Illinois NEA Directors

Lobby Report – December 2010

NEA Government Relations staff briefed directors on our victories including:  key election results, the lame-duck session, Education Jobs Bill, Pension Protection Act, Health Care Act, Student Aid, Child Nutrition Reauthorization.

Directors were also briefed on:  ESEA reauthorization, education funding, Social Security, Educator Tax Deduction, Private School Vouchers, DREAM Act, Classified School Employees of the Year Award, IDEA and Special Education.

Illinois NEA Directors met with these Members of Congress and/or their staff:

Rep. John Shimkus (R-19)

Rep. Jerry Costello (D-12)

Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-3)

Rep. Judy Biggert (R-13)

Rep. Bill Foster (D-14)

Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-9)

Rep. Danny Davis (D-7)

Rep. Tim Johnson (R-15)

Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL)

 

Directors discussed several issues with Members of Congress and their staff:

1. Views on the Fiscal Commission report?
   1. Does the member favor cutting education funding?
   2. Does the member believe cuts to Social Security are necessary?
   3. What impact might changes to Social Security have on WEP/GPO?
2. Member’s views on meeting the needs of the whole child?
   1. Does the member support targeting non-education department dollars (mental health, housing, etc.) toward schools in need of improvement?
3. Reauthorization of ESEA (NCLB).
   1. Is the member open to recommendations from the NEA?
4. Support for the DREAM Act?
5. Does the member understand the impact of investing in education on the economy?
   1. Does the member understand the gap in IDEA funding?
   2. Does the member understand the gap in Title 1 funding?
6. Discussed NEA’s Priority Schools program with the member.
7. Discussed the importance of meeting the needs of the whole child including their   physical, social, emotional health and well-being.

Comments from Congressional Meetings:

Rep. John Shimkus (R-19) feels we must solve the entitlement problem.  In any fix of Social Security there is an opportunity to reform GPO/WEP. He is encouraged that new Speaker Boehner will use regular order to debate and pass any bills.  Federal discretionary spending, including education funds, is not significant in terms of the national debt and deficit.  But he expects less money for education at all levels.  Shimkus is looking to find savings by uncovering inefficiencies and duplication.  He sees a need to reform and control Medicaid spending. Shimkus supports elective classes including music and the arts.  He understands IEA-NEA’s decision not to recommend him in the last cycle but his door remains open.  He has worked with the incoming Republican chair of the House Education and Labor Committee and is willing to help in the reauthorization of ESEA. (Grimes)

Congressman Jerry Costello (D-12), represented by staffer Katie Stonewater, has been and remains very supportive of our positions.  He opposed changes to the social security retirement age and he supports targeted funds that help at-risk students. He understands the Whole Child concept.  His wife is a Community College President. (Miller, Grimes, Kreis)

Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-3), represented by staffer Dr. John Veysey, does not favor cuts to education funding, but sources for the funds must be found.  (Orr, Llorens, Griffin, Tudor)

Rep. Judy Biggert (R-13) does not favor cuts to education and feels there are good and bad ideas in the Fiscal Commission report.  She does not favor cuts to Social Security.  Congresswoman Biggert was assigned again to the House Education and Labor Cmte.  (Miller, Llorens, Griffin, Brown, Kreis)

Rep. Bill Foster (D-14) Since Cong. Foster was leaving the Congress the discussion focused on political questions and his impressions.  Foster believes that IEA and NEA need to be involved earlier in campaigns.  He applauded the help by IEA members in their grassroots efforts. (Orr, Miller, Tudor, Kreis)

Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-9), represented by staffer Issac Brown, opposes cuts to Social Security and has presented her own alternative report to the Fiscal Commission.  She supported the DREAM Act in the House (it failed in the Senate).  She is concerned about teacher evaluations based on test scores.  She expects Rep. Paul Ryan’s ideas and the Fiscal Commission’s recommendations to be at the top of GOP proposals.  (Llorens, Grimes, Brown)

Rep. Danny Davis (D-7), represented by staffer Jill Hunter-Williams, opposes cuts to education and is supportive of the NEA Whole Child position.  (Llorens, Griffin)

Rep. Tim Johnson (R-15) supports education funding, but is waiting to see the priorities presented in the House.  He has three state universities (ISU, UIUC, EIU) in his district.  The House will first deal with the Health Care Act.  Johnson is in line with NEA on reauthorization of NCLB-ESEA.  Rural schools need more flexibility and the state needs to step up to support schools.  He supports the whole child concept.  He is concerned about teacher pay being tied to test scores.  (Miller, Griffin, Grimes, Kreis)

Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL) was very candid in expressing his unhappiness with IEA and NEA for their failure to recommend him in the campaign.  (IEA and NEA had recommended Kirk in previous Congressional races and the 2010 GOP Senatorial Primary).  He did not feel the switch of his vote from support to opposition on the Education Jobs Bill or his opposition of new taxes for education in Illinois, or his use of IEA RA debate comments by his opponent should have kept IEA from recommending him or staying neutral.  He said “IEA will have to earn his trust in the future.”  He refused to commit to the support of any bills supported by the Obama Administration or Democrats until the Bush tax cuts were passed.  (They were subsequently passed.)  Kirk does not want to “whack” education funding.  He volunteered that he supports some items in the Fiscal Commission report and he supports the NEA Whole Child position.  He said he might consider voting to support the repeal of Don’t Ask and Don’t Tell if senior military commanders felt it would not harm the war effort.  (He later did just that and voted for repeal.)  He opposes the DREAM act.  He is very concerned that states could declare bankruptcy but says the federal government will not bail them out.  He did ask IEA-NEA Director Kathi Griffin to co-chair his state education advisory committee and said he would be willing to discuss common issues in the future.  (Miller, Griffin, Grimes, Brown, Kreis)

 

Illinois NEA Directors Lobbying Report, Sept. 30, 2010, Washington, D.C.

NEA Government Relations Briefing

NEA Directors Jim Grimes and Terrie Tudor, and IEA Vice Pres. Bob Blade

NEA Staff briefed on issues for lobby teams and prospects for the upcoming elections.

