Dear LEA Members,

In the past month I have been interviewed by students about my job and the role of LEA. One group was from a local parochial school. It was an assignment for their government class. They had many questions about the "hot topics" regarding public schools. They asked about vouchers, testing, tenure, and collective bargaining.

My answers were focused on accountability and the fact that in the public schools we teach all children who come to our classrooms. I explained that vouchers with public tax dollars should only be an option if the same accountability for testing, federal mandates, and teaching ALL students are in place. We talked about how the "public" in public education goes hand in hand with governmental oversight and control. It also means we are involved on a local, state, and national level in an effort to impact policies that affect legislation regarding mandates, accountability, and funding.

I stressed that we don't have tenure in Nebraska as most people understand the word. Tenure simply guarantees due process and "cause" for cancellation of a teacher's contract. What we have are continuing contracts and due process. We have a teacher appraisal system in Lincoln designed to help improve professional practice and effective teaching. Administrators and teachers have a responsibility to use the appraisal system to ensure quality instruction to ensure student success. There is a system in place to help educators improve, and if through the process they do not meet expectations, those individuals will not continue to be employed as teachers in our district.

I enjoyed talking to these students. It was clear the answers I was providing were not the answers they expected, nor did the information I provided to them match the information they have previously been taught.

Each week I attend events as a representative of 2,500 LEA members. Many of the events are hosted by organizations with which LEA may have fundamental differences in belief.   When I attend these events, my goal is to educate and also become better informed as well. I have heard many times "we agree on more than I ever thought we would."

Public Education is under attack across this country. Is it political? Yes. Do stances on education divide people and groups based upon income? Yes. Do the attacks on public education affect you? Yes.

This month I had a member tell me: "I don't read the publications from LEA because I disagree politically with the Association."   I reviewed our LEA publications. Most of them address only LPS issues and procedures to try to keep members informed. The LEARN has up-to-date information on legislative issues as well as member relations, and pieces reflecting communication and our community. ALL of LEA's publications are meant to inform our members for the common good of all of our members and the profession we hold so dearly.

The LEA Faculty Representatives and the LEA Board of Directors have worked together to develop a common LEA Message. We want to provide members with a message to share with others that reflects what we value as we "empower educators to ensure a quality public education for all students."  We will be sending a paper copy of the message below to all members so that members can help share the LEA message with others.

Thank you so much for your assistance in spreading the word!

May 25; 4:00 p.m. Deadline for Secondary Teachers to submit 4th quarter student grades. Last Teacher Workday (May 25) Deadline for certificated employees to make purchases with their enhancement funds ($225) for the current school year.

May 29 Deadline for the completion of 7 hours of BUILDING FLEX staff development.

June 15 Deadline to turn in receipts for items purchased with enhancement funds ($225) for the current school year.

July 15 Deadline for notifying the district of electing the accelerated summer payment for the 2012-2013 school year. If employees elected to have their summer checks in advance in the past, the practice of receiving those checks early will remain in effect unless the employee revokes the advance election in writing to payroll on the appropriate form by this same date.

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 Professional Growth Points for 2011-2012

Tenured certificated employees are required by law to give evidence of professional growth during the Professional Growth Period of six years. Active LEA Members, FRs and Board members can claim the professional work of the Association. Acceptable work may include: serving as officers, serving on committees, attending national or regional conventions or conferences or other work of a professional character. Five hours of time spent in professional education service will entitle the applicant to two points. (Time spent typing reports, collecting dues, telephoning or other routine or clerical services do not come within the intent and purpose of the law for professional growth credit.) Add the hours of those meetings you attended, then multiply by 0.4 to find your professional growth points. The same procedure can be used for attendance at DA or RA and for participation in LEA committees and LEA workshops.

Click Here for LEA Activities

The LEA-Retired teachers had a great scholarship luncheon last Wednesday. They awarded four $1000 scholarships to area college students for the semester in which they student teach.

Now it is time to raise funds for next year's scholarships. LEA-R annual garage sale will be May 24, 25, and the morning of May 26 at the address given below.

DONATIONS FOR THE GARAGE SALE can be delivered May 15 - 21. Please do not bring items after this date. The address is 1748 Pinedale Ave and the phone number is 402-483-1649 or cell 402-429-4691 - PLEASE CALL BEFORE COMING. (Pinedale Ave is 1 block north of South Street and about 2 blocks west of 84th). There is no address on the house which is on the north side of the street with a silver van is backed into the driveway.

 Check out the District's new website for engaging families and community. 

Click Here for the Website

The Nebraska State Education Association, Building Bright Futures, and the Nebraska Broadcasters Association have joined forces to create and promote TruancySolutions.org. The website is part of a broader campaign to provide information and raise public awareness about the problem of truancy, as well as identify resources for tackling the issue. The goal is to educate parents and students on the importance of regular school attendance and the long-term impact truancy has on a student's life.