NSEA Board of Directors recommends the dues for these certificated classes of NSEA membership be as follows:

Active: $362

Half-time Active: $181

Active Substitute: $362

Non-Active Sub: $90.50

This proposed 1.4 percent increase of $5 will fund the regular NSEA budget for 2011-12. The Delegate Assembly will also consider a one-time Special Assessment of up to, but no more than, $10, to be used for ballot initiatives only. All amounts listed are for state dues only. NEA dues for 2011-12 have been proposed at no more than $168, a $2 increase. However, NEA is also considering a ballot initiative Special Assessment of up to $10. The 2011-12 dues amount for a full-time, active member of NSEA includes a voluntary contribution of $15 to NSEA’s Political Action Fund. The dues amount for a half-time active member and an active substitute member includes a voluntary contribution of $7.50 to NSEA’s Political Action Fund. This contribution is refundable upon receipt of a written, individuallycomposed request. A reminder of the opportunity to seek a refund is published in the January issue of the NSEA Voice. Address refund requests to NSEA PAC Refund, in care of NSEA President, 605 S. 14th St., Suite 200, Lincoln, NE 68508. Dues for Educational Support Professionals Delegates to the 2001 Delegate Assembly approved a separate dues structure for Educational Support Professionals (ESP). That action created four levels of dues for ESP members, and the NSEA Board of Directors modified the ESP dues structure to a six-tiered structure. The ESP dues structure is motivated by an effort to establish equity between the wide range of ESP salaries, while taking into consideration the fact that beginning teachers or teachers in lower-paid school districts are still paying full NSEA dues. In this model, the ESP member’s total base salary, regardless of the hours or number of days worked, establishes the state dues for that member. The percentages are based on the lowest starting teacher salary in the state, which was $26,500 in 2010-11. ESP Dues Tier NSEA Dues Active ESP (salary of $26,500 or more)..................... $362.00 (100 percent of teacher dues) Active ESP ($21,200 to $26,499)............................... $325.80 (90 percent of teacher dues) Active ESP ($15,900 to $21,199)............................... $253.40 (70 percent of teacher dues) Active ESP ($10,600 to $15,899).............................. $181.00 (50 percent of teacher dues) Active ESP ($5,300 to $10,599)................................ $108.60 (30 percent of teacher dues) Active ESP ($5,299 or less)....................................... $36.20 (10 percent of teacher dues)

N S E A 1 1

2011-12 Dues Comparison Membership dues for the Nebraska State Education Association rank fifth among 13 Midwest and Western states included in an NSEA staff negotiations comparability array. NSEA Dues History State 09-10 10-11 Proposed

Wyoming............ $490 $504 $508 Iowa................... $506 $454 $466 Minnesota.......... $397 $405 $405 Colorado............ $370 $376 NA Kansas............... $358 $362 $366 Nebraska.......... $350 $357 $362 ($372*) South Dakota..... $328 $350 $360 Missouri............. $341 $341 $351 New Mexico....... $338 $338 $NA Utah................... $334 $330 $330 Arizona.............. $325 $315 $317 North Dakota..... $299 $301 $313 Texas................. $282 $290 $NA

AVERAGE..............$355.25 $363.83 $379.56

*If special assessment passes (See second paragraph, above).

Budget Year

NSEA Dues

Percent Increase

2011-12 $362 1.40 2010-11 $357 2.00 2009-10 $350 2.30 2008-09 $342 4.26 2007-08 $328 6.49 2006-07 $308 4.05 2005-06 $296 4.96 2004-05 $282 5.22 2003-04 $268 4.28 2002-03 $257 4.89 2001-02 $245 2.94 2000-01 $238 2.14 1999-00 $233 2.64 1998-99 $227 2.71 1997-98 $221 2.79 1996-97 $215 2.87 1995-96 $209 3.98 April April2011 2011n nThe TheNSEA NSEAVoice Voicen nPage Page1717

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Proposed NSEA Bylaws Revisions These proposed changes to NSEA’s Bylaws will be considered during the annual meeting of the Delegate Assembly at the LaVista Embassy Suites on April 15-16.

thority to charter local education associations. The Board of Directors shall have the authority to suspend, revoke, or reinstate the charter of an association.