NEA’s basic tenets for reauthorization of the Elementary & Secondary Education Act (ESEA or NCLB). These tenets include:

• Accountability systems that recognize schools that make progress toward achieving learning goals and correctly identify struggling schools – to provide meaningful support instead of punishment; base determinations of school success on multiple measures, not just limited test scores
• Support for school transformation models that promote innovation through collaboration among all stakeholders
• Ensuring continued targeting of most federal education resources to schools with the greatest need through fully-funded formula-driven programs instead of competitive grants
• Belief that effective teaching goes far beyond knowledge of subject matter and is much more than what can be measured by test scores
• Rejection of any proposed cuts to Social Security benefits, including an increase in the retirement age; opposition to risky privatization schemes; and repeal of the GPO/WEP.

NEA Fund for Children and Public Education Exec. Committee

IEA Represented by Pres. Ken Swanson

Observers NEA Directors Terrie Tudor and Jim Grimes, and IEA Vice Pres. Bob Blade

NEAFCPE approved recommendations for various elections.

Capitol Hill and Government Office Visits

Representative Judy Biggert R-13

Met with: Representative Biggert, Brian Looser and additional staff

NEA Directors:  Kathi Griffin, Al Llorens and Gary Miller

1.  ESEA Reauthorization: Will the Member sign onto the letter being circulated by Rep. Gwen Moore (D-WI) on assessments and accountability?

Rep. Biggert was not aware of the letter that Rep. Moore was circulating regarding assessments and accountability.  She indicated that she would read the letter and then decide if she would sign it.  She did indicate that she and Representative Moore talk quite frequently and was surprised that she hadn’t seen the letter yet.

2.  ESEA Reauthorization: Priority Schools/Turnaround Models.
Rep. Biggert understands how poverty impacts students’ education.  She understands how violence and family issues also impact students’ education.  She supports NEA’s response.

3.  ESEA Reauthorization/Education Funding: Formula v. Competitive Grants.
Representative Biggert is not in favor of competitive grants however she wants to make sure that education dollars are used in a responsible way.

4.  ESEA Reauthorization; Effective Teaching.
Congresswoman Biggert understands the importance of NOT basing a teacher’s effectiveness using student test scores.  She understands the complexity of the responsibilities of an effective teacher and feels that if an educator is not effective that should be determined prior to teachers receiving tenure.  She is pro growth model, feels that we need to support vocational education, need to increase our focus on Science and Math as well as financial literacy.

5.  Social Security: Protect Benefits.
Once again, Representative Biggert was not aware of this letter. She said that she will look for it and, after reading it, let us know if she will sign it or not.  She indicated that this is only a part of what needs to be looked at.  She told us that she is supportive of “promises made equals promises kept.”

Additional Comments:  Representative Biggert also stated that she felt that the Dept. of Ed. is mandating, on a federal level, policy through the leveraging of dollars.  She feels that the Dept. of Ed. has bypassed the House and Senate with RTTT and other initiatives.  In her opinion, this is not acceptable as an implementation strategy.

Senator Richard Durbin D-IL

Met with staff:  Ms. Lexi Saudargas, Legislative Asst.

NEA Directors:  Gary Miller, Jim Grimes, and Katie Kreis

1.  ESEA Reauthorization: Assessments and Accountability: What is the Senator’s view regarding assessments and accountability?

Staffer shared that Sen. Durbin understands our concerns and agrees that changes need to be made to ESEA in the areas of accountability.  The negative impact of NCLB on electives including Career and Technical Education, Art, Music, etc. was noted and acknowledged by Ms. Saudargas.  Staff Member shared that the Senator is hopeful that the ESEA will be reauthorized soon after the election and include growth models and multiple measures for teacher accountability.  It appears the Senate will follow the lead of the House.  Durbin remains open to NEA input.

2.  ESEA Reauthorization: Priority Schools/Turnaround Models
Directors shared NEA’s positions with staffer including our serious concern about the punitive options.  The conversation will continue.

3.  ESEA Reauthorization/Education Funding: Formula v. Competitive Grants
Directors shared NEA’s positions with staffer.  She shared that Sen. Durbin is trying to develop funding methods along the lines NEA proposes and understands the unfairness of competitive grants for under staffed and under resourced districts.

4.  ESEA Reauthorization; Effective Teaching
Directors shared NEA positions with Ms. Saudargas.  She shared that Sen. Durbin wants to find ways to bring outstanding teachers to low performing schools.  The role of principals and their training was underscored.

5.  Social Security: Protect Benefits
Directors shared NEA positions and our concern about the Social Security Reform Task Force and possible negative impacts on our members, particularly women who might end up living in poverty after careers in education.  Durbin understands our concerns and is supporting our position.

U. S. Department of Education Staff

NEA Directors Eric Brown, Kathi Griffin, Katie Kreis, Al Llorens, Gary Miller and Mike Orr met with Steven Means, Special Assistant to the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education and Kathryn Young, Special Assistant to the Office of the Assistant Secretary.

The Illinois NEA Directors were able to meet with the officials for almost an hour.

We asked them where they thought the reauthorization was going:

• Blueprint for ESEA
• Refining the Blueprint
• Working to make the reauthorization bi-partisan
• Need a quality bill
• Election caused the reauthorization
• The new congress will be the one to move ESEA forward
• NCLB
• Strengths
• Identified achievement gaps
• Focused on minority students and providing a quality education to all
• Priority
• Equity
• Focused on the achievement gap
• Teaching and leading
• Build capacity in the system
• College career standards
• ELL need good instruction
• Rural and poverty discretionary grants

Our discussion continued with these comments:

• How we felt that the current ESEA had sanctions that were too punitive.
• Accountability must be differentiated.
• Growth model assessment is only one method of assessing student’s growth.
• Charter schools need to be held to the same accountability as public schools.

