Faculty Members at the University of Southern Maine fought to protect two more programs and 50 jobs slated for elimination. Faculty members, represented by the MEA and members of AFUM (Associated Faculties of the University of Maine) rallied against the cuts holding several news conferences on campus stressing the importance of investing in USM to create a viable university in the economic hub of the state. “USM is the key to southern Maine’s economic future and eliminating 15% of the faculty not only jeopardizes the students’ ability to complete their specified majors but also greatly impacts this community. We need to invest in this University so we can prepare all students with the skills they need for the jobs of the future. Cutting these positions does nothing to help our students or this economy—in fact it does the exact opposite,” said Jerry LaSala, AFUM member, Professor of Physics and Chair of the Faculty Senate. The University System says, despite the protest from faculty and students, the cuts are just the first in an effort to eliminate $16 million from the University’s budget. The MEA is working with AFUM members to discuss possible contract violations that are related to the full administration proposal which, among other things, includes forcing faculty to teach additional classes each semester.
cac y
o
USM Faculty Speak Out Against System Cuts
Adv
Did you know?
School Departments in Lamoine, Hancock and Ellsworth refused to give ed techs their contracted wage increases and health insurance but have agreed, after the threat of an MEA lawsuit, to honor the contract in the first year. With help from MEA, the ed techs pay is being restored and all ed techs will now have health insurance which includes an employer contribution. MEA ESP members now have a brand new online monthly newsletter called the ESP Digest. Keep an eye on your e-mail for the publication for important information regarding all ESP members. Haven’t received a copy? E-mail jmorin@maineea.org to be added to the mailing list. As a member you have access to The Great Public Schools (GPS) Network which is a free tool offering resources to enhance lesson plans and share ideas. In addition, GPS provides members an open forum to collaborate on professional issues to help your students. To learn more log on to www.gpsnetwork.org After more than two years without a contract, custodians and food service members in Scarborough EA won a binding arbitration decision finding that the bids the Scarborough School Board had obtained for subcontracting custodial services do not justify eliminating the jobs of every custodian in the bargaining unit. Using the full resources of the MEA, 30 custodians in Scarborough will keep their jobs. Approximately one-third of Maine high school graduates enrolled in a University of Maine System campus, and approximately one-quarter enrolled in a Maine Community College according to a report published by Maine Education Policy Research Institute (MEPRI)
At A Glance: Maine Students After Graduation • According to the DOE, Graduation Rates are in the top 15 in the country and continue to climb with 86.3% of all students who enter 9th grade in 2009 earning a diploma on time in 2013. • 6 out of 10 high school graduates in Maine enrolled in a college or university and 90% who started college enrolled full time. About 40% do not enroll in college, which is consistent with data in the last twenty years, according to an education policy research report. • More than 90% of the fastest growing jobs, according to the Department of Labor, will require some type of postsecondary education or training which includes everything from 2 to 4 year degrees to other education/training which does not earn a degree. December 2014 • www.maineea.org
15
