AUG 5th NWEA MTG NOTES:

A successful gathering of nearly 90 NWEA/NWESP members took place at 3:30PM on Wednesday, August 5th at the First Church of the Nazarene off M-50. A heartfelt appreciation to all members was expressed by our NWEA Vice-President, Karen Adkins (PE), along side President, Nancy Snow(NWHS). Karen spoke of the pride she felt seeing many step up to unite with their peers, having to live too often now, out of their comfort zones. We know this is not easy, but we have our strength in our numbers to express our message clearly.
The bargaining team was introduced with Brian Klinger (NWHS) giving the members a brief overview of their mediation experiences. Basically, our bargaining team followed the voices of the NWEA, which continue to say "no on 3%" and continued to creatively propose other options for the healthcare/wage issues. The mediators proposal was turned down flat; the bargaining team's proposals were answered time and again with "we want the NWEA to pay 3% of their healthcare premium AND take the additional $100/ $200 rider" - increasing out-of-pocket costs for employees.
Administration has continued to stick to this for months. Their initial position was presented as being "fiscally responsible." After the bargaining team continued to present ideas that would save the district money, the administration's position changed to it being "the principle of the situation." A stalemate which left us no other choice than filing for Fact Finding.
Melissa Sortman, our MEA Uniserve Director and her staff have been working extra hours to prepare for the hearing to take place on August 20, 2009 and, if needed, will continue on August 21, 2009. Today, the NWEA and the NW Administration exchanged exhibits. Witness lists have been created and those wishing to attend the hearing(s) to be held at Kidder Middle School, must sign up through Rachel Martel, NWEA Crisis Chair. We are also encouraging staff to talk with community members who wish to hear the facts, from both sides, to attend on the 20th.
Melissa also gave an overview of the Fact Finding process. Please see the definition already included within this blog site. She added that she feels the best people have been working on this and will continue to do so until the process is complete.
In conclusion, Rachel Martel introduced the building reps across the district: PE - Dianne Lowe, Lisa Peek, Jan Bodenstadt, and Tracey Ledford; NWEL - Barb Kewin, Karen Plumb, and Becky Baum; KMS - Michelle Fairley, Kevin Fairley and Barb DeCan; and NWHS/AEHS - Kim Csage, Becky Moulton, Kris Bowen, and Karen Putnam. These are the people the Crisis Team will rely on heavily to distribute information to their building staff.
Rachel also rolled out the plans for the first few weeks back to school:

• SEPT 1st - Unity color and slogan t-shirts to be worn by all NWEA & NWESP employees.



• SEPT 1st - Welcome packs distributed to all employees with items to support our cause and efforts.



• SEPT 2nd - MEA Proud Member white t-shirts to be worn all day and at Open House with dress pants, kahkis or skirt.



• SEPT 2nd - During open house, JCEA members will be leaf-letting the parking lots to inform community members with facts about the district and this crisis.



• SEPT, 8th thru 11th - Wear your green buttons and ribbons on either your staff lanyard or left chest of shirt - make them visible...walk tall and be proud!

Shirt sizes, Fact Finding sign-ups and verification of contact information took place and were turned into Rachel before heading to the picket event.
People not in attendance will still have shirts ordered for them...if you want to order a specific size, contact Rachel or your building rep by Sunday, 08/09/09 at 3PM.