Al Llorens will be sending them information about the I HOPE program that has been developed in Illinois, and the need for better preparation and training for school administration.  The need to show the successful traditional public school alongside charter school successes was also discussed.  Also, the Directors shared information about the NEA Priority Schools Campaign and how we are helping transform low performing schools

The Dept. of Ed. staff felt that:

• Charter Schools had greater autonomy over schedules, staffing and budget and that Charters need to be held to the same accountability as Public Schools.
• SIG grants are going to help many High School districts and will help address the drop out problem that we are facing.
• Feel that TIF is improving the craft of teaching.
• Feel that tenure should be flexible.
• Competitive grants are/will be available to address the dropout issue, re-enrollment, and High School graduation initiatives.  This will focus on prevention and recovery

Great Lakes Center’s Conversation on the Blueprint for ESEA

Al Llorens and Kathi Griffin attended a conversation by staff of the Great Lakes Center.

The event focused on the Obama Administration’s Blueprint for ESEA and the Center’s research into the reliability of the data used by the Blueprint.  The Board received copies of the publication “The Obama Education Blueprint” and feel that this is a must read for all educators.  The report calls into question the Blueprint’s assumptions.

Great Lakes Center’s Safe Schools Press Conference and Discussion

Eric Brown attended a Great Lakes Center discussion about Safe Schools.

The press conference and discussion covered legislation and model language that states can use to encourage safe public schools for all.

NEA Board Meeting Sept. 30 – Oct. 2, 2010, Washington, D.C.

Illinois Directors Activities

• Senior Director Mike Orr coordinated assignments for the Illinois NEA Directors
• All Directors, including Student NEA Board member Katie Kreis participated

in various Capitol Hill and Government Visits

o      See the Lobbying Report Sept. 30, 2010

• Kathi Griffin, Jim Grimes and Gary Miller attended the Board Higher Ed meeting
• Mike Orr attended the Social Security Fairness Task Force meeting
• Al Llorens and Eric Brown attended the Black Caucus meeting
• Eric Brown attended Great Lakes Center press event on Bullying and Harassment
• Al Llorens and Kathi Griffin attended Great Lakes Center release on The Obama Education Blueprint: Researchers Examine the Evidence
• Terrie Tudor attended the Planning Committee for the Midwest Leadership Conference
• Directors and Officers attended the Midwest Regional Caucus
• Directors attended the One Nation March at the Capitol Mall on Oct. 2
• Jim Grimes and Gary Miller attended the Partnership for 21^st Century Skills (P-21) National Summit and P-21 Meetings, Oct. 4-5, 2010

o      See the P-21 Summit Report

President’s Report – Dennis Van Roekel

 

President Van Roekel took time to honor several NEA members who have recently passed away, and paid tribute to the late Steven Knipp from Illinois, who had been serving as NEA Director and Chair of the Native American/Alaska Native Caucus.

 

Van Roekel mentioned that the NEA has established working relationships not only with the Department of Education, but also with other federal departments. He expressed the belief that NEA will have a good year working with the current administration.

 

NEA Committee on Program and Budget—Nominations/Election of two board members.

ESEA Reauthorization—Discussed specific policies which NEA supports, and NEA’s strategy for shaping any reauthorization by Congress.  Donna Harris-Aikens, Director of Education Policy & Practice, reported on NEA’s opposition to the Administrations “Blueprint for Reform.”

Kim Anderson, Director of Government Relations, said that nothing will happen legislatively until the next Congress. The “Blueprint” will be the starting point, but NEA will push their changes and use the results of the NEA Priority Schools Program as the alternative to the three turn-around models in the Blueprint. NEA will also be pushing for formula-driven funding, as opposed to competitive grants. Just as with the recent passage of the Jobs Bill, NEA members nationwide will be an integral part of eventually passing acceptable legislation for the ESEA.

 

Campaigns and Elections—NEA staff, urged all members to log onto NEA’s Campaign 2010 website, www.EducationVotes.org.  Sean Johnson, NEA staff, reviewed the political landscape, expectations for the upcoming elections, and NEA’s activities throughout the country in helping to elect NEA recommended candidates. NEA and state affiliates are very active in over 70 Congressional Districts and 20 Senate races nationwide. Johnson urged all Board members and NEA members to be active participants in the upcoming elections. He stated that we can make a huge difference in the outcome of the elections and that it is critical to keep our “friends” in office, especially for the reauthorization of ESEA.

 

Membership and Organizing—NEA staff, reported on the various organizing projects throughout the state affiliates. The NMS Task Force recommendations focus on growth and building a culture of organizing; targeted, integrated campaigns; new markets, mergers and affiliations; growing constituency groups; AR infrastructure development; use of data and technology; and interim and crisis assistance for affiliates.

Strategic Discussions by Board Members:

1) NEA Constitutional Amendment—required percent of certified teachers required on NEA committees is currently 75%; proposal would make this more flexible, i.e.: 50-75%;

2) Political Action Committee Presidential Recommendation Procedures;

3) Debriefed the 1020 RA in New Orleans, what worked, what did not work.

It was during this debriefing that we brought up concerns about the way NBI’s are budgeted and the concerns regarding action on Resolutions.  The number of repetitive NBI, Legislative Amendments and Bylaw Amendments was also discussed.

 

NEA’s Priority Schools Presentation—explained the timeline, locations and proposals.

Priority Schools is NEA’s approach to improving struggling schools.

Observances for American Indian/Native American Caucus, GLBT Caucus, Jobs Bill, and the Great Lakes Center.

Sirdeaner L. Walker, guest speaker during the GLBT Observance, has become a leading spokesperson for the Safe Schools Improvement Act, which would protect all students from bullying and harassment. Sirdeaner’s eleven-year-old son, Carl, committed suicide after experiencing bullying and harassment at school. Even though she reported the problem to school officials and tried to seek help from them, nothing was done to alleviate the situation and eventually led to her son’s suicide. Following the death, she began working with GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian, Straight, Education Network) to seek legislation that would address the rising tide of bullying and harassment. She stated that bullying is not a race, gender, or gay issue. It is a safety issue for all students.

 

Debbie Hogue Downing, Chair of the Native American/Alaska Native Caucus, introduced the keynote speaker, Tim Tingle, author of children’s books of his native Choctaw stories, recognized speaker, and representative of the Native American Smithsonian Institute. He emphasized the importance of reading in raising achievement levels of all students. He recommended a website by Debbie Reese for information on materials for those who want to learn more about Native Americans, and a book by Paul Chaat Smith, Everything You Know About Indians Is Wrong, as a good starting point. He thanked educators and the NEA for leading the way to better understanding and acceptance of all.

