PESPA Pride August 11, 2008
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VOLUME XXVIII, Number 1 August 11, 2008
If you’re getting this – its good news! What a summer. We started off last year with a robust raise only to see cut after cut in state funding. Yet we were able (thus far) to save every job. Naturally, things aren’t what we want, but we’re fighting for you. Hopefully, with the elections in November, we can begin to turn things around. Florida is a very wealthy state that has its schools on a starvation diet.
For nearly 30 years, through good times and not-so-good, PESPA has been there. It is very proud history made up of fighting for the rights of support employees, electing friends of education, and bargaining settlements that often led the state. We are at another juncture in 2008. We’ve passed a referendum, but bargaining is on hold. The State of Florida has shown an amazing indifference to school employees, promoting privitization when there isn’t money to operate the schools. But we plug on because, behind the noise, we’re the same folks we’ve always been – we are you!
Negotiators for the Board and Association await the closing of the books as they seek additional resources to get bargaining completed. Faced with a $40 million cut in state aid, the decision was made not to settle a contract with no money. This means that the parties will wait until a number of things occur before agreement is reached. The first issue is the year-end balances which accurately reflect the amount the district spent on those items last year. Next will be the actual enrollment. Of course, there is also the risk that the state will further reduce next year’s appropriation.
“Wait and see is not something we like to do” said PESPA President Pamela D’Almeida. “But, in this case, it appeared to be the only way to have a chance at getting decent across-the-board raises. The alternative, no increase for anyone, was simply not acceptable.” Until a new agreement is reached, the current working conditions agreement is in effect. There are a number of improvements, already agreed to. which will go into effect as soon as the contract is settled.
PESPA’s Association Reps will gather for the annual School of Instruction, August 16th, at the Belleview Biltmore Resort in Belleair. The historic, 110 year old structure was chosen because it marks the celebration of 75 years of PCTA history. Representatives will get a chance to learn the latest in bargaining information, grievance processing and other elements in the life of an Association Rep. Please make sure your school is represented.
There will also be a special breakfast for first-time reps. Please make sure that your first-time reps identify themselves. Politicians endorsed for both the primary and general elections will be in attendance as well. There will be a reception for endorsed candidates to end the day.
PCTA-PESPA is supporting candidates for School Board and the Democratic Primary for Congress. The Kids First Team is made up of the endorsed School Board candidates – Ken Peluso in District 4; Janet Clark in District 1 and Ron Walker in District 2. Carol Cook, the endorsed candidate for District 5 was elected without opposition. Clark and Walker run District-wide, Peluso in North County. Every support employee who is registered can vote in these non-partisan elections.
“We hope that everyone will get behind the Kids First Team,” said PESPA Executive Director, Jade Moore.“These are the people who will make decisions that affect the professional lives of employees. It’s a great opportunity to elect our “board of directors.” Also contested are two congressional seats to determine who will be the Democratic opponent to meet Gus Bilirakis (North County) and Bill Young (all Pinellas). The PAC Committee is recommending Bob Hackworth in Congressional District 10 for Democrats.
What a summer! Conventions, politics, bargaining – all of it produced lots of news and pictures. Be sure to see the first issue of the Pinellas Educator to be brought up to date on these and other happenings. We are very pleased to feature the writing of a number of our members, - which is a reminder that the Educator is your newspaper. Have you an article that might be interesting? Submit it to Bev Diaz at the office.
If you need anything at all, if you suspect you might be in trouble, if you just want to vent…call us. We have a release-time President, four professional staff members, six administrative and support staff and coming soon, an intern. And all of them are dedicated to helping you. Please call us at, 727-585-6518 (if you are a member) and let us help.