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Writer's pictureJessica Premo

October 13th, 2023

Updated: Oct 17, 2023




Happy October! We hope that conferences go well for everyone and that you enjoy your MEA Break!!


Thank you for wearing your EPEA Union swag on Wednesdays and during conferences!!


EPEA NEWS

EPEA Dues Reminder:

Beginning on the Oct 13th Payroll check (through June 30), EPEA members will see union dues deductions on the payroll checks. These 18 equal payments help support the work at the local, state and national level. As a reminder, EPEA has not raised its dues in over 6 years, and we continue to look at ways we can provide outstanding service in the most financially responsible ways, through grant applications, partnerships, and realignment of EPEA staff workload. The bulk of our state designated dues cover our assigned EdMn field staff and attorney work, which occurs daily in Eden Prairie.

Please include a link to past newsletters also (provided below).



Statewide:

At this time, approximately 50 local teachers’ unions have settled with their districts. Three of those are metro area/adjacent. Overall, the percentage of increases ranges from 1.32% to 17.65% with the average percent of increase (as of 9/18/23) at 4.5% for year 1 and 3.15% for year two. Of course, these percentages do not take into consideration other contract improvements that have financial gain for the employees. If you would like to learn more specifics of who and how local unions have made agreements with their employers, please visit the following member-only link: https://educationminnesota.org/report/unofficial-salary-schedule-increase-data-current-round-of-bargaining/


Eden Prairie:

In relation to Eden Prairie’s progress at the bargaining table, negotiators hope to come back to the discussions on October 25, after conferences and MEA break.


In the meantime, our EPEA Action team is laying out plans of action--that are legal under PELRA laws-- for our unit to participate in until we have a settled contract. And, as negotiators inch closer to agreed upon language, information you provide in the following survey will be extremely valuable.


PLEASE TAKE 10 MINUTES TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING SURVEY:

https://forms.gle/RAeMicDx3VzSYKS67


EPEA STAFF:

Relicensure Representatives: Each site has a designated “Relicensure Representative” who there to help members navigate the relicensure process--in addition to evaluating continuing education activities, granting appropriate clock hours for those activities, recommending renewal of Tier 3 and Tier 4 licenses (including related service licenses) that is governed by the rules set forth in Minnesota Rules, chapter 8710.


Our current Relicensure Chairperson, Dan Wright (PV), calls and conducts meetings, prepares agendas, records approved clock hours into the Continuing Education Clock Hour Reporting System for community members, provides leadership in orienting new committee members, serves as liaison and contact person in the committee's relationship with outside agencies and individuals, and coordinates revision of local guidelines when needed.

Each Relicensure Representative works with the the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board to certify eligibility for relicensure and coordinates with site professional development teams to accurately upload offerings so that members can enroll, track, and report continuing education credits (CEUs) in preparation for the application of license renewal. In addition, the relicensure representatives review requirements for relicensure and make recommendations to PELSB for state-wide requirements. One last function of the relicensure committee is to provide an appeals opportunity when a written request is received by an individual to appeal a decision of ineligibility for relicensure based on CEU requirements.

Usually in January, relicensure representatives send out a preferred protocol to follow for those at the site.


Much gratitude goes to the following Relicensure Committee Representatives:

  • Dan Wright (PV and Community)

  • Brent Bovitz (EP Online, Tassel, Cedar Ridge and Oak Point)

  • Lindsay Klaverkamp (CMS)

  • Yzolde Chepokas (Eagle Heights)

  • Liz Taylor (Eden Lake)

  • Karen Linscott (Lower Campus)

  • Kevin Koetke (EPHS)

  • Dawn Head (Forest Hills)

  • Angie Roesner (Resident Member)


CONTRACT 101:

Lane Changes:

For those who are acquiring additional graduate credits that are to be applied to a lane change, please take note of the following contractual language regarding prior approval:


Subd. 4. Prior Approval: All credits, in order to be considered for application on the salary schedule, must be approved by the superintendent or superintendent’s designee, in writing, prior to the taking of the course. A teacher taking a course without receiving prior approval does so at his/her own risk. A form requesting a lane change must be completed not less than fifteen (15) days prior to the effective date, as provided in Subd. 5 hereof.