Proposed Bylaws Amendment 1

Rationale: The NSEA Board of Directors has the authority to charter local associations and practice has been that the board also has the authority to suspend, revoke or reinstate local association charters. This amendment would make that authority clear. Bylaws Amendment Three is proposed by the Bylaws Committee of the NSEA Board of Directors, and is supported by the NSEA Board of Directors.

n Article I: Membership Section 7: Adherence to the NEA Code of Ethics adopted by the Association shall be a condition of membership. Rationale: Questions have been raised about which Code of Ethics Article I, Section 7 refers to. There are at least two: the NEA Code and the State of Nebraska Code. This clarifies which is being referenced. Bylaws Amendment 1 is proposed by the Bylaws Committee of the NSEA Board of Directors, and is supported by the NSEA Board of Directors. Proposed Bylaws Amendment 2 n Article III: Board of Directors Section 2: The District Presidents, the President of NSEA Retired, an Education Support Professional representative, the President of the Student Educa20 tion Association of Nebraska (SEAN), and the Chair of the Ethnic Minority Affairs Committee (EMAC), and NSEA members who are elected at the National Education Association level to be members of the NEA Board of Directors, shall be invited to attend all meetings of the Board of Directors each year as ex-officio members without the right to vote. In the absence of any Board member the District President may assume the seat of an absent director from the same district with voting privileges. NEA Board members who are ex-officio members of the NSEA Board shall have all expenses paid for by the NEA. NSEA members who are elected at the National Education Association level to be members of the NEA Board of Directors shall be invited to attend meetings of the NSEA Board as ex-officio members without the right to vote. NEA budgeted funds must be utilized for expenses.

Proposed Bylaws Amendment 4

N S E A

Rationale: A few years ago this section of the Bylaws was expanded to allow for members elected to the NEA Board of Directors at Representative Assembly to attend meetings of the NSEA Board of Directors. NEA policy at the time was to fund these NEA Board members to attend various meetings around the country, including meetings of their own state Board of Directors. That policy is being changed by the NEA, which resulted in this Bylaw. These members would still be invited to attend NSEA board meetings as non-voting members, but would need to decide whether they want to attend if NEA does not, in the future, fund their attendance. They could self-fund their attendance or rely on other sources for the funding. Bylaws Amendment 3 is proposed by the Bylaws Committee of the NSEA Board of Directors, and is supported by the NSEA Board of Directors. Proposed Bylaws Amendment 3 n Article III: Board of Directors Section 10: The Board of Directors shall have power au-

n Article I: Membership Section 10: The rights to vote and to hold elective office or appointive position shall be limited to Active members except as otherwise provided.

Rationale: This article is grammatically incorrect and an “s” is added to correct the error. The 11 Bylaws Committee of the NSEA Board of Directors has the authority to make such changes. The substantive change is the deletion of the last four words, which the committee felt were not clear or necessary. Bylaws Amendment 4 is proposed by the Bylaws Committee of the NSEA Board of Directors, and is supported by the NSEA Board of Directors. Proposed Bylaws Amendment 5 n Article III: Board of Directors Section 1: The Board of Directors shall consist of the President; the Vice President; the National Education Association Directors for Nebraska; and representatives of each District Association. The Board shall be apportioned on the basis of one person-one vote. Each District Association shall be entitled to at least one member on the Board of Directors. Each District Association member of the Board must represent the same number of constituents (with variation not to exceed plus or minus 10 percent). If the NSEA Board of Directors is not composed of voting Ethnic Minority representatives in proportion to the Ethnic Minority representation within the membership of the Association, the membership shall elect Ethnic Minority members-at large to guarantee such representation. The representation ratio of Board members to constituents shall be determined by the NSEA Board of Directors. Rationale: There are critical issues in education for minority educators and minority students that need to be addressed and improved. Such as, minority students and English Language Learners continue to lag behind their peers academically. Minority educators must be afforded an equitable voice to identify, present, and address educational issues to substantially support to close the achievement gap of minority students. In the near future, these students are going to be the largest segment of the student population in this country. Accountability for educating all students to