Executive Director, General Council and Internal Concerns Committee Reports.

Education International 6^th World Congress – July 18-21, 2011, Cape Town, South Africa

15 of 50 Delegates to the Congress will be selected according to NEA Board policy.  The NEA President appoints the delegates.  Any members interested can contract an NEA Board member for additional information.

 

NEA Committee Appointments – Illinois Members

 

Advisory Committee of Student Members—Michael Ruggless

Membership Advisory – Frank Brooks

Social Security Fairness – Gary Miller

Internal Board, Friend of Education – Kathi Griffin

UniServ Advisory – Al Llorens

Health Information Network Board of Directors – Eric Brown

NEA Retired Advisory Council – Gene Craig

Elementary and Secondary Education Act – Ken Swanson

Member Benefits Board of Directors – Kathi Griffin

 

Executive Committee Actions and Report

The Executive Committee presented the following items which were approved by Board action:

Washington Education Assn. Fund Request,

2010 RA News Business Items Funding,

Donna Mirabelli Named At-Large Administrator Board Member,

Reviewed Audit Committee Guidelines,

Approved Dues Requests,

Local Association Affiliations,

Restatement of NEA & Affiliate Retiree Health Plan.

Vice President’s Report – Lily Eskelsen

Vice Pres. Eskelsen continues her conversations with Educational Groups, Allies and Critics.  She reported on her activities revolving around ESP and Higher Education organizing and exploring school reform which included attending an Education International Conference in Canada, a Higher Education Conference, and a trip to Honduras for the NEA Foundation. She emphasized the implications of the Honduras project for NEA’s Priority Schools Program, which strives to transform schools in poverty areas to high achieving schools. She continues to meet those who would normally not be considered our “friends”, such as Rick Hess, recognized advocate for charter schools and outspoken critic of public schools. Lily emphasized that we can always learn from our discussions with those who disagree with us, and can even find common ground at times.

Secretary-Treasurer’s Report – Becky Pringle

Sec-Treas. Pringle reported that NEA has lost 34,000 Active members, for a 1.4% decrease, and 507 ESP members for a .1% decrease. Student membership reached a new high with a 6.7% increase, and Retired increased 5,312 to 261,770 for a 2.1% increase. Financially, all departments are completing their 2009-2010 year end wrap up and preparing for the yearly audit. There is $1.9 million left in the Contingency Fund after the expenditures that the Board approved at this meeting. Pringle also reported that NEA has paid off the NEA Building. Because of economic circumstances nationwide, NEA is exercising fiduciary caution and responsibility by finding ways to reduce the budget without hurting programs. Pringle described the tasks of the new NEA Commission on Effective Teaching and the expected outcomes.

Following Adjournment, Directors attended the One Nation—Working Together March

Oct. 2^nd, Capitol Mall, Washington, D.C.

 

 

New Orleans, LA

Reports:

President Dennis Van Roekel

The Board received the latest report on NEA’s action plan for ESEA Reauthorizaton.

Announcement of appointments of 2010-11 Committees was postponed.

Received Fact Sheets from the Arizona Education Assn. General Counsel on the new Arizona State Immigration Law SB 1070 and on the employment of teachers with accents.

Vice President Lily Eskelsen

Gave a brief greeting to the Board.

Secretary-Treasurer Becky Pringle

The NEA Secretary Treasurer, reported that ESP membership has increased over 5,000 members, but active membership overall is down over 20,000. Student membership has increased by over 4,000.  Retired has increased by 5,100. Higher education membership is up by 2,500. There is a balance of over $1 million in contingency and that will be increased in next year’s budget. Strategic Plan and Budget Updated.

Executive Director John Wilson

Reported that Dan Rivera has been hired as the Director of Constituent Relations, and that an Assistant Director will be hired soon. He emphasized that NEA is working hard to meet the needs of ESP members. He also mentioned that Secretary of Education Arne Duncan has accepted several invitations from NEA to visit schools in various states.

National Plan for the Reauthorization of ESEA

John Stocks, Deputy Executive Director, began an overview of the Plan by showing three TV ads advocating passage of the Education Jobs Bill. He showed how the Plan ties it all together, and that NEA is using a multi-pronged approach which deals with four main areas: passing the pension fix for defined benefit plans (that was just passed and signed into law) which will help state affiliate associations; saving education jobs; increasing the amount of money to state legislatures to help pay for Medicaid; and rewriting and reauthorizing ESEA.

Kim Anderson, Director of NEA Government Relations, reported that no member of Congress currently is championing the Administration’s “blueprint” for ESEA and there are mounting qualms about the “blueprint” from education groups, parents and religious groups. The NEA is responsible for stalling the “blueprint”, and will continue to work with members of Congress to pass the NEA Positive Agenda for ESEA. Every state will be asked to organize a “day of action” between August 7 and September 12 as just one small part of the Plan.

NEA General Counsel Alice O’Brien

General Counsel gave a brief report on some of the recent Supreme Court decisions. She will send a full summary to Board members after the RA.

Board Internal Concerns Committee

Updated policies and reimbursement rates.

Board Steering Committee

Committee Chair Al Llorens, Director from Illinois, reported on committee activities for the NEA RA.

UniServ Advisory Committee

Al Llorens reported on The UniServ Advisory Committee recommendations.

Board of Directors Actions

Board approved the following:

• Proposed policy for implementing Article V., Section 1 of the NEA Constitution (150 State Delegate Limit on the Board of Directors).
• Oklahoma Education Assn. Ballot Initiative.
• ESEA Legislative Crisis Grant for national campaign effort.

The Board acted on the following issues to come before the NEA RA:

• NBI on Immigration in response to Arizona’s SB 1070
• NBI on Textbooks
• NBI on the Reauthorization of ESEA
• NBI on the Department of Education Programs and Practices
• 2010-12 Strategic Plan and Budget

Executive Committee Recommendations and Actions

Approved charters for 13 local organizations.

Amended the Employees Retirement Plan of the NEA.

Adopted 2010-11 Committee Charges.