Forms needed for this process can be located on the Human Resources page of the EPS website: https://www.edenpr.org/staff-intranet-home/departments/human-resources-forms



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)


MEMBER BENEFITS:

Free Courses available with our South Suburban Intermediate Organization: DCUE (Dakota County United Educators - Rosemount Apple Valley Eagan) is offering the following professional development sessions at the Apple Valley Field Office and would like to open up the registration to our SSU friends! CEU's will be offered for each session and all the sessions count toward the cultural proficiency requirement for license renewal. Beverages and light snacks will be provided at all the sessions. When Registering, please enter Eden Prairie Schools as your worksite.


LGBTQ+ Advocacy & Support Training: Part 1

In this introductory training, participants will learn important vocabulary in regards to gender and sexual orientation. Participants will learn about pronouns and inclusive language, with tangible ways to support LGBTQ+ students. This is part 1 of 2 trainings.

November 16, 2023 4:30 pm to 6 pm DCUE Office : 6950 146th St W, Suite 112, Apple Valley, MN 55124 Link to register

LGBTQ+ Advocacy & Support Training: Part 2

(This training is Part 2 of LGBTQ+ Training. Please complete LGBTQ+ Training: Part 1 before enrolling in and taking this course.) In this continuation of LGBTQ+ courses, you will learn about LGBTQ+ history, the significance of coming out, addressing microaggressions directed toward the LGBTQ+ community, and create an action plan to be an ally to the LGBTQ+ colleagues, students, family and community members in your life. December 14, 2023 4:30 pm to 6 pm DCUE Office : 6950 146th St W, Suite 112, Apple Valley, MN 55124 Link to register

Interrupting Whiteness

In this DCUE member only workshop we will have an opportunity to unpack the characteristics of our white supremacy culture, as we explore its meaning, its impact, and what it takes to interrupt these characteristics in our life, organization, and our society. We seek to inspire participants, especially those who work in institutions that historically produce racial disparities, to think differently about our roles and take necessary action to undo biased practices. January 18, 2024 4:30 pm to 6 pm DCUE Office : 6950 146th St W, Suite 112, Apple Valley, MN 55124 Link to register

Why Is It So Hard To Talk About Race?

Race talk, along with the expression of strong, intense emotions, is often discouraged in the classroom. This session will provide space and language for educators to learn and talk about three common barriers to opening discussions about racism in our schools. Our hope coming out of this session is that participants will have the tools to label their own barriers to talk about race and some tools to help us all move forward. February 22, 2024 4:30 pm to 6 pm DCUE Office : 6950 146th St W, Suite 112, Apple Valley, MN 55124 Link to register

HAPPENINGS from the SCHOOL BOARD:

At the Oct. 9, 2023 school board workshop, the district briefly presented the financial forecast timeline for the 24-25 school year.

  • Dec. 8: the truth in taxation hearing (requesting a 6.36% tax increase to residents.

  • Feb: Board hears the recommended budget for the 24-25 school year.

  • Apr: Board approves the capital budget and projects for over the summer work

  • May: Approval of final budget for 24-25 year

Agendas, materials, and videos from past school board meetings can be located using the Link to Past School Board Agendas.


WHAT'S COMING UP?:

Look for upcoming “STAND UNITED!” emails coming to your PERSONAL email address.



We will stand together in unity! The EPEA staff is here to support you. Please reach out to your site representative if you have questions or concerns.


Remember to wear your EPEA Swag on Wednesdays!


"Individually we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean." -Ryunosuke Satoro


In Solidarity,

Dominic Kirkpatrick, EPEA President

Charles Cooper, EPEA President

Brent Bovitz, EPEA Treasurer

Jessica Premo, EPEA Secretary













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