Colleagues,
1) Local Control Update: The NTU and our community partners posted an Op-Ed piece on NJ Spotlight about the return to local control. It is a great read about the concerns as we move forward. Returning to local control was a huge victory, but that doesn’t mean we can all rest on our laurels. The district and the NTU will be going through a huge transition in the upcoming months. More information to come.
2) Arbitration Award Update: A lot of people have asked when the arbitration awards will be paid out. Typically in these cases, the district has 90 days to confirm the decision. Our lawyers have reached out to them on 2 different occasions and so far, they have received no response. As soon as we have more information, including next steps and payment dates, we will send it out.
3) Social Justice and Community Engagement Committee - The NTU Executive Board is revamping our Social Justice and Community Engagement Committee and WE NEED YOUR HELP!
At this meeting, we want to discuss your concerns, hear your ideas, and show you how to get involved!
4) NTU LGBTQIA COMMITTEE/NETWORK - School districts nationwide are facing increased concerns over giving voice, protection, and resources to their LGBTQIA students, and staff. Recent events in Newark serve to highlight that concern, here, as well. The Newark Teacher’s Union has taken notice.
The Newark Teacher’s Union is building a LGBTQIA committee/network to address issues within Newark Public Schools. We are calling on LGBTQIA members, along with our allies, to band together and address the concerns of our members and the students we serve. We ask that you please fill out the attached survey!
5) AFTNJ Professional Development Bootcamp: Our partners in the AFTNJ are offering free professional development on Nov 9 and 10 in a variety of areas.
The AFTNJ is happy to announce that we will be partnering again with AFT National to provide high-quality, research based AFT Professional Development. The two-day event is structured as two stand-alone professional development sessions in order to allow flexibility for AFTNJ members. AFTNJ members can attend one or both days to double up on their professional learning. Light breakfast and lunch will be provided. Boot Camp is free for all AFT members, but registration is required. Discounted hotel accommodations are available (listed below). AFTNJ cannot be responsible for travel or lodging expenses.
For more information, check out this flyer!
6) NTUniversity: The NTU is in the process of developing a calendar of workshops for members and we are requesting proposals. If you are interested in presenting to your fellow NTU members, please review the following requirements and draft a submission. All presenters will be given a stipend of $50.00/session.
7) LAST CALL! Open enrollment - Open Enrollment 2018 is effective now through Tuesday, October 31, 2017. The elections you make during Open Enrollment will remain in effect from January 1, 2018 until December 31, 2018. Now is the time to make any changes you need to your health benefits and to make sure everybody is covered in your family.
It’s also the time to sign up for the Flexible Spending Plans. There are two types of plans one for medical (Covers out of pocket expenses for dental, vision, and many other things that our regular plan does not cover) and one for child care. The most important part of this its Pre-Tax Dollars. So you save both ways: out of pocket and at tax time!
There is much more information on open enrollment available on our website!
Upcoming Schedule:
- The NTU Education Resource Center will be closed the week of November 5 - November 10.
- The NTU Offices will be closed on Tuesday, November 7, and Thursday and Friday, November 9 and 10.
In Solidarity,
John M. Abeigon Newark Teachers Union Local 481 AFT, AFL-CIO | Mike Maillaro Newark Teachers Union Local 481 AFT, AFL-CIO | Michael R. Iovino Secretary/Treasurer Local 481 AFT, AFL-CIO |