Approved changes to interest rate assumption and rates of Employees Retirement Plan of the NEA.

NEA Director of Campaigns and Elections reported on upcoming elections and activities to support the NEA Fund for Children and Public Education.  Highlighted website: www.EducationVotes.NEA.org.

Board Elections:

Kathi Griffin, Director from Illinois, was elected to the NEA Member Benefits Board.

The NEA Board also elected members to Internal Concerns Committee.

Additional NEA Director Participation at Pre RA and other events:

Nat’l Council of Urban Education Assns.; NEA Student Program; NEA Retired; Women and Ethnic Minority Conference; Nat’l Council for Higher Ed.; Read Across America; American Indian/Alaskan Native Caucus; Ethnic Leaders Conference; GLBT Dinner; HCR Dinner; Board Forum; Community Outreach Events and other events.

Future NEA RAs

Paula Mueller will chair the Illinois Host Committee for the NEA RA 2011 in Chicago.

2011     June 30-July 5     Chicago, IL

2012     June 30-July 5     Washington, DC

2013     July 1-6                   Atlanta, GA

2014     July 1- 6                  Denver, CO

2015     July 1-6                   Miami, FL

2016     July 3-8                  Washington, DC

NEA Board of Directors Meeting – April-May 2010

President Dennis Van Roekel’s Report

• Discussed ESEA and Jobs Bill Actions.
• The Board completed discussions and recommendations on the NEA Constitutional Limit of 150 state board members.
• The Board received NEA Legislative Program.
• The UniServ Grant Program amount was adopted.

Vice President Lily Eskelsen’s Report

• Discussed meetings with critics and potential partners of NEA including the American Enterprise Institute and Teach for America.
• Strategic Plan and Budget Discussion.
• NEA Academy update.

Treasurer Becky Pringle’s Report

Below is a listing of the annual budget in terms of core service areas and strategic goals.  The Board approved the budget and will recommend approval by the NEA RA in July.

• $60,150,906: Learning and working conditions
• $106,956,820: Affiliate programs and services
• $29,572,326: Communications with leaders, staff, members, and the general public
• $27,648,776: Governance and leadership development
• $83,615,986: Business operations
• $1,836,333: Authentic accountability systems
• $4,808,810: Increased positive image and support for ethnic minority communities
• $4,066,523: Improved education members’ salaries
• $31.695,337: Sound education policies through political and legislative programs
• $4,391,999: Tax and economic policies and school funding (“TEF”)
• $354,743,816: Total Operating Fund Expenses

The Treasurer also updated NEA membership figures across all member types.

Executive Director John Wilson’s Report

Board received the Exec. Dir. Reports including the NEA Affirmative Action Report.

Executive Committee Recommendations and Board of Directors Actions

Board approved:

• Addition of a strand on Men’s Issues to be added to the Women’s and Minorities Conference.
• That NEA will provide information to delegates about Alcohol Anonymous and other appropriate organizations.
• That NEA will assure all delegates, including physically challenged and those with scooters, have access to the Annual Meeting.
• $5 million for 2009-2010 Ballot Measures and Legislative Crisis Fund for “Behind the Wall” communications.
• Accepted 2009-2010 Standing and Advisory Committee recommendations.
• Pricewaterhouse Coopers as external auditing agency.
• Other Actions

The Board adopted positions on the following issues coming before the 2010 NEA RA:

Majority Vote–

Standing Rule Amendment 1                        Support

Standing Rule Amendment 2A                     Oppose

Standing Rule Amendment 2B                     Oppose

Standing Rule Amendment 2                        Oppose

Standing Rule Amendment 3                        Oppose

Standing Rule Amendment 4                        Support

2/3 Vote–

Constitutional Amendments 1                        Support

Constitutional Amendments 2                        Board Sponsored

Constitutional Amendments 3                        Board Sponsored

Constitutional Amendments 4                        Board Sponsored

Constitutional Amendments 5                        Board Sponsored

Constitutional Amendments 6                        Board Sponsored

Majority Vote–

Bylaw Amendment 1                                    Oppose

Bylaw Amendment 2                                    Oppose

Bylaw Amendment 2A                                 Support

Bylaw Amendment 3                                    Support

NEA General Counsel Alice O’Brien’s Report

General Counsel O’Brien explained legal issues regarding ESEA.

Health Care Reform

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, signed into law by President Obama on March 23, includes the following key benefits for active and retired NEA members, children, and families:

• provides uninsured children and families with access to coverage;
• maintains employer-sponsored coverage for most Americans;
• allows young adults to stay on a parent’s plan;
• immediately establishes a plan for the uninsured;
• establishes competitive health insurance market;
• ends insurance company abuses;
• assists employers providing retiree health benefits;
• eliminates the doughnut hole (Medicare prescription drug gap in coverage);
• eliminate cost-sharing for preventive services; and
• stops excessive and unnecessary payments to private insurers who run Medicare plans.

Immigration and Naturalization

NEA supports comprehensive immigration reform that recognizes the political, economic, and union issues underlying immigration.

Kiri Davis, guest speaker for the NEA Board’s Black Observance.

At age 16, Kiri Davis filmed her first documentary, “A Girl Like Me.”
 Since 2005, the film has received numerous awards, has been featured in over 20 film festivals, including the Tribeca Film Festival, and has screened worldwide.  At age 18, Davis was named by Ebony Magazine as one of “The Ebony Power 150 Most Influential Blacks In America.”

Davis continues to pursue a career in filmmaking as well as exploring her passion for other forms of communication, including writing, photography, and acting. Her goal is to develop more projects that will help her community and give a much-needed voice to issues that pertain to people of color.

View the documentary in its entirety at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gPDmtqt260.

Marie Myung-Ok Lee, guest speaker for the Asian Pacific Islander Observance.

Marie Myung-Ok Lee is an acclaimed Korean American writer, author of three young adult novels, including Finding My Voice and Saying Goodbye. She is now a Writer in Residence at Brown University, where she also teaches creative writing.  Lee was a Fulbright Scholar to Korea in creative writing and has received many honors for her work.  In addition, she is a founder of the Asian American Writers’ Workshop.