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their potential is significant because it helps shape this nation’s future, as today’s students are this nation’s future leaders. It is the policy of the NEA and NSEA, and its affiliates, to encourage minority members to become involved in Association activities and to seek minority candidates for appointed and elected office at the Local, District, State, and National Levels — “The stated goal of the association is to seek Minority representation on governing and appointed bodies at least equal to the percentage of minority membership for that appropriate level.” This amendment was submitted by the Omaha Education Association’s Ethnic and Minority Affairs Committee. Proposed Bylaws Amendment 6 n Article III: Board of Directors New Section 2: The President of NSEA-Retired shall serve as a voting member of the Board of Directors. Section 2 3: The District Presi-

dents, the President of NSEA-Retired, an Education Support Professional representative, the President of the Student Education Association of Nebraska (SEAN), and the Chair of the Ethnic Minority Affairs Committee (EMAC), and NSEA members who are elected at the National Education Association level to be members of the NEA Board of Directors, shall be invited to attend all meetings of the Board of Directors each year as exofficio members without the right to vote. In the absence of any Board member the District President may assume the seat of an absent director from the same district with voting privileges. NEA Board members who are ex-officio members of the NSEA Board shall have all expenses paid for by the NEA. [Renumber remainder of section.] Rationale: The president of the retired organization serves on the state board of directors in every state where there is a retired organization. A majority of the states provide voting rights for the retired president. NSEA-

Retired has apS proximately 2 E 0 4,500 retired A members (with 11 an additional 800 pre-retired lifetime subscribers). If NSEA-Retired were a local association, it would be the largest NSEA local affiliate in the state. NSEA board members currently are apportioned so that one board member represents approximately 1,100 active members. NSEARetired membership constitutes 16 percent of the 28,000 NSEA members, but the NSEA-Retired membership is not represented by a voting member on the NSEA board. This bylaw change will allow for voting rights for the NSEA-Retired president, will not increase the size of the NSEA board, and does not provide for proportional representation. NSEA-Retired is asking for one “voting voice” for NSEARetired members on the NSEA Board of Directors. This amendment was submitted by the NSEA-Retired affiliate.

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News You Can Use Horace Mann Offers ‘Double Your Grant’ Plan Horace Mann has partnered with DonorsChoose.org, a not-for-profit organization that connects classroom teachers with donors who want to make a positive impact on education. Teachers who need help funding school supplies or equipment for their classrooms can request funding through DonorsChoose.org. If they share their project requests with their friends and family via Facebook and other social media web sites, Horace Mann will double each donation for every “friend” who makes a donation. Horace Mann’s matching dollars are provided through a Double Your Impact Grant. Horace Mann will match dollars for programs meeting the following criteria: projects should be valued at $400 or less; and projects should be posted by teachers who work at schools in which Horace Mann has a marketing presence. The program is simple and easy. Teachers register with DonorsChoose. org; choose the needed materials for a specific classroom project; write about how the project will impact their students; and then tell their friends and contacts on social media web sites about their project. Every time someone makes a donation to a teacher’s project, Horace Mann will match the donation through a $250,000 Double Your Impact Grant. For help on submitting a project,

Bar Assn. Offers Free ‘Age’ Booklets

Complimentary copies of Reaching the Age of Majority booklets are available to all 2011 Nebraska graduating seniors courtesy of the Nebraska State Bar Foundation.The booklet is designed to educate youth of the rights and responsibilities that come with adulthood, and is the volunteer work of legal professionals. Topics include alcohol; contracts; crime victims; health and human services; insurance; internet safety; landlord tenant law; parties; sex crimes; tax responsibilities; and weapons, guns and fireworks. A generous gift from Virginia Schmid, widow of past Foundation President Marvin Schmid, has made this most recent printing possible. High school administrators are encouraged to submit their booklet requests to Cindy Lilleoien at 402-475-1042 or: http://www.nebarfnd.org/age-of-majority

contact your local Horace Mann agent. To see whether your school is eligible, and to contact your local Horace Mann agent, go to the website at: www.horacemann.com

