Davis Education Association

Best Schools Coalition

2012-01-22T08:16:00.003-07:00

Senator Karen Morgan summarizes the Best Schools Coalition's plans for the legislative session.

Read her commentary from the Salt Lake Tribune.

Read the Salt Lake Tribune editorial supporting Best School's Coalition's efforts

Two Views of Utah's Caucus System

2011-12-07T08:16:00.002-07:00

A former Davis County Legislator and a current Davis County Legislator have expressed their views about our current caucus and convention system for selecting candidates for elections. Please take a few minutes to read both views.

Jim Nielson - Supports the Current System

Sheryl Allen - Supports Changing the Current System

Lessons Learned - Senator Osmond Responds

2011-11-15T09:29:00.002-07:00

After meeting with educators from around the state, Senator Osmond has written his response. Please take the time to read his comments and respond.

Read the Post

Schools Need More Help

2011-11-14T12:59:00.001-07:00

"Republicans are trying to paint a picture of failing public schools. We don't believe that our schools are failing. They just need a little more help."
Karen Morgan - Utah State Senate

Read More

Editorial Names Enemy of Public Education

2011-11-13T07:33:00.004-07:00

Stephenson is determined, one way or another, to take taxpayer money and siphon it to private schools instead of using more of it to improve public schools. Schools that don't score up to par on the grading system would be closed and education of their students turned over to private businesses. It's the first step to privatization, Stephenson's ultimate goal.

Read the complete Salt Lake Tribune editorial - click here.

Why I Send My Children to Public Schools

2011-10-12T04:34:00.004-06:00

Take time to read this inspiring and informative article shared by Elinda Bean on the DEA Facebook page.

Click to Read

NEA President Calls Merit Pay Naive and Short-Sighted

2011-09-27T10:57:00.002-06:00

Click Here to Read More or Watch the Video

Who is Responsible for Mediocre Schools?

2011-09-26T08:02:00.002-06:00

Read today's editorial from The Salt Lake Tribune. Click Here

Teacher Voices

2011-09-15T10:13:00.002-06:00

Jennifer Baker from Sunset Junior High has written an opinion piece for the Deseret News. Click here to read the article.

By Any Measure, Utah Teachers Underpaid

2011-09-06T08:17:00.004-06:00

A new Utah Foundation study finds that the salaries of Utah public school teachers are not at the bottom among neighboring states. That's good news. Because Utah is often alone in the cellar when it comes to the states' investment in education.

However, the researchers would have done well to make broader comparisons in order to paint a complete picture.

Click to read the complete editorial in the Tribune.

DEA PAC Committee Member Speaks Out in the Deseret News

2011-09-04T08:33:00.002-06:00

In short, our public education system and our neighborhood public schools are part of the foundation of our republic and society. Anything that will weaken our schools will weaken us as a people.

Read Richard Heath's Letter - Click Here

Who Supports the Middle Class?

2011-09-02T09:12:00.003-06:00

For several decades, it has been fashionable and politically correct to bash labor unions. Whereas they comprise such a small part of the population and spend so much less than business on political campaigns, most people have a very unbalanced view.

To read the guest commentary in the Standard Examiner, Click Here.

School Board Support

2011-08-17T09:00:00.003-06:00

The Davis School Board voted 6-1 to restore 2 school days and to reduce class sizes in grades K-3. This move supports the agreement negotiated last spring.

Read the Deseret News article -Click Here

Deseret News Posts DEA President's Column

2011-08-15T15:31:00.002-06:00

Educators are doing more with less. Some have been asked to empty their trash each day because the custodial staff has been significantly reduced. Many teachers are coming early and staying later to prepare instruction - outside of contract time.

Read the Voices column written by Don Paver.

Who's to Blame?

2011-08-14T13:41:00.003-06:00

Rep. Steve Handy, R-Layton, said he received an email from a constituent who said legislators will be blamed for the tax increase.

"I'm here to take my share of the blame," Handy said. "We do not fund adequately public education in this state."

Handy said he "reluctantly supports" the tax increase, but will work during the next legislative session to better fund education.

Read the article in the Ogden Standard Examiner about the hearing last Thursday.