Lee remembers and honors one of her elementary teachers for championing her and forcing two of the worst bullies to apologize to her.  Lee debunked the myth that bullying makes people strong.  She told us that she became strong and a good writer in spite of the bullying, not because of it; and she pleaded with all of us to champion every student.

Great Lakes Center Update

This agency reviews the papers and research of various Think Tanks in the education field.

Health Information Network

Report updated.

Indoor Environmental Quality

A new online course offered by NEA HIN (Health Information Network) is What’s Your IEG? A Roadmap to School Indoor Environmental Quality.  To access the course, go to www.neaacademy.org.  For more information, go to www.heahin.org/online training or contact Jennie Young at jyoung@nea.org or (202) 822.7570.

An introductory video outlining the course can be viewed at http://vimeo.com/5398970.

2010 NEA Friend of Education: Diane Ravitch

This award is given to an individual who has made significant national contribution to the improvement of American education.  The award will be presented to Diane Ravitch at the 2010 NEA RA in New Orleans.

Linda Darling-Hammond, the 2009 recipient, wrote, “Diane Ravitch is one of the most important public intellectuals of our time.  In her recent powerful and deftly written book, she takes on the big issues of American education today, fearlessly articulating both the central importance of strong public education and the central elements for strengthening our schools.”

Amendments to Standing Rules, Constitution, and Bylaws

The Board took positions of support or opposition on Standing Rules Amendments, Constitutional Amendments, and Bylaw Amendments that will be presented and voted upon at the NEA RA in New Orleans.

Details regarding the amendments and NEA Board positions will be available at the Illinois Caucus at the NEA RA.

Read Across America Report

Code of Ethics of the Education Profession

The preamble of the Code was amended to explicitly include Education Support Professionals within the definition of educators.

Edward M Kennedy Institute

Senator Ted Kennedy’s widow, Vicki Kennedy; and Peter Meade, President and CEO of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute, addressed and thanked the BOD for its contribution to the Institute.  The Institute, at the Univ.of Mass. will focus on the study of the U.S. Senate.

2010 NEA RA in New Orleans, LA

July 1-6, 2010

Pre-Annual Meeting Events:

• NEA Student Leadership
• Ethnic Leaders
• National Council of Urban Educators Associations
• NEA Retired
• NEA Fund for Children and Public Education
• Joint Conference on Concerns of Women and Minorities
• Women’s Issues Hearing
• Constitution, Bylaws and Rules Committee
• UniServ Referral Center
• Resolutions Editing Committee
• Resolutions Committee
• Read Across America Read-In
• Board of Directors Meeting
• Credentials Committee
• Global Education Summit
• Open Hearings on Resolutions
• Special Interest Caucuses
• Legislative Open Hearing
• Sexual Orientation/Gender Identification Committee Hearing
• National Council of ESPs
• Outreach Service Project

Illinois Delegation Hotel:

New Orleans Marriott

555 Canal St.

New Orleans, LAS 70130

504-581-1000

Illinois Delegation Caucus will meet July 1^st at 1:00 pm, and on the following days at 7:00 am.

Illinois Delegation Staff Contacts: Tim Crawford and Judy Leonard.

Future NEA RAs:

2011     June 30-July 5     Chicago, IL

2012     June 30-July 5     Washington, DC

2013     July 1-6                Atlanta, GA

2014     July 1- 6               Denver, CO

2015     July 1-6                Miami, FL

2016     July 3-8                Washington, DC

NEA Directors Lobbying Washington, D.C.
April 29, 2010

NEA Legislative Briefing with NEA Government Relations Staff

Two primary issues addressed were ESEA (No Child Left Behind) Reauthorization

and an Education Jobs Package.

ESEA Reauthorization

NEA concerns with the Obama Administration Blueprint for Education Reform include:

• too much focus on state competition for dollars;
• insufficient efforts to address inequity across each state;
• continued reliance on standardized tests, with no requirement of multiple measures of learning;
• requirements for teacher evaluation based on student test scores;
• prescribed and limited models of reform; and
• no attempt to support parents’ efforts to be more involved in their children’s education.

Education Jobs Package

Passage of an education jobs package is a top priority for NEA.  Senator Harkin (D-IA) introduced the Keep Our Educators Working Act (S. 3206), which would provide $23 billion to the states.  The House already passed a similar proposal in December 2009 as part of the Jobs for Main Street Act 9HR 2847).

Illinois Education Funding and State Budget Crisis

Directors also shared concerns about the funding and budget crisis in Illinois with Members of Congress.

Senator Durbin (D-IL) Constituent Meeting

Met with Senator Durbin

Congressman Bill Foster (D-14, Geneva)

Met with Congressman Foster and staff

Congressman Luis Gutierrez (D-4, Chicago)

Met with Nicole Dinis, Education Staff

Congressman Peter Roskam (R-6, Wheaton)

Met with Kevin Kuhlman, Education Staff

Congressman Jerry Costello (D-12, Belleville)

Met with Katie Stonewater, Education Staff

Congressman Tim Johnson (R-15, Sidney)

Met with Ben Brockschmidt, Education Staff

Congressman Aaron Schock (R-19, Peoria)

Met with Congressman Schock and Margie Almanza, Education Staff

Congressman Mark Kirk (R-10, Highland Park)

Met with Congressman Kirk and staff

Congressman Danny Davis (D-7, Chicago)

Met with Congressman Davis

Congresswoman Judy Biggert (R-13, Hinsdale)

Met with Congresswoman Biggert and staff

Congresswoman Debbie Halvorson (D-11, Crete)

Met with Congresswoman Halverson and Justin Cajindos, Education Staff

Senate Hearing on Education Jobs Bill, Senator Harkin (D-IA) Chair

Selected Members of Congress’ and Staff Comments April 29, 2010

Rep. Judy Biggert – Probably will oppose a jobs bill.  Impact is temporary and adds to deficit. Is very concerned about education job losses.  Willing to look at alternatives.  Illinois used previous ARRA and jobs monies to plug the state’s deficits—not create jobs.   Regarding ESEA Reauthorization, we need quite a few changes.  Use growth models.  No teaching to the test.  More local control and flexibility.  Feds should not be a national school board.  Opposes using student performance for teacher pay.  Concerned about the privacy issue on using student data.  Concerned that we’ve done away with so much in education—music, art, etc.