Nucor Steel Challenges Secondary Students Nucor Corporation has launched the ‘Strength of Steel Challenge’ and invited middle and high school students in Nebraska and a handful of other states to participate. Entrants will work in teams of two to four to create a structure from recycled steel that can be used to support another object or objects in the home,

school or vehicle (e.g., a computer monitor stand, a shelf for a school locker or a DVD player holder for the car). The structures must be able to hold at least five pounds of weight, but structures with the ability to withstand greater amounts are highly encouraged. The winning team will receive the Nucor Future Engineers Champion Award of $3,000, and the opportunity to name a teacher who was instrumental to their progress, who will win $250. To enter, check this web site: www.strengthofsteelchallenge.com Nucor produces steel and steel products and is North America’s largest recycler.

Vote for

John Heineman

NEA Board of Directors Page 22 n The NSEA Voice n April 2011

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Ea teach those 2012 Ap Teach stand the w Th Teach and s gifts, tions, Ca cated comm ticula Ot winn cil of socia Blue Dillar porat receiv er’s c Th cation

2011 ooklet hood, crime arties;

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Are You the Next Teacher of the Year? Each and every Nebraska child has an excellent teacher or teachers at the head of the classroom. Yet only one from among those thousands of teachers will wear the mantle of Nebraska’s 2012 Teacher of the Year. Applications are now being accepted for the 2012 Nebraska Teacher of the Year program. Those who apply should understand that the state’s top teacher earns far more than just a title: the winner also receives thousands of dollars in gifts. The SMARTer Kids Foundation provides the Teacher of the Year with a package of hardware and software for classroom use. Assorted other gifts, from NSEA and other education organizations, add to the value of the title. Candidates should be exceptionally dedicated; knowledgeable and skilled; active in the community in which they teach; and poised, articulate and energetic. Other partners who will honor finalists and winners include the NSEA; the Nebraska Council of School Administrators; the Nebraska Association of School Boards; Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska; the Nebraska PTA; Dillard’s of Lincoln; and Data Recognition Corporation (DRC). Each of the finalists will also receive a $1,000 grant for a project of the teacher’s choice in his or her school. The application is on the Department of Education web site, and can be completed electroni-

cally. Copies will be mailed to individuals who request them. The deadline to apply is Aug. 15. Finalists will be interviewed in October, and an awards luncheon and reception will be held at the NSEA headquarters in November. For details, or for application materials, call Lora Sypal at the Nebraska Department of Education, 402-471-5059. The Department of Education web site is at: http://www.education.ne.gov/

com steel larg-

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Snookie’s Snippets If you’re like most people faced with today’s economy, you’re probably looking to reduce high-interest debt and find ways to stretch your budget. Consider these benefits from the NEA Credit Card with WorldPoints rewards: n Competitive rates negotiated for you. n Member Benefits is your advocate, as long as you keep the card and Krumbiegel remain a member. n Choice of cash, travel or merchandise rewards. n Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on purchases. Points are unlimited with no blackout dates on travel. n Redemption starts at 2,500 points. n Up to 20 percent cash back on online purchases. Check out the offer online, using Priority Code VAAWB2, or call 1-888758-7946 for details. The site is at: www.newcardonline.com

NEA Member Benefits

‘Click’ & Save

NEA Member Benefits ‘Buy-lights’ Can Save You Cash! NEA Click & Save, the online discount buying service for NEA members, highlights select retailers and merchants each month. Check out these featured ‘Buy-lights’ for April: n GNC: 20 percent off $50 or more.

n Brooks Brothers: 15 percent off. n Target: $7 off $70. n Sears: $35 off $300. Join 185,000 NEA members now registered for Click & Save. Go to: www.neamb.com/clickandsave

The NEA Academy Advance your career with online courses – professional development and degree programs at special memberonly prices. New courses and programs are added regularly. To learn more, visit: www.neaacademy.org Did You Know? Regarding Social Security benefits: Those who wait to retire until age 67 will receive 40 percent more in benefits and those who wait until age 70 will receive 60 percent. Scholarship Drawings NEA Member Benefits has teamed up with Sallie Mae, provider of the NEA Smart Option Student Loan Program to offer NEA members six chances to win $2,000 in cash! From March through August 2011, members can enter each month for a chance to win. Call 1-900637-4636 or go to: www.neamb.com/prize Call NEA Member Benefits at 1-800637-4636, or visit this site for more details on Member Benefits programs: www.neamb.com Snookie Krumbiegel is Nebraska’s NEA Member Benefits representative.