Paying for Schools

2011-08-06T07:21:00.002-06:00

Survey after survey has shown that Utahns want better public schools and they understand that the embarrassingly low per-pupil and per-taxpayer investment in education in the Beehive State is harming the neighborhood schools they care about. Those surveyed have said they would support a tax increase if the money went to their public schools.

Read the Editorial in the SL Tribune

Busy Week at DEA

2011-08-04T09:14:00.001-06:00

There is a lot going on at the DEA office next week.

August 9 - The DEA Executive Board is meeting in the afternoon and evening for some planning and training.

August 10 - The building reps are meeting from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. for training and information about current issues. Reps have been sent information. If you are a rep and have not been added to our email distribution list, please let us know so we can update our list and send you the information. Make up information has been sent to the reps since there are always some conflicts with district trainings and last minute vacations.

August 11 - The Davis School Board will be holding a truth-in-taxation hearing at 6:00 PM. Thanks to all of those who have committed to attend the hearing next week. If you have not yet answered our survey, please click the link below to give us your feedback.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CLRNH5S

Two Views about Current Issues

2011-08-03T08:31:00.003-06:00

Richard Heath, DEA's representative on UEA PAC, has a commentary in the Deseret News.

Click Here to Read

The Salt Lake Tribune has a guest commentary supporting the Ogden teachers.

Click Here to Read

Assault Renewed

2011-07-24T07:21:00.001-06:00

Read more about the legislative attacks on public educations in the SL Tribune. Click Here.

Breaking News

2011-07-19T19:47:00.001-06:00

Click to read SL Trib article about legislative attacks.

Davis Teachers Join Protest in Support of OEA

2011-07-15T05:47:00.003-06:00

Wearing red T-shirts and waving black-and-white signs, an estimated 800 people rallied in Ogden's Liberty Park on Thursday to protest the city school district's decision to not negotiate a contract with its teachers union.

Those joining the crowd were not just members of the Ogden Education Association (OEA). Standing alongside Ogden teachers were educators from Washington County to Logan and a range of union members, including teamsters, machinists, federal government employees, plumbers and the AFL-CIO. They rallied around a common cry: Preserve collective-bargaining rights.

Click to read the complete SL Tribune Coverage.

Visit DEA on Facebook to view photos and comments.

Davis Educators Encouraged to Support Ogden Teachers

2011-07-08T08:18:00.003-06:00

UEA is encouraging teachers from throughout the state to attend a rally to show support for Ogden Teachers on July 14 at 10:00 a.m. at Ogden's Liberty Park. Please watch this page and the UEA page along with your email for further information.

Click Here to Read Salt Lake Tribune Coverage

Ogden Teachers Told Take-It-Or-Leave-It

2011-07-01T12:02:00.004-06:00

Jay Blain, spokesman for the Utah Education Association, said his office is disappointed by the Ogden School Board's decision.

"It's unfortunate they are not collaborating with the association to work together for the best outcome for students and teachers in the district," he said. "Across the state, we see the vast majority of districts working collaboratively with teachers' associations.

"We are saddened by the turn of events in Ogden. In any employment environment where workers don't feel respected, there's going to be difficulty. They always say they want to attract and retain more teachers, and Ogden will find doing that more difficult with this kind of action."

Read the Article from the Ogden Standard Examiner

Utah's Education Funding Decline Called Unprecedented - Updated

2011-06-29T06:48:00.005-06:00

Read SL Tribune Coverage

Read SL Tribune Opinion from July 3

Read the Utah Foundation Report

Utah School Districts Pinching Pennies

2011-06-26T07:19:00.004-06:00

For the second year in a row, Davis is asking taxpayers to pitch in more for schools. Davis faced $18.7 million in additional expenses this year, including $3 million to restore two school days that were cut last year on a one-time basis to save money. But it is one of the school districts that is receiving more - not less - in state funds. It will get a $3 million boost from the state.

Still, to cover those rising costs, including scheduled raises for employees and 900 new students, Davis is asking taxpayers for an additional $8.5 million - that's $64 a year for a $200,000 home. The tax increase also includes $2.5 million to reduce average class sizes in kindergarten through third grade by one student.

Board Honors Susan Firmage

2011-06-22T10:11:00.005-06:00

At the Davis School Board Meeting on June 21, Board President Marion Story speaks for the board in recognizing Susan Firmage for her years of service to the Davis Education Association and the Davis School District while Assistant Superintendents Craig Poll and Pam Park, who worked closely with Susan, stood by to show their support.