Rep. Jerry Costello’s Legislative Assistant Katie Stonewater – Says the Congressman wants more local control and parental involvement.  He is opposed to the punitive approach in ESEA.   Staff are checking to see if Rep. Costello is a co-sponsor of the Social Security Fairness bill (to reform GPO-WEP).  He opposes vouchers.

Senator Dick Durbin – When asked if he could persuade Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan to pass a responsible budget he said the Speaker is not returning his calls.  Durbin supports an education jobs bill but shared concerns about how to pay for it. Schools must fix the drop out crisis, improve graduation rates, especially for Black and Hispanic students and better prepare students for college.  Sen. Durbin Never misses a chance to say public schools must do better.  He spoke about the DREAM Act and its importance to the young people who are illegal-undocumented and live in America because their parents brought them here and their quest for a higher education.

Rep. Bill Foster – talked with the Congressman about teacher evaluations and the role of student performance in those ratings.  Rep. Foster is interested in creating an education advisory committee.

Rep. Luis Gutierrez Legislative Assistant Nicole Dinis – Says Rep. Guiterrez wants funding of all mandates.  Noncommittal on other reforms to ESEA but may support more local control.

Rep. Debbie Halverson – Supports the Education Jobs bill.  Wants ESEA to move away from standardized tests to growth models, remove punitive aspects and increase local decision-making.  She is concerned about using student test scores to evaluate teacher effectiveness.

Rep. Tim Johnson’s Legislative Assistant Ben Brockschmidt — spent our time using our appointment as an “educational opportunity”.

Rep. Mark Kirk and staff — Will make statement about the loss of jobs in Illinois, but cannot support the measure for some of the other things he considers unworthy in the bill.  Rep. Kirk supports long-term investment in educational infrastructure.  He is opposed to short term fixes.  Education remains his highest priority for helping the economy.  He wants more local control in ESEA and opposes labeling schools as failures based on one-size fits all tests. We discussed the impact of the economy on ELL programs and bilingual education, and let him know we would appreciate a statement on the state of Illinois educator job loss, even if he cannot support an education jobs fund.  He is concerned the U.S. will become a high debt and high tax economy and that will hurt job creation.

Rep. Peter Roskam’s Legislative Assistant Kevin Kuhlman – He opposed the Education Jobs bill. We made a big effort to let his staff know that we are interested in working with the Congressman.  Congressman Roskham does not have a relationship with us and we’d like to find something we can work on together.  We spent time discussing our state issues and asked that he reach out to his Illinois colleagues to deal with our awful financial situation.

Rep. Aaron Schock and Legislative Assistant Margie Almanza – He opposes the current Education Jobs Bill as being too temporary.  On ESEA, he wants to stop testing kids who enter district late and stop penalizing the district for that.  Find better ways to assess learning of special needs students. Get a commitment on a minimum amount of student attendance and parental involvement before blaming schools and districts.  Different challenges in different schools.  Federal government should not be the primary leader in education.  Account for sub-groups, parental involvement.

Due to the weather the regular February meeting in Washington, D.C. of the NEA Board was cancelled.  A Board of Directors conference call held Feb. 13^th to take action on necessary issues.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS ACTIONS:

COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS

The Board approved appointments to the Steering and Resolutions Committees.

Illinois Director Al Llorens will continue to serve as Chair of the Steering Committee.

BOARD SCHEDULE

Future NEA Board meeting schedules were approved with the exception of September-October meetings.  Those meetings will be discussed at the May Board meeting.

2010-2011 DUES

The Board approved NEA Dues for 2010-2011.

Certified Full Time Dues — $166.00.

ESP Full time Dues — $96.50.

Reserve Former Active Professional Educators — $78.00.

Reserve Former Active ESP – 43.50.

Retired (Annual) — $25.00

Retired (Life Membership) — $200.00.

Certified dues are determined using a formula based on the national average salaries.

Certified salary data is collected from state education agencies and state affiliates.

ESP salary data is based on U.S. Dept. of Labor statistics.

TIERED DUES REPORT

The Board continued its discussion of the Advisory Committee on Membership’s Report about tiered dues.  The report studied the feasibility and desirability of alternative dues structures including tiered systems based on salaries.  The recommendations of the committee were within the following constraints:

1) the construct must significantly move toward dues equity as defined by one’s ability to pay;

2) NEA and its locals and state affiliates shall not be required to expend resources to collect additional salary data;

3) the proposal must be aligned with NEA’s current technology and research capacity;

and 4) the tiered structure must be revenue neutral.

The proposals included in the report proposed a tiered dues system based on the average Certified and the average ESP salaries in each state.  Following discussion the board voted to accept the report but reject the recommendations by a vote of 113 to 43.

The current NEA dues system will remain in practice.

MEMBERSHIP AMENDMENT

The Board discussed a proposed Constitutional Amendment and related Bylaws on NEA Membership.  The Constitutional Amendment and Bylaws would allow members organized by state affiliates to be NEA members even if they had not previously met criteria for NEA membership.

The Board approved support for the Amendment and Bylaws in a 139 to 17 vote.

The Amendment and Bylaws will be put to a vote at the NEA Representative Assembly where a 2/3 affirmative vote is required to pass.

ILLINOIS NEA DIRECTORS SCHEDULE—CAPITOL HILL

Thursday, December 10, 2009

8:00 a.m.  NEA Legislative Briefing—NEA Headquarters

8:30 a.m.  Senator Durbin (D-IL)

• Dropped off information to staff.