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BCBS Q&A

Norris is ‘Healthy Schools’ Champ

By Kurt Genrich EHA Plan Advocate Encouraging the school community to make healthy changes was the challenge taken by Norris (District 160) Schools staff and students. Recently, the district received the “Healthy Schools Champion” award from The Alliance for a Healthier Generation. In the last few years, Norris Superintendent Dr. John Skretta, along with the staff, has made initiatives to move to healthier choices for the school. By establishing an informational strategy and working with the teachers, great changes have been made. Norris added healthier entrée items and held food-sampling events to generate enthusiasm for the healthier food items. The district also removed lownutrient, high-calorie products from vending machines and replaced them with healthier alternatives. Students and staff also took advantage of walking paths during the school day to encourage and establish healthy routines. Students also participated by doing fitness with “physically active” videos

and having “10 at 10” exercise breaks during the day for everyone in the elementary school. Skretta has encouraged teachers to become involved in the success of the plan. “The school district has a Wellness steering committee and each school has their own Wellness committee,” said Jane Hensmeyer, physical education/ nutrition teacher at the high school. “If Norris schools have well teachers and staff, then we will have well students.” Both Skretta and Hensmeyer agree that discipline issues have been on the decrease since these initiatives have been instituted. “After the ‘10 at 10’ exercises, the students are focused again and are more willing to learn,” Skretta said. The high school also encourages students to bring healthy snacks to help

keep their energy level high. Finally, the Wellness Committee has come up with NPULSE, a weekly wellness newsletter that encourages staff to keep their health and wellness in the forefront. “We want to always have Wellness on the staff’s attention,” said Hensmeyer. “We’ve had weekly spotlights on different health and wellness issues, such as heart wellness; stress management; whole body wellness; and a food, fiber and fellowship meeting. The teachers and staff have all become involved and have seen success.” Congratulations to all at Norris! The Educators Health Alliance has named Kurt Genrich to serve as the EHA Plan advocate. Genrich will work with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska plan participants to answer questions and promote the plan. The EHA Board is comprised of six NSEA representatives and three each from the Nebraska Association of School Boards and the Nebraska Council of School Administrators. NSEA Associate Executive Director NealClayburn is vice chair of the EHA Board of Directors. Call Genrich at 1-866-465-1342; on his cell phone at 402-217-2042; or e-mail him at: kurt@ehaplan.org

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From the Executive Director

What’s Really Going On?

y, the with letter health

llness meyn difsuch ment; fiber chers d and

d Kurt Genrich ebraska estions A Board esentaebraska and the Adminecutive chair of

5-1342; m at:

NSEA Executive Director Craig R. Christiansen

“

The

distribution of wealth is not the issue. It is the equitable distribution of taxation to pay this state’s bills.

”

Legislation has been introduced in almost every state to weaken or eliminate public sector employee benefits or bargaining rights. In some states, the attacks are based on ideas that public workers have such high pay and benefits that they are breaking the budget. The argument is that the growth of wages and benefits of teachers, road workers, librarians, and other public workers must be stopped. These arguments all point to public workers as the cause of the economic malaise that America now suffers — and that economic recovery depends on stripping the public sector of its exorbitant wages and benefits. Really? The exorbitant wages of teachers and social workers put America into the Great Recession? The Great Recession has little to do with the salaries of kindergarten teachers. It certainly is about corporate profits, executive compensation, the systemic cost of high-risk credit, and a continually decreasing marginal tax rate for the wealthy. Nevertheless, the attacks on public sector wages and benefits continue. What is really going on? The national strategy of blaming public workers has resulted in efforts to slow the growth of wages, eliminate collective bargaining, dismantle labor dispute mechanisms, raise the retirement age, eliminate academic tenure, outlaw payroll deduction of union dues, or otherwise strike at the interests of public sector unions and employees. All Eyes Are On The Wrong Economic Target If the search is for an economic solution, why concentrate on the wages of public workers like teachers? Shouldn’t the economic target be the ill-conceived and broadly discredited “supply-side economics” that describes the tax policies supported by some Chambers of Commerce and pro-business governors and legislators? Why are we continuing to focus on incremental changes in wages of teachers and road workers when tax give-aways are the more significant economic problem for the state budget? Reducing taxes for the wealthy does not