America the Purple

2011-06-15T08:10:00.000-06:00

Our ability to use our American political system as it was intended, to come and reason together, is being poisoned by an increasing polarization. Government institutions, political parties, whole regions of the country, are being pushed further and further into one political extreme or the other, widening the gap that true leaders must bridge in order to rule a democratic nation.

Read More from the SL Tribune

A Message from DEA President Don Paver

2011-06-09T12:36:00.000-06:00

Well the traditional school year has ended. I hope you are enjoying the early days of summer (fall, spring, winter – I think the weather has confused the seasons).

I wish to express my thanks and sincere appreciation to Susan Firmage for her service to the association and the district the past five years as DEA president. As a result of her leadership, our membership is strong. The Membership and the Legislative/PAC Committees are working hard to engage members and non-members in the work of providing “Quality Public Schools for All Children.” I have seen her passion for students and teachers. She has been an excellent mentor. She has represented our interests well, even in difficult economic times. Thank you again, Susan!

A new dawn is upon us. Now more than ever, we need to be united in our efforts to protect public education. We are under attack from all sides. Join me a we build new relationships, recruit new members, strengthen our committees, look for new ways to service our members, work with Parents for Neighborhood Public Schools, and find new partners with other community organizations which can echo our message. We need to be seen as a positive force for helping children be more success and for helping educators be more effective in the classroom.

I spent June 1st – 5th in Washington D.C. at new leaders training. It was invigorating to meet with other new association presidents while receiving information for NEA. On June 6th, I was in the office taking up the work as association president. Next week, is UEA Leadership Academy, where I am sure I will again gather information vital to helping our organization grow. That will be followed by the NEA’s Representative Assembly in late June and early July.

So hopefully you can see that summer is a busy time for us in the DEA office. Your Executive Board members will be extensively involved also. Please remember that we are here to serve you. Do not hesitate to contact the DEA office or me for any reason. Keep an eye on the blog for information from the RA. It should be very exciting.

Regards,

Don Paver
DEA President

School Board Approves Negotiated Agreement

2011-06-07T18:08:00.003-06:00

Just moments ago the Davis School District School Board voted to approve the agreement which had recently been ratified by the members of the DEA in a 95% vote of approval. In her final act as president, Susan Firmage addressed the board to thank them for their support and to report the results of the ratification vote. Details of the settlement were provided to building reps during a ratification meeting. Summaries were also emailed to members.

One member of the school board voted against the agreement. Peter Cannon represents the central part of the district including Farmington and Fruit Heights.

The Importance of Teachers

2011-05-26T14:41:00.003-06:00

I heard part of this while driving this morning. It doesn't sound like it would be about education, but the part I heard was. David Brooks was talking about the importance of the human connection on student learning. Could he mean the teacher? I think I will buy the book based on what I heard.

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH (KUER) - Thursday on RadioWest, a conversation with New York Times columnist David Brooks about his latest book "The Social Animal." The book gets at the story of how success happens. It's about the role of the inner mind - the unconscious - where intution and longing influence the human character. It's about that surprising relationship between reason and emotion. Mostly though it's about how who we are is determined not by our sense of individuality, but by our connections to each other.

Listen to the Broadcast or Read More

No Rest for Susan Firmage

2011-05-21T11:03:00.004-06:00

Although our president Susan Firmage is returning to the classroom at Heritage Elementary, she will still be a leader within the UEA. Early Saturday morning Susan was reelected as president of the UEA Council of Local Presidents. This group meets eight times each year to discuss statewide issues and local concerns. The CLP is an important advisory group to the UEA officers and staff.

Susan has served five years as DEA president after being appointed to complete Ellen Thompson's term when she was elected to be UEA president. Susan's leadership is respected throughout Davis School District and throughout the state.

Don Paver will take over as DEA president on June 4. Susan will continue to be in charge of negotiations if that process is not completed by the end of the year.

Funding Failure

2011-05-18T07:30:00.001-06:00

So this year, when the Legislature allocated $50 million more for the state's public schools, it seemed as though things were looking up - until education officials had a chance to look closely at how the money will be distributed. They didn't have much time to do that during the session, since the education budget bill, HB2, was made public just three days before the session ended and passed on the very last day.

