WEA-PAC:
Big THANK YOU to John Young, Susan Gelhar, Heidi Stahlberg, and Jay Sozanski and all the WEA-PAC member that have joined so far. WE REACHED OUR GOAL OF 60% This will mean big kudos to Ferndale Education Association at WEA RA this week in Spokane. Thank you again to everyone that helped us achieve our goal. It is never too late to turn in a form.
Reduction in Education Programs: Friday the School board voted to reduce the Ferndale educational program including laying off staff. For more information and staffing for next year go to the board docs: Staffing
Prior to the Board vote, Adam presented our letter (download). Lyn Sherry (Uniserv/WEA), Marie Canas (WEA Research), Adam, and I worked to compare the proposed cuts to the budget information we have available. We feel very strongly that reducing teaching staff should be one of the last things the District chooses to do.
With that said, we do know that layoff notices will go out this week. It looks like the District will be cutting $971,377 in certificated staff based on the Superintendents recommendation. For more information: FSD Board Docs
The District is responsible for sending a seniority list to all certificated staff. FEA has asked for a list to go out to all staff since December and were promised it many times. When asked about the seniority list at the board meeting, Elvis said it was a courtesy to get it BEFORE the board votes to reduce the program. The seniority list should come out this week since the vote was taken Friday. Make sure you check your information and contact Elvis with any corrections.
Please contact me by e-mail ( traciemorris@comcast.net or tmorris@ferndale.wednet.edu ) if you or someone at your building gets a notice. We have information on the FEA website you may find helpful. I also have information the effected members may want.
http://www.ferndaleea.org/RIF2008.pdf
FEA will also plan a meeting before the end of the year with all staff that were given notice. I know I don’t need to say this, but please support those that do get the notice. You may be relieved May 15, but some at your building may be hurting. We are all in this together.
Thank you,
***
Tracie Morris
FEA President
*Working for the benefit of educators in the Ferndale School District to maintain quality for our students.