Natomas Teachers’ Association Newsletter March 2010

CTA DAY OF ACTION

Stood Up For Students!
Thanks to everyone who participated in the March 4th Day of Action. Ken MacPherson led the charge with a mock funeral at the traffic island at Inderkum High between 7-8am on Thursday morning. He and students painted a coffin, tombstones and a large sign indicating the death of school programs and personnel. Dana Dillon, CTA Board Member, passed out a California Initiative Petition calling for rescinding corporate tax loopholes. At our other sites, teachers and staff handed out fliers to parents, and wore black to signify mourning or white to signify layoffs. Some teachers incorporated curricular activities to support the event. Thanks again to everyone who helped draw attention to the plight of Education in California today.
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IN DISTRICT NEWS……..

New Recommendations include closing LFG
The following recommendations were presented to the School Board as part of what appeared to be a ‘package deal’. It is my interpretation that the Board tabled a decision about which elementary school (and whether or not) to close until March 24th, and also voted to give themselves until March 24th to decide on this ‘package’ recommendation. It was not clear if they will make a decision about each item separately or together. For instance, they might vote to close an elementary and LFG, or neither, or one etc. Recommendations:
1. Not close an elementary school
2. Retain 5th graders at elementary schools for 2010-2011
3. Close Leroy Greene Middle for Program Redesign and Repair/Remodel of Facilities
Again, these are recommendations from the District; the School Board still needs to render their decision regarding approval. Dr Davie emphasized that this new recommendation to close LFG is based on academics, as opposed to financial considerations, and Teri Burns reminded everyone that the original reason for deciding to close a school was financial. If you have an opinion, please send a letter to our school board members. The entire proposal is also on the NUSD Website under Board Agendas for Feb 24th.

What have Teachers in NUSD contributed to the District Budget?
Here’s some math I did recently, and I thank every one of our hardworking and dedicated NTA members for continuing to provide our students with an outstanding educational opportunity despite the hardship of teaching in such a difficult time. Teachers are amazing!
Retired teachers $640,000
RIFed teachers $7,500,000
Furlough Days $2,200,000
Classroom Supplies $450,000
In addition, many teachers have increased their workload by 25-50% without an increase in pay. That’s another $3,450,000!

*A Reason to Celebrate!*
NTA member Christine Lanphere recently received a Commendation to NUSD from State Superintendent Jack O’Connell for her valued participation on the Curriculum Development and Supplemental Materials Commission. As a 2-year member of this commission, she chaired the World Language Subject Matter Committee (SMC), was a member of the Executive Committee, was a member of the History-Social Science SMC and as a member of the Ad Hoc Committee on the Education and the Environment Initiative she facilitated an Instructional Materials Reviewer/Content Review Expert Panel. According to Superintendent O’Connell, this Commission has accomplished important goals in to creating a world-class standards-based education system for California Public schools with a specific focus on closing the achievement gap. Thank you for representing NUSD and NTA in your efforts, Christine. And Congratulations!


March Calendar (Tracks A, B,C on; Track D off)

Board Member Forums:
ü Mon Mar 8th: 4:30pm-5:30pm ( Lisa)
5:00pm-6:00pm (Sue)
ü Tue Mar 9th: 4:00pm-5:30pm (Jules)
5:30pm -7pm (Teri,Bruce)
@ Panera: 2731 Del Paso Rd; 928-8295
Regular Board Meeting
ü Wed Mar 10th: 6:30pm IHS

Special Board Meeting:School Closure/LFG/5th Grade Retention
ü Tue Mar 23th: 6:00pm place TBD

Cynthia’s Site Visit Schedule:
ü 3/8 NPE
ü 3/16 DHS/NHS
ü 3/17 LFG
ü 3/18 IHS
ü 3/22 HAH/NMS
ü 3/25 AL
ü 3/29 BC

School Board Members’ non-District Email: Teri Burns: TeriB@sia-us.com
Sue Heredia: heredias@csus.edu
Lisa Kaplan: kaplan4kids@yahoo.com
Bruce Roberts: bruceroberts4natomas@yahoo.com
Jules Tran: jules.tran@sbcglobal.net

Websites:
- NTA contract on the District WebsiteJ: click on Departments> Human Resources> Bargaining Unit Agreements: http://www.natomas.k12.ca.us
-Board Policy is also on District Website: click on Forms and Documents> Board Policies: http://www.natomas.k12.ca.us
- NTA Blog: http://natomasteachers.blogspot.com
-California Ed Code Index: http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/cacode/EDC
-CTA: http://www.CTA.org
-The Standard: http://www3.standard.com
-Natomas Buzz: http://www.natomasbuzz.com
- Day of Action: www.Standupforschools.org


“AN INJURY TO ONE IS AN INJURY TO ALL”