Two DEA Members Receive Huntsman Awards

2011-05-10T07:33:00.003-06:00

Read All About Them In The Standard Examiner

Joanne Spencer - Bluff Ridge Elementary

Sally Ogilvie - Syracuse Elementary

In Memory - Steve Hill DEA Member and Friend

2011-05-09T14:20:00.002-06:00

BOUNTIFUL -- Dr. Steven Hill is remembered as a kind, considerate man who got to know every student he came into contact with.

Hill, director of special education for Davis School District, died Tuesday of complications following cancer surgery, according to a news release by the district and a Facebook page set up in his memory. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.

Education Funding Still Decreasing

2011-05-04T07:51:00.003-06:00

Randy Shumway, Deseret News columnist, should be congratulated for his excellent, recent article ("Fiscal negligence at the expense of our children," April 26). When he accuses our society of "continued misalignment of spending priorities" and urges greater "investment" in "thoughtful advancement in K-12 and higher education" he is, in my opinion, right on.

Unfortunately, in Utah that does not appear to be the case; we lag way behind our neighbors in educational funding. For the past three years, we have not even funded new students coming into the system.

Tax Increase Needed?

2011-04-30T15:27:00.002-06:00

Davis School District officials are considering options and gathering information to determine ways to trim between $7 million and $8 million from the district's budget for the 2011-12 school year.

Schools are more important than highways

2011-04-24T15:58:00.001-06:00

Our children's education is more important and leaves a longer lasting legacy than any other public works project. Education benefits our democracy, increases our Gross National Product and ensures a stable and vibrant economy.

From SL Tribune

2011-04-18T07:03:00.004-06:00

How do schools spend your money?

In Utah - a state with a high proportion of children and the lowest base per-pupil spending in the nation - school funding is a perpetual concern. But it's often misunderstood. Utah's system for funding schools is a complex web of programs, formulas and terminology that can make it difficult for average Utahns to understand exactly how their tax dollars pay for education.

Reform Happens Despite Lack of Financial Support

2011-04-12T07:06:00.004-06:00

We've just got to hand it to Utah's public education officials.

Utah schools are dead last among all the states in funding. They're last in teacher-to-student ratio (we have the largest class sizes in the country). And the Beehive State's classroom rolls just keep growing, straining all available resources to the limit.

Disturbing Comments from Lt. Governor Bell

2011-03-29T07:25:00.003-06:00

Read the disturbing comments made by Greg Bell during a luncheon in Salt Lake City. Click Here

Election Results

2011-03-23T15:20:00.004-06:00

President: Don Paver

Vice President: Yvonne Speckman

Comment from candidate Jennifer Roberts on our Facebook Page

"Congratulations to Don and Yvonne our new President and Vice-President. Thanks for being willing to serve at this challenging time. The high percentage of voters that cast a ballot for this election indicate that our members are engaging more and see the association as important at this critical time. I hope we all stay involved and do our part for the sake of the chidren and the profession."

Add your comments on Facebook or on this blog.

Richard Heath Published in Deseret News

2011-03-16T08:49:00.005-06:00

Change Utah's Nomination Process by Richard Heath, DEA Executive Board

There are some things that are out of date: button shoes, steam automobiles, poodle skirts and Utah's political party caucus system. It is time for Utah to join the 20th century - I don't know about the 21st century yet (I don't want to push it) - and drop this antiquated political practice.

Legislative Session Ends

2011-03-11T07:40:00.003-07:00

During the last 45 days the legislature passed over 500 bills. More than 240 were passed just this week. Probably even the legislators don't understand completely what they have done.

The UEA and DEA staffs will go to work analyzing how the bills impact schools, teachers and students as we begin preparations for negotiations. What we do know is that it could have been worse. Because our legislature has been frugal over the last two years and has not overspent in anticipation of an economic recovery (silver lining?), we are beginning to see improvements in funding rather than continued declines as in many other states. We still face some economic challenges caused by two years of unfunded growth, increasing retirement and social security costs, continuing increases in health insurance costs, and other pressures caused by the recession and other factors.

The UEA lobbying team will be posting legislative summaries over the next few days. Please continue to watch UEA Under the Dome for those updates. DEA will work closely with the District Administration to determine how the changes impact Davis School District. The final budget numbers will not be available to us until after spring break.