increase tax revenue through increased economic growth. Period. The argument that it does is flawed, but it continues to guide public policy in this state. Why? Not because it benefits the public good, but because it benefits those high-income, deep-pocket political contributors who guide tax policy to their own advantage. Attacking public employees is a diversionary tactic that puts the focus on the wrong economic target. The effective tax rates of millionaires are lower than those of middle class wage earners — and the end-point of the current political battle is to keep that tax inequity just as it is. That is why the focus is on the compensation of public employees — not on the real problem of supply-side economics that benefits big business at such a cost to the common citizen. Collective Power is the Hidden Story The distribution of wealth is not the issue. It is the equitable distribution of taxation to pay this state’s bills. And that is why those with the biggest earnings continue to point to public employees as the problem. It keeps attention away from them. Don’t be fooled. The target isn’t public salaries and benefits. The real target is the collective power of common people working together. Millionaire-funded tax institutes complain that public unions use their monies for political activities with the power of thousands of volunteers for “voter registration and mobilization.” That is the crux of the hidden story. Unions in this country can muster one of the few counterweights to the massive influence of the wealthiest few on our political system. Attacking public employees and the power of their unions is the goal of this national strategy. What is going on isn’t really about the costs of public employees; it is an attack on the collective power of thousands of union voters. They are the last organized barrier to an outright fire sale of America to support “supplyside” tax benefits for the wealthy. The stakes in this fight could not be higher. April 2011 n The NSEA Voice n Page 29

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NSEA-Retired Corner

Gourmet Goodies and History Spring Conference in Omaha Offers Variety of Learning Options

explanation for that dip. Pension checks fell slightly in January, not because your benefits were cut, said Rea, but because the federal “making work pay” tax credit expired, and older withholding tables The 2011 NSEA-Retired Spring Conference agenda is nearwent back into effect. ly complete, and the event should be a whiz bang affair! On Two years ago an economic stimulus bill was passed by the the agenda will be a gourmet meal, plenty of breakout sessions federal government. But and a tour of the historic rather than give taxpayGeneral Crook House. ers a tax credit the folOn Wednesday, April lowing April 15, the tax 13, students at the Metcut that was passed lowro Community College ered the withholding Culinary Arts Institute amounts for all workers. will serve a multi-course Retirees got the same gourmet meal. Cost is lower withholding tax $30 each; make your tables, but did not get check to NSEA-Retired the tax rebate. and mail it to Rebecca That federal program Smith, NSEA, 605 S. has come to an end, 14th Street, Lincoln, NE and a higher withhold68508 (include names Hot and tasty: HyVee dietician Shannon Frink shares her latest creing rate went into effect of all who will be covation with NSEA-Retired members at the organization’s Fall Confer- January 1, with the net ered by your payment). ence last October. Awaiting a bite are, from left, are Gaylord Peterson, On Thursday, April Rita Lammers, Marie Meyers and Janie Heady. The Spring Conference result a slightly smaller monthly pension check. 14, the keynote, on ‘Le- promises to offer just as much dining fun. Rea suggests that all gal Issues and Living retirees always watch Options During Retiretheir account deposits carefully. ment’ will be offered by Jana Halloran, of the Eastern Nebras“Any time there is a change in your take-home pension ka Office on Aging. Tim Anderson, author of John Neihardt, amount, I suggest that you check the deposit information Black Elk Speaks, will deliver the ‘Spotlight on Nebraska’ adfor the current month against the check amount for the prior dress. Breakout sessions on digital cameras, cooking for two, month,” said Rea. writing to preserve family memories, and other topics are also He also noted that each year, there is a cost-of-living adjuston the agenda. After the conference, a tour of the historic Genment, which increases retirement paychecks. In addition, there eral Crook house is available for a freewill donation of $5. are deductions for both federal and state income taxes. All sessions will be held at the Culinary Arts Institute, North “Retirees should check to see whether the gross amount of 32nd Street and Sorensen Parkway on the Fort Omaha Campus their retirement pay went up, meaning a cost-of-living adjustof Metro Community College. Register on-line for the conference and the meal function by April 8 at: ment was added or that federal or state income tax withholding www.nsea.org/members/retired went down, or if the federal or state income tax withholding You can also register by calling Rebecca Smith at 1-800rates increased, meaning the take-home amount went down,” 742-0047, or by e-mailing her at: said Rea. rebecca.smith@nsea.org For more information, contact the Nebraska Public Employees Retirement Office toll-free at-1-800-245-5712 or in LinDid Your Retirement Check Take a Dip? coln at 402-471-2053. For personal tax advice, contact your Did income from your Nebraska Public Employees Retiretax preparer. ment Systems pension take a slight dip in January? — Tom Black, Editor If so, NSEA-Retired President Roger Rea provides a simple wpc6296@cableone.net