9:00 a.m. Congressman Aaron Schock (R-18, Peoria)

• Met with Margie Almanza, Education Staff person

9:15 a.m.  Congressman Melissa Bean (R-8, Schaumburg)

• Met with Congresswoman Bean

10:30 a.m. Congressman Peter Roskam (R-6, Bloomingdale)

• Met with Education Staff person

10:45 a.m.  Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT)

• Press Conference with NEA Officers

11:00 a.m. Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-9, Evanston)

• Met with Dana Thomas, Education Staff person

11:15 a.m.  Congressman Mike Quigley (D-5, Chicago)

• Met with Cong. Quigley’s Chief of Staff

11:30 a.m. Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-2, Chicago)

• Met with Congressman Jackson

1:00 p.m. Congressman Phil Hare (D-17-Rock Island)

• Met with Congressman Hare

1:15 p.m. Congressman Mark Kirk (R-10, Highland Park)

• Met with Congressman Kirk

1:30 p.m. Congresswoman Deborah Halvorson (D-11, Crete)

• Met with Justin Cajindos, Education Staff person

1:30 p.m. Congressman Bill Foster (D-14, Geneva)

• Met with Congressman Foster

2:00 p.m. Congresswoman Judy Biggert (R-13, Hinsdale)

• Met with Congresswoman Biggert

2:00 p.m. Congressman Tim Johnson (R-15, Sidney)

• Met with Jennifer Mascho, Education Staff person

Comments from Members of Congress and their staff:

Congresswoman Melissa Bean—concerned about funding health reform programs, small businesses.  She does not feel ESEA will be addressed until after health care is resolved.

Congresswoman Judy Biggert—opposes an excise tax on health insurance, feels that Race to the Top is the blueprint for the reauthorization of ESEA.  Is concerned that education reform is top down.  Feels that a jobs bill should decrease spending, include tax incentives and support small businesses.

Congressman Bill Foster—opposes an excise tax on health plans.  He would like to see more support for science and math education and work with NEA on programs such as the Illinois Math and Science Academy.

Congresswoman Deborah Halverson—opposes an excise tax on health plans.  She hopes that a public option will be put back into a final bill through the conference committee.  She agrees with NEA’s proposals on ESEA and high school dropout reenrollment programs.

Congressman Phil Hare—opposes an excise tax on health plans.  Concerned that the “donut hole” is not fixed by the current health bill, would consider expansion of Medicare.  He feels ESEA will be delayed until after the election next fall.  Supports a jobs bill.

Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.—it is unconscionable to expect that the people in need of reform should be the ones that pay more.  The Congressman will support high school dropout reenrollment language in the reauthorization.

Congressman Tim Johnson—opposes any tax increases including an excise tax on health plans.  Wants to fix insurance management and pool insurance for small business.  He feels ESEA may come up next session and feels flexibility for teachers is critical.

Congressman Kirk—opposes an excise tax on health plans.  Feels Speaker Pelosi is responsible for the partisanship in the House.  He is open to suggestions on ELL in the reauthorization of ESEA and supports drop out reenrollment programs.  He voiced concerned about our rising national debt.

Congressman Mike Quigley—draws the line on an excise tax.  He supports drop out reenrollment programs.

Congressman Roskam—opposes an excise tax on health care plans.  He is concerned about the amount of money needed to pay for health care reform.

Congresswoman Schakowsky—opposes excise tax on health plans.

Congressman Schock—opposes taxing health insurance.  Supports Cong. Davis’ efforts to urge the full funding of Illinois social service agencies.

NEA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ACTIONS

Columbia Sussex Hotels Boycott
Recommended that NEA boycott only three Columbia Sussex hotels:  The Hilton Anchorage, Hilton Crystal City-National Airport and Sheraton Baltimore-City Center.  The motion to boycott, requested by NEA-Alaska, arose out of concern over a long-standing labor dispute between the Hilton Anchorage Hotel and its employees.  Unite Here is the union that represents these workers.  Unite Here focuses on individual properties and has not boycotted hotel owners or hotel brands.

Priority Schools Campaign
Recommended $500,000 be allocated to NEA Human and Civil Rights to support Priority Schools Campaign with state affiliates and locals.

Senator Edward M. Kennedy Institute
Recommended that $200,000 per year for five years, totaling $1,000,000, be allocated in support of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate based in Massachusetts.

Oregon Ballot Measure Request
Recommended that $550,000 be allocated to fund Oregon Education Assn. efforts on two tax fairness measures.

NEA/AFL-CIO Labor Partnership
Recommended an extension of the current agreement through June 30, 2010.

The Executive Committee also took actions on Legal Services, Staff Compensation, Exec. Director Compensation, Membership Strategy, and other items.

The Executive Committee also approved filing a petition for a writ of certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court seeking review of the en banc decision of the 6^th Circuit of Appeals in the Pontiac v. Sec. of Education case (federal funding of NCLB).

NEA BOARD OF DIRECTORS ACTIONS

• Received updates from the NEA President Dennis Van Roekel, Vice President Lily Eskelsen Secretary Treasurer Becky Pringle and Executive Director John Wilson.
• Received updates from NEA staff in Campaigns and Elections, Public Relations, Constituent Relations, and ESP Quality.
• Approved motion to conduct boycott of three Columbia Sussex hotels.
• Approved motion to approve Priority Schools Campaign funding ($500,000).
• Approved motion to approve funds for Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the Senate ($1 million).  (Illinois Directors voting No.)
• Approved Oregon Ballot Measures funding request ($550,000).
• Approved extension of the NEA/AFL-CIO Partnership Agreement through June 30, 2010.
• The Board continued discussions and work session on the issues of possible multiple-tiered NEA dues, the Constitutional limit of 150 state directors on the board, and the NEA Code of Ethics.

SPECIAL NEA BOARD EVENTS

• Scott McLeod, J.D., Ph.D. spoke to the Board on technology and education. Visit his website at:  www.scottmcleod.net.
• The Board held its annual Hispanic Observance, which included an address by PBS News Hour Journalist Ray Suarez.
• The Robert H. Chanin Auditorium was dedicated to the service of retiring NEA General Council Bob Chanin.

CRITICAL ISSUES

• Health Care Reform in Congress—Moving to Conference Committee Action
• Race to the Top—U.S. Dept. of Education, ISBE Finalizing Illinois Application
• ARRA and State Education Budgets
• ESEA (No Child Left Behind) Reauthorization
• WEP-GPO Social Security Legislation

Download the word document of this report

• NEA DIRECTORS REPORT—DECEMBER 2009

Download the lastest NEA Directors Report below.

NEA-Directors-Report-10-2009