UEA President Speaks Out in Deseret News

2011-03-07T20:18:00.001-07:00

Some Utah policy makers only view public education from the 30,000-foot level. The advantage to this perspective is that "bombs" can be dropped on our children and teachers without regard to the consequences to those on the ground.

Rotten Apples for Teachers - Paul Rolly

2011-03-06T11:31:00.001-07:00

With just four days left in the 2011 legislative session, the annual assault on public school teachers is just about over for this year.

After Thursday, teachers can lick their wounds, hobble into their classrooms and continue to try to teach kids to the best of their ability, despite relentless attacks from the tea party movement that they are overpaid, lazy and socialist.

Misconceptions about Teacher Evaluation

2011-03-01T09:59:00.002-07:00

Here is another great letter to the editor from the SL Tribune regarding teacher evaluation.

Click Here to Read and/or Comment

Let Lawmakers Do It All

2011-03-01T06:56:00.002-07:00

This letter from former DEA VP Dave Van Langeveld appeared in the Deseret News.

Click Here to Read and/or Comment

Utah Foundation Quick Poll

2011-02-28T08:04:00.002-07:00

Follow this link to include your opinion in a quick poll being done by The Utah Foundation. Even though the legislature often chooses to ignore polls that indicate citizens want more emphasis on schools and would be willing to increase taxes to reduce class sizes and pay teachers, this is a chance to express your opinion. The Utah Foundation is an independent source of information as expressed in their mission statement:

The mission of Utah Foundation is to promote a thriving economy, a well-prepared workforce, and a high quality of life for Utahns by performing thorough, well-supported research that helps policymakers, business and community leaders, and citizens better understand complex issues and providing practical, well-reasoned recommendations for policy change.

Respond to the Poll

Legislative Hostility toward Teachers

2011-02-24T09:01:00.002-07:00

This letter appeared in the SL Tribune on February 24. It seems to express the frustration we hear from many educators as we visit schools.

Click Here to Read and or Comment

Please share other editorials and letters with pat@dea.org or post them to this blog yourself.

Editorials Support Education Funding

2011-02-21T06:35:00.003-07:00

Deseret News - Fund Utah Schools Better

SL Tribune - Legislators Undermining Education

SL Tribune - Schools For Economic Development

Stay Up To Date On Current Legislative Issues

2011-02-15T08:46:00.001-07:00

The UEA has developed several ways for members to be informed and involved during the legislative session...

UEA 'Under the Dome': The "UEA Under the Dome" website is updated regularly with news and links to relevant information. Members of the Legislative Team will also provide regular updates and commentary.
Educator Day on the Hill: The UEA is continuing its successful "Educator Day on the Hill" activities each Friday during the 2011 legislative session (Jan. 28, Feb. 4, Feb. 11, Feb. 18, Feb. 25, and March 4), with an additional day on Monday, March 7. Educators are invited to join the UEA Legislative Team these days.
UEA Action E-mail Newsletter: A summary of current happenings at the Utah Legislature will be shared with all members in each monthly issue of the new UEA Action e-newsletter during the Legislative session.
UEA Action Bulletin: The UEA will provide legislative e-mail updates on important breaking news through the new UEA Action Bulletin e-newsletter.
Take Action!: Take Action! is an online tool allowing easy communication with your elected representatives on important state and national issues. Different issues will be added to the Take Action! link as they surface.

Failing Legislators

2011-02-11T06:04:00.002-07:00

Read this letter to the editor from the Salt Lake Tribune. Post your own comment there as well.

Click Here

SL Tribune Editorial Support

2011-02-07T07:14:00.002-07:00

This editorial from Monday's Salt Lake Tribune addresses concerns about the funding shell game going on at the Capitol in the committee budget discussions. Take a few minutes to read it.

Click Here

Public Ed Appropriations Committee Slashes Budget

2011-02-03T08:05:00.003-07:00

Check out these links for some important information about items being discussed by the legislature.

What is the real value of the WPU?

Public Education base budget is slashed by 11.2%, more than any other base budget under discussion.

Another Legislative Experience

2011-02-02T10:25:00.002-07:00

On Friday, January 28, I had the opportunity to attend Educator Day on the Hill at the State Capital. When we first arrived early that morning we met with the UEA Legislative Team and discussed the 27 bills, so far, that impact education. We then went over to the capitol and just stopped and met with members of the legislature in the hallways. I talked to Rep. Roger Barrus who is sponsoring the bill that modifies provisions to increase Trust Lands money for schools. I talked briefly to a few other representatives and senators.

