The Link
Grandview Education Association December 2009
President’s Message This Just In …
2009-2011 CBA Ratified!!
I’d just like to give a BIG “thank you” to the Bargaining Team for all Bellingham educators
their hard work, dedication, and time they put in to getting us a fair and rebuilding after fire
equitable contract. The Bargaining Team started this process during the Bellingham Education
summer of 2008 by attending a week-long training at WEALA. They then did Association (BEA) is still
one-on-one interviews, created staff surveys, and studied the survey results collecting donations for its
before even creating their bargaining blueprint and going to the bargaining members displaced after a Nov. 5
table. I’d also like to say “thank you” to the Bargaining Support Team for all late-night fire destroyed Whatcom
the work they did preparing meals for the Bargaining Team and for creating Middle School.
and sending out the Bargaining Newsletters. Once again, thank you! Bellingham Education
What does this mean for you? You have 4 SIP days, 2 Optional Association President Shirley
days, 1 Principal Approved day, and 3 Annual Leave days the next two years. Potter said members are thankful
Don’t forget that you also have $100 to be reimbursed for supplies that you for the generosity already
buy and use in your classroom. Take advantage of all this great stuff! received. Donations have been
If you have questions on any of the new contract language that was divided among teachers for the
bargained, see the Bargaining Support Team member in your building. purpose of replacing instructional
Contracts should be printed and ready to distribute in January. supplies.
Did you know that the School Board voted to approve to reinstate all Checks should be made
of the suspended optional days for the administration? They also paid the payable to Bellingham Public
District’s Bargaining Team $1,000 each for the time they spent bargaining, on Schools Foundation, and mailed
top of the $15,000 for their hired negotiator. Wow! to Shirley Potter, Bellingham
Happy Holidays! Education Association, 119 N.
Jamie
Commercial St., Suite 810,
Bellingham, WA 9825. Indicate
WEA’s 2010 legislative agenda on the check memo line that your
donation is for the "Whatcom
to Gov. Chris Gregoire is expected to release her supplemental state budget
Middle School Teacher
proposal this month, and it doesn’t look good.
Supplies."
Gregoire expects an additional state budget shortfall of $2.6 billion. Facing a $9
billion shortfall earlier this year, lawmakers relied almost entirely on cuts and
federal stimulus money to balance the budget. They cut K-12 and higher WEA and NEA
education by about $2 billion, causing larger class sizes and cuts in areas such internship opportunities
as art, music and libraries. Applications are now available
WEA members are calling on Gregoire and the Legislature to find revenue for the 2010-11 year for the WEA
solutions this time instead of relying solely on additional cuts to balance the Intern Program and the NEA
budget. Revenue and funding are key elements in the 2010 legislative agenda UniServ Pre-Employment
recently approved by the WEA Board. Go to WEA’s Web site to read full agenda. Development Program (UPDP).
“Finding the revenue to adequately fund public education is crucial to our Both provide members with skills,
students’ futures - and our state’s economic vitality,” the document reads. “In the training and work experience
face of unprecedented challenges, Washington Education Association members required for UniServ staff
stand ready to work with elected leaders and our communities to provide the positions. Deadline is Dec. 30.
world-class education system our students deserve.” Contact Janna Connor at 800-
By law, Gregoire is required to propose a budget based on current revenue. 622-3393, Ext. 7056, for info.
Once the Legislature convenes Jan. 11, Gregoire and legislators can work on
revenue solutions. If the Legislature passes a revenue package, it’s likely to go on the fall ballot for voter approval.