Greetings EPEA!
We have just a couple updates for the end of February.
CHECK YOU PAYCHECK:
February 29th marks the first of the financial aspects of our newly settled contract. Based on your FTE, those who are employed for at least 1 semester this school year should see the line item titled "One Time" and the $1,500 stipend amount. Later this spring you will notice the other financial components of our new contract.
STAFFING TIMELINES:
Probationary educators in the district who are in a situation to transition from probationary to "tenured" status, please watch your personal email for additional guidance in the event you are presented with any document to sign. Please connect with Dominic Kirkpatrick before signing to learn of all your options.
In addition, for those who want to resign from Eden Prairie Schools, state statute indicates that an employee must do so before April 1, 2024, to be within the law (First year of the contract). Eden Prairie Schools has the right to report any resignation not meeting state statutes timelines to the Professional Educator Licensing Standards Board (PELSB) for "job abandonment." If this timeline to make a resignation decision does not match your personal situation, please connect with Dominic Kirkpatrick for additional information.
Staffing timeline details:
ROUND 1: March 11 - 15
- Eligible: internal, continuing contract "tenured" educators
- Purpose: transfer to an open position within the same site/building
- Process: communicate your desire to the site administrator
ROUND 2: March 25 - 29
- Eligible: internal, continuing contract "tenured" educators
- Purpose: transfer to an open position at another site/building
- Process: 4 -5 question online form (linked form from HR to all educators)
ROUND 3: April 8 - until filled
- Eligible: all educators
- Purpose: apply to remaining open positions at any site
- Process: 4 -5 question online form for internal candidates; full application for
external candidates
LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS at the CAPITOL:
The 2024 session of the MN legislature is alive and well with countless education bills that are being heard in the Education Policy Committee. Some of the bills on the table are as follows:
Prohibited book banning at public and school libraries
Increased funding for English learners
Required medications in school first aid kits
Modified school discipline provisions
Student journalist rights
Required student mental health screening
Modifications to PSEO enrollment options
School cardiac response plans and resources
READ act amendments and funding
Student attendance reporting
Minimum time for student lunch
Modified short call sub requirements
Prohibit admission fees at public school events
Single user locker room requirement
Female sports participation requirements
Class syllabi requirements
Resident nonpublic school students allowance to participate in extracurricular activities
For those who want to learn about these and the many other bills headed to the Education Policy committee, you can find additional information here: link
INVITED TO A MEETING WITH YOUR SUPERVISOR/ADMINSTRATOR?:
As an EPEA member you may request to have a Member Rights Advocate to be with you when you feel support is needed. Please reach out to lead Member Rights Advocate, Carla Thompson, to request this support.
(YOUR FIRST CALL IS TO LEAD ADVOCATE CARLA: cthompson@edenpr.org or 952-240-6577)
ARE YOU LEAVING BENEFITS UNUSED?:
As an EPEA member, you also have benefits from Education Minnesota, American Federation of Teachers, and National Education Association. There are countless discounts and programs that support educators in both their everyday and special occasion planning: travel, insurance, local and national retail establishments. If you have yet to check out ESI PerksConnect or NEA Discount Marketplace you should take 10 minutes to find your next treasure!
We hope you enjoy your Leap Day!
Thank you for your continued support of each other as we serve our students.
Dominic
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