At lunch several senators and representatives came into the room where we were eating and gave their perspective and acknowledged our concerns and questions. I was impressed with the relationship the association has with them. Our UEA Team is well educated on all of these bills. They know what these bills mean to education, they know those that are involved with these bills and keep in close contact with them. Our DEA team is also up on the hill working right alongside them. I came back wondering what would happen if these people were not up there fighting for us as well as education in general.

Debbie Fenwick - Sand Springs Elementary

Educator Day on the Hill

2011-02-01T08:31:00.006-07:00

It is a great opportunity to go to the hill and make a personal contact with my legislators. Now that I have a contact I have a face and memory attached to the communications that I send to my representatives. It was great to sit at the table with UEA leadership and know what they are doing and to become an agent with them to help represent all of us. How wonderful would it be if each legislator had five to ten teachers among their constituents as resources to them as they make decisions about the future of education. We have many legislators that support the students of Utah and their schools. At lunch several representatives came and spoke to us about their vision and how we could help. These legislators want the best for education and respect teachers.

Please take the opportunity to go to the hill. You will be glad that you did. Take this opportunity to make a difference in a venue that you may have not tried before. This experience will increase your confidence and build contacts that will allow your voice to be heard.

Thank you for this experience on the hill.

Dan Pitcher

Clearfield High School

Legislative Town Meeting Updates

2011-01-30T08:10:00.004-07:00

Thursday, February 3, at 7:30 - Representatives Brad Wilson and Julie Fisher at the Kaysville City Hall.

Thursday, February 3, at 7:00 - Representative Roger Barrus and Senator Dan Liljenquist at West Bountiful City Hall.

Wednesday, February 16, at 7:00 - Representative Roger Barrus and Senator Stuart Adams at the Farmington City Hall.

Please let us know of other town halls scheduled.

Legislative Town Hall Meetings

2011-01-25T10:32:00.004-07:00

Wednesday, January 26, at 6:30 - Senator Dan Liljenquist and Representatives Becky Edwards and Jim Nielson at the Bountiful City Library.

Thursday, January 27, at 7:30 - Senator Stuart Adams and Representatives Stephen Handy and Brad Wilson at the Destination Homes building, 67 S. Main Street in Layton, third floor.

Thursday, February 3, at 7:30 - Representatives Brad Wilson and Julie Fisher at the Kaysville City Hall.

Wednesday, February 16, at 7:00 - Senator Stuart Adams at the Farmington City Hall.

Board Member Publishes in Salt Lake Tribune

2011-01-24T11:32:00.002-07:00

Executive Board Member Richard Heath has once again published an opinion piece in The Salt Lake Tribune. Thank Richard for speaking up for students and teachers. Read the Article.

Retirement Seminar January 27

2011-01-11T09:42:00.002-07:00

The annual retirement seminar sponsored by DEA, DESP, and the District will be held on January 27 at Northridge High School. Registration begins at 4:00 PM with presentations beginning at 4:30. This is a great opportunity for anyone whether beginning a career or approaching retirement. Watch for more information by email or call DEA for more information.

2011 Legislative Session Preview

2011-01-04T11:50:00.008-07:00

This information is from UEA's Under the Dome

The UEA Legislative Team is preparing to face several hot issues as the 59^th Utah State Legislature begins its work Jan. 24. While few details are available about any specific legislation, here are a few issues the team is tracking:

