Conclaving with the MEA

MEA hosted a 3.5 hour briefing (okay, but what is the word if it's not brief) for local leaders on the stimulus status and the actions (or lack thereof) by locals. UniServ Director Brian Kilroy and MEA Statewide Bargaining Director Joe Stupak kindly prepared a fat stack of info, emphasized the essential points, replied to all questions, patiently listened while area locals updated each other, and even bought a tower of pizzas.

The only district where layoffs resulted from resistance to furloughs is SAD 57, whose Board and Supt won't accept the reality of stimulus money until they have cash in hand. "Full faith and credit" apparently doesn't mean much there -- be glad you work where you do.

SAD 17 did some voluntary donations and are now figuring out how to return the money. No harm done, but there was really no need to jump the gun either.

One of the university units did the same thing -- raced ahead and then needed to pull back because lay-offs weren't an option. A further consideration on that is that sometimes the numbers demand a lay-off anyway -- the SPHS Social Studies cut is an example. Money's not the issue -- student population is.

The SPTA Negotiating Team will be meeting with the district administration next week and I will report what I can about it at the RA. The members of the school board spoke earnestly and at length about their desire for salary concessions at the last budget hearing. As befits our cooperative relationship, we will continue to discuss their concerns and try to work out mutually advantageous agreements.