Lake County Education Association

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President's Message

Dear Politically Active Colleagues,

Many times I hear, "I'm a teacher. I don't want to be involved in politics." As a nurse, I just wanted to provide quality care for my patients and their families and not worry about politics. As the health care climate changed, I realized the legislators in Tallahassee and Washington were making decisions regarding my nursing service. That's when I started paying attention...

When I became a teacher, I realized that the education decisions were being made by non-educator legislators who were not supporting quality public education. That's when I really began paying attention!

Message from LCEA President...Call To Action 3/24/09

Call to action...it's up to us!!

Our individual and collective votes and voices are important and must be heard by our elected legislators! Will they listen? I don't know. But they hold the purse strings for our profession and therefore for our classrooms.

President's Message 2/24/09

Membership—Important, Especially Now...

Dear Dedicated, Concerned Colleagues,

This month’s message from me to you contains both understanding and promise.

I truly understand the angst you feel during these difficult times. I remember being an annual contract teacher. I remember wondering if I would be rehired. I remember the previous reduction in force that occurred many years ago. It was challenging, to say the least!! That is why we have contract language addressing the process. Many of you may lose days beyond and I understand the financial impact that will bring.

State of Our LCEA Union

Our LCEA is financially sound. The cuts we made last year enable us to operate well within our operating budget without using any funds from our savings. Our part-time clerical assistance retired and was not replaced. Marla continues to do the work of two. Retired member Margaret Foley volunteers with us one day a week and is a great asset. Jim denied a salary increase and I continue at the same daily rate of pay as teachers at my step. Our building is in need of repair and an LCEA member’s spouse will do the work.