State Budget - Gov. Gary Herbert presented a proposed 2011-12 budget that provides $63 million in new funding for public education. Legislative leadership balked at some portions the governor's proposal, indicating they may seek to cut about 7 percent from the overall budget.
Teacher Merit Pay - Past years have seen localized pilot programs, but no statewide pay-for-performance proposal has yet been seriously considered. The UEA opposes any plan that uses student test scores as the sole indicator of teacher effectiveness.
School Property Tax Equalization - Attempts have been made during the past few years to equalize property tax funding among school districts statewide. Several proposals have surfaced this year, including one from the State School Board.
Grading Schools - Legislators are discussing a plan to give a single letter grade (A,B,C,D,F) to public schools, modeled after similar legislation enacted in Florida.
Retirement - There has been talk about modifying last year's Senate Bill 63 to allow retirees to substitute teach. Changes to Utah Retirement System contribution rates may also be considered.
Orderly Termination Act - Recent hype about the perceived inability of school districts to fire "bad teachers" has some legislators interested in making changes to the Utah Orderly School Termination Procedures Act. This Act provides a process for removing employees who have passed their probationary period and earned "career" status.
Charter Schools - Legislators have discussed proposals for increased charter school funding and creating a process to convert a traditional public school to a charter school.
Elections for State School Board Races - In a meeting with the UEA Board, Gov. Herbert called the current state school board election process "screwy" and in need of change. Some legislators have discussed making these elections partisan and subject to the party caucus process.
Association Leave - There will likely be another attempt to eliminate school district pay for teachers who serve as association presidents, a change that would impact four school districts.
"Backpack" Funding - The current WPU is a form of "backpack" funding where money follows a student to each school district. There have been discussions about pushing this funding to the individual school level.
Optional Full-Day Kindergarten - The Governor's proposed budget includes a $7.5 million line item to continue an optional full-day kindergarten program.

"Whether we like it or not, what happens on Utah's Capitol Hill impacts what we do in the classroom," said UEA Government Relations Director Kory Holdaway. "I encourage all UEA members to follow legislative issues impacting education and, more importantly, contact their representatives to let them know how they feel about those issues."

Welcome Back

2011-01-03T13:46:00.003-07:00

Welcome back to school after a two-week break. We hope everyone is refreshed and ready for the end of first semester. It is hard to believe the year is nearly half over. DEA is busy preparing for the upcoming legislative session. As we learn more about the legislature's intentions, we will get that information to you using this blog and direct emails. Information will also be given to your building reps as the session progresses. Although the economy shows signs of improving, we are still expecting a difficult session. Thanks for your continued membership. Our strength is in our numbers.

Executive Board Member Published in Tribune

2010-12-13T08:20:00.002-07:00

DEA Executive Board Member Richard Heath had an article published in the opinion section of The Salt Lake Tribune on Sunday, December 12. Click to read the article.

School Board Approves Calendar Revisions

2010-12-08T07:28:00.002-07:00

The school board officially restored the two furlough days, February 7 and 8, during school board meeting on December 7. The restoration of the days also resulted in some other calendar changes.

The end of third term was moved from March 24 to March 18 in order to keep the terms relatively even in length.
The professional day originally scheduled for March 25 was moved to March 21.
Year round track C will have the restored days on May 12 and 13.

The revised calendar can be viewed on the District's web site.

DEA Represented at NCUEA

2010-12-06T15:55:00.001-07:00

Last week, four leaders from DEA attended the National Council of Urban Education Associations fall conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This conference was a great chance for our leaders to communicate with others from the largest local associations in the country. They had three busy days of workshops and discussions focusing on issues facing the NEA along with state and local units. NEA Vice President and former Utah teacher Lily Eskelson addressed those in attendance. Building Reps will be updated on issues facing the association at their meetings next Monday and Tuesday. This photo was taken while the DEA delegation was changing flights in the Phoenix airport on the trip home Saturday night. Southwest Airlines offered free photos with Santa. Don Paver, Jessica Dunn, Susan Firmage, and Valerie Lindeman took advantage of the chance.

Schools to be Open February 7 & 8

2010-12-03T14:16:00.000-07:00

As you should have heard, the District and DEA have agreed to use some of the money from the federal jobs bill to restore the two school days on February 7 and 8, resulting in two additional days of pay for employees.

Those two days will be the same as any other school day. Students will be expected to attend, although teachers are asked to be accommodating with make-up work for that day. We suggest that in most cases teachers follow already established classroom procedures for absence make up, with perhaps a little more understanding for those who made plans based on the original calendar.

For those employees who may have made unchangeable plans for those days, leave will be allowed as on any other school or contract day. In negotiations on November 30, options available to employees were discussed. Teachers who may be out of personal leave may request an advance of personal days, rather than lose pay. The district indicated administrators should be inclined to approve those requests because of the exceptional circumstances involved.

Last Chance for No Cost Flu Shots

2010-11-30T12:29:00.002-07:00

This Thursday is the last chance to get your free flu shot from Altius and Select Health.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2nd
TIME 3- 6 P.M.
ADMINISTRATION BUILDING AUDITORIUM 45 E. STATE STREET, FARMINGTON

Form more information click here.

Julie Lundell - DEA Executive Board

2010-11-23T07:59:00.003-07:00

I have taught in the Davis School District for 5 years. All of those years have been in the first grade, at Lakeside Elementary in West Point. I graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Elementary Education. I am currently enrolled in a Masters Program through Utah State University. I have lived for the past 18 years in northern Davis County where I have been actively involved in my community through participation in my neighborhood PTA and Community Council activities. This is my first year serving on the DEA Executive Board, representing the northern area.

I am a committed advocate for children, parents, and teachers. I firmly believe that it takes all of us working together to bring about the greatest success for each child. Knowing that education is, in many ways, at the mercy of the political processes, I strongly encourage political involvement by teachers. The DEA helps all of us to have a voice in education at the district, state, and national levels. Working together we can achieve the common goal of an excellent education for the children in the Davis School District.

Julie represents the northern end of Davis County. Her contact schools are Doxey Elementary, Sunset Elementary, Fremont Elementary, Parkside Elementary, and Sunset Junior High.
Julie can be contacted at jlundell@dsdmail.net

House Approves the Spending of the Federal Jobs Money

2010-11-17T14:24:00.007-07:00

Just before 2:30 PM on November 17, the Utah State House of Representatives voted 57 to 14 to accept the Congressional money approved in August. The Senate passed the resolution 2 hours later at 22 to 6. News will be forthcoming from the District and DEA.

DEA President Involved in UEA Activities

2010-11-15T08:01:00.003-07:00

In addition to her duties in the DEA office and within the district, DEA President Susan Firmage is involved in activities throughout the state and nation. She was recently elected to serve as president of the Council of Local Presidents which meets several times a year on Saturday morning. This is a chance for local presidents from throughout the state to gather with UEA officers and staff to discuss current issues and activities. Susan is also asked to serve on many other committees and task forces by the UEA President. At the meeting on November 6, shown here, Susan directs the discussion of issues impacting teachers and education. One topic of discussion that day was the federal money now scheduled to be discusses at a special session of the Utah State Legislature this Wednesday, November 7.

Governor Call Special Session

2010-11-11T14:26:00.001-07:00

Click to read all about it.

Veterans Day

2010-11-11T08:17:00.003-07:00

November 11 is Veterans Day, observed in the United States in honor of veterans of the armed services and in commemoration of the armistice that ended World War I in 1918. In 1954 it was renamed from Armistice Day and given the added significance of honoring veterans. DEA acknowledges all veterans on this day and particularly those veterans who are teachers.

Former DEA President and Staff Member Passes Away

2010-11-10T09:29:00.002-07:00

Mary Ellen Leatham, former DEA President and lifelong advocate for students and educators, passed away Sunday, November 7. She was a mentor to many still working in DEA and the Davis School District. Her daughter Kathleen also served as DEA President and continues to teach at Crestview Elementary. Mary Ellen's obituary can be read by clicking here.

DEA Members Win at UEA Convention

2010-11-08T08:05:00.014-07:00

During a faculty meeting on November 4, Susan Firmage presents Karen Sheets form Crestview Elementary with the grand prize from the UEA Convention, a Bose sound system.

Dorothy Hughes from Vae View Elementary also won a $100 gift certificate from Utah Idaho School Supply. Susan Firmage presented the certificate during a faculty meeting on November 5.

Incumbent School Board Members Reelected

2010-11-03T00:20:00.002-06:00

Incumbent school board members Tamara Lowe and L. Burke Larsen have been reelected to the Davis School Board. After being sworn in at board meeting on Tuesday to complete Kathie Dalton's term, David Lovato was also elected. Kim Burningham was reelected to return to the Utah State School Board.

View results from around the state by clicking here.

Tuesday is Election Day

2010-11-01T07:03:00.004-06:00

Tuesday is the last day to cast your ballot and make your voice heard. Many of you have already voted during early voting, but those who haven't can still vote tomorrow. Polls open at 7:00 AM and remain open until 8:00 PM. DEA recommendations are posted on our web page. We encourage everyone to vote. Remember politicians determine education funding and set education policy