We hope that everyone is having a great beginning to the 4th quarter and enjoying the spring weather.
EPEA NEWS:
FAMILY INSURANCE CHANGES NOW IN EFFECT:
On today’s payroll check any teacher who elected to take family insurance should see a change in the Employer contributions amount along with a “retro contribution” back to the Sept 15 pay period.
The change equates to a $102 increased district contribution per month. Therefore, the district contribution for the 4/15/24 payroll check should increase by $51 and the employee deduction should decrease by $51 for this pay period. In addition, you should see a ‘retro insurance’ item on your payroll details.
READ ACT TRAINING:
For those who fall under the position that requires READ ACT training during the 24-25 school year, please know that the EPEA is advocating for training to occur during the contract day (pro-rata pay). Currently, EPS is offering asynchronous training at training rate outside of the duty calendar. As professional educators, any mandatory training should be expected to occur during the duty day. Many districts around us are adding PD days to their calendars, adding early release days for elementary students only, or adding contract days (pro-rata) to add additional PD hours for the READ ACT.
There is current legislation proposed that would require districts to offer this mandatory training during the contract day. When this legislation is finalized, an update will be provided. At this time, you can inquire as to when this training will be offered during the school year, as many individuals have other jobs/responsibilities during the summer months.
HEALTH INSURANCE OPEN ENROLLMENT:
Very soon the Open Enrollment period will be announced for the 24-25 school year. The District Insurance Committee made up of 3 teachers and 1 representative from each of the other bargaining units have studied and discussed trends, tracked our self-funding performance, looked at rising costing, and verified our coverage needs, as well as engaged in the required HITTA process to secure medical and dental bids for coverage for the next two school years.
Please look for the communication from Katy Stromberg highlighting our insurance carrier, new insurance rates, and enrollment options/deadlines in the near future.
EPEA STAFF:
GUIDANCE from YOUR MEMBER RIGHTS ADVOCATE:
If you are in need of support at an administration meeting, believe there is a contract violation, or have a performance/conduct-related support request, please connect with Carla Thompson (Lead MRA) cthompson@edenpr.org or 952-240-6577)
UPDATE from EDUCATION MINNESOTA:
Education Minnesota Representative Convention: April 19-20
On Friday and Saturday of this week, 8 representatives from EPEA will attend the annual Education Minnesota Representative Convention where decisions will be made regarding the courses of action and allocation of dues monies for the upcoming year.
EPEA delegates who were elected to attend in our February election will be charged with the duty to represent all of EPEA’s mission statements when casting votes of approval or disapproval.
Some of the items that are up for delegates’ votes include the following: allowing for more Aspiring teacher and retired teacher delegates to the convention, formation of an pension advocacy group, specific pension reform legislation language advocacy, advocacy for statewide healthcare for all Minnesota teachers, and a call for ceasefire in Palestine. The EPEA delegates will come together to discuss these topics before the convention and weigh each proposal against the EPEA’s 6 mission statements.
Thank you to Dominic Kirkpatrick (District Wide), Amanda Rublein (EPHS), Joanne Peterson (EPHS), Charles Cooper (EPHS), Kristen Mantel (CMS), Jessica Premo (PV), Emily Salley (PV), and Jamie Alsleben (CR) for representing the interests of the EPEA at the EdMn convention.
MEMBER BENEFITS:
FREE seminars: When can I afford to retire?All educators deserve the ability to retire with financial security.Among the many benefits of being an Education Minnesota member is access to financial seminars to help you achieve this goal. Education Minnesota ESI is hosting a number of "When Can I Afford to Retire?" seminars both online and in-person this spring and summer.
Regardless of how long you have been an educator, attending this seminar will help you understand how your pension, Social Security and other savings, such as a 403(b), all contribute to your financial and retirement plans.Register early as seating is limited at the in-person events.
Virtual Options: Wednesday, June 12, 10-11 a.m.A Zoom link will be emailed to you the day before the seminar.Thursday, July 25, 9-10 a.m.A Zoom link will be emailed to you the day before the seminar.
In-person Options: Brooklyn ParkTuesday, April 30Registration at 4:30 p.m., seminar starts at 5 p.m.Education Minnesota Brooklyn Park Office9210 Wyoming Ave. N., Suite 200, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
Southwest MetroThursday, June 13Registration at 9:30 a.m., seminar starts at 10 a.m.Education Minnesota Southwest Metro Office
7242 Metro Blvd., Suite 200, Edina, MN 55439WoodburyThursday, June 20Registration starts at 9:30 a.m., seminar starts at 10 a.m.Education Minnesota Woodbury office2042 Wooddale Drive, Suite 100, Woodbury, MN 55125New BrightonThursday, July 11Registration starts at 9:30 a.m., seminar starts at 10 a.m.Education Minnesota New Brighton Office900 Long Lake Road, Suite 110, New Brighton, MN ChaskaWednesday, July 17Registration starts at 9:30 a.m., seminar starts at 10 a.m.Minnesota Landscape Arboretum3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska, MN 55318
ESI PerksConnect - discounts to area activities and restaurants
NEA Discount Marketplace - discount tickets and travel program
WHAT'S COMING UP?:
RSVP for the EPEA RETRO CELEBRATION:
Door Prizes, and Give Aways, and Good Good, OH MY!
Our EPEA “Retro” Celebration will be on Friday, May 10 from 4:30 - 8pm. We wish to honor and celebrate all that came together for our successful outcome of our 23-25 contract. We plan to have food, games, prizes, and musical entertainment to enjoy while enjoying some fellowship with colleagues from across the district. Come when you can; leave when you must.
Please use the following form as your RSVP to attend the festivities: https://forms.gle/Csk4CytqVCBdktm4A
"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." -Theodore Roosevelt
In Solidarity,
Dominic Kirkpatrick, EPEA President
Charles Cooper, EPEA President
Brent Bovitz, EPEA Treasurer
Jessica Premo, EPEA Secretary
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