They’re in: 2011 NSEA-Retired Election Results NSEA-Retired ballots were counted on March 18. According to NSEA-Retired Bylaws, the NSEA-Retired president shall be first delegate to NSEA Delegate Assembly and NEA Representative Assembly. The election results are for the additional positions to those two assemblies, as well as for general officers of the Association. A total of 1,280 ballots were received. In addition, 42 valid ballots were marked for more than the allowed number of candidates in some elections, and were ruled invalid for the positions for which they “over-voted.” Here are the results: NSEA-Retired Board of Directors — president, Rog-

er Rea; vice president, Tom Black; Capitol District director, De Tonack; Elkhorn District director, Francis Rohrich; Sandhills District director, Dee Gillham. NSEA Delegate Assembly — Capitol District: Pat Etherton, Arlene Rea, De Tonack; Elkhorn District: Tom Black, Art Tanderup; Metro District: Joe Higgins, John Jensen, Liz Rea, Walta Sue Dodd, Ruby Davis; Panhandle District: Jim McDermott; Sandhills District: Dee Gillham; Tri-Valley District: Jan Barnason, Guy Roggenkamp. NEA Representative Assembly — Region 1: John Jensen; Region 2: Tom Black; At Large: Joe Higgins, Pat Etherton.

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Stuff You Should Know

Case for Anita Drain Went to High Court Maywood Teacher Set Standard in Fighting ‘Unreasonable Dismissal’ Anita Drain, a lifetime member of NSEA and NEA, and the focus of a 1993 member rights case that was decided by the Nebraska Supreme Court, died in Orem, UT, on March 2. She was 62. During her 30-year teaching career, Drain taught at Maywood and later at Hay Springs. On Valentine’s Day 1990, Drain received a not-sosweet letter from the Maywood Public Schools – a dismissal notice. The district where she had taught for 20 years alleged insubordination and neglect of duty for failing to return to work within a ‘reasonable period of time’ following the serious illness, and then unexpected death during surgery, of her mother. Drain used a fraction of the sick leave she had accumulated to care for her mother, and to deal with funeral arrangements and other matters. Drain Although her termination was upheld by the Frontier County Court, and later the Nebraska Court of Appeals, the state’s Supreme Court later elected to review her case. Nearly four years after her firing, the High Court reversed the finding that the length of Drain’s absence was “unreasonable.” The court also found that the negotiated agreement was clear in what leave was permitted; and said that neither a court nor the school board were at liberty to place a ‘reasonableness’ construction on the agreement’s language. Drain received a substantial cash settlement as a result of the ruling. She had moved from her long-time home and was teaching at Hayes Center at the time. NSEA Attorney Scott Norby said, at the time, that “cancelling Anita’s long teaching career was, as the Supreme Court stated, ‘reprehensible’ and was properly reversed.” In an analysis also written at the time of the case, NSEA Attorney Mark McGuire wrote that “school boards will not be free to search for obscure technical violations of school district policy to justify the termination of a teacher’s employment.” Drain, a McCook native, earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Kearney State College. She was an avid genealogy fan and historian, and enjoyed all kinds of puzzles. She is survived by a sister, two brothers and many nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

Don’t Forget Your Tax Deduction!

A call from a member reminded us to remind all NSEA members about the Educator Expense deduction available to K-12 educators as they calculate their 2010 taxes. The IRS allows educators who paid for classroom supplies and other materials to claim up to $250 in such expenses as an abovethe-line tax deduction. In other words, such expenses do not need to be itemized. Expenses that can be claimed include those for supplies, materials, books, software and so forth. If both husband and wife are educators, up to $500 can be claimed on a joint income tax return. There are qualifications. Those who claim such expenses must be a teacher, aide, instructor, counselor or principal, and must have worked in a school for at least 900 hours during the past school year. Only K-12 educators qualify. For more details, contact a qualified tax preparer. April 2011 n The NSEA Voice n Page 31

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A Non-Partisan Civics Lesson NEA Partners with Rock the Vote Rock the Vote has partnered with the National Education Association on a new high school civics program to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the passage of the 26th Amendment. Under the banner of ‘The First Annual Democracy Day’, Rock the Vote, with the NEA, is asking educators nationwide to bring Rock the Vote’s Democracy Class to their school in an effort to engage young people in civic participation. Forty years ago, educators and students stood together and fought to lower the voting age to 18. In doing so, they amended the Constitution, and empowered millions of American citizens to have a say in our democracy. Democracy Class is a 45-minute, nonpartisan lesson plan geared towards high school students. The class teaches students the history of voting rights, walks them through the voter registration process, and engages them in a mock election. Educators who sign up will receive a free toolkit, which includes a lesson plan, video, T-shirts, buttons, a classroom banner and a commemorative poster. To learn more, go to this web site: www.democracyday.com

Speaking of Teaching

“These are the values inspiring those brave workers in Poland ... They remind us that where free unions and collective bargaining are forbidden, freedom is lost. They remind us that freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.” —President Ronald Reagan, Labor Day Address 1980.

Mailed By: The Nebraska State Education Association Suite 200, 605 S. 14th St., Lincoln, NE 68508-2742

Family of Teachers

Harrington Family of Teachers: The Harrington family has scores of years in the education business. Front row, from left, are: Kirk Harrington, who taught for 14 years at Petersburg and Cedar Rapids; Marge Harrington, who is retired after 26 years at Loup City; Dick Harrington, who taught at Albion and now teaches at Loup City; and Dave Harrington, who taught ag education at Neligh. Standing, from left, are Lisa Harrington, who teaches at Loup City; Brandon Harrington, a teacher at Limon, CO; Pam Harrington, a school nurse and substitute teacher at Loup City; Calla Harrington, a teacher at Platteview; Scott Harrington, who teaches for the Norris Public Schools; Lisa Harrington, a teacher at Elmwood-Murdock; and Nancy Harrington, a teacher at St. Paul. If you have a family of teachers, snap a photo and send it to Family of Teachers, c/o NSEA, 605 S. 14th St., Lincoln, NE 68508.

Packing up the Classroom From Lisa Kanute, a high school English teacher in Tucson:

“I strongly dislike bare walls, so I only take down content-related posters right before finals start. I leave up the fun, encouraging ones until the very end. Also, since I use hot glue to put them up on cinder-block walls, they come down quickly and easily. “I’m not usually one to suggest spending more of one’s own money than necessary on supplies, but I’ve found poster storage systems to be very

helpful. The one I have is a box that has large file folders inside. It’s easy to slip the posters into the folders when they come off the wall, put the lid on, and go. They stay flat and in good shape, so they’re ready to go up in the fall. “Finally, I find out who is in charge of copier paper for the school, and ask for the empty boxes early. I have to pack up a lot of bookshelves for the summer. The boxes are easily stored on top of cabinets and bookshelves until I need them.” Sign up for Works4Me at this link: http://www.nea.org/tools/Works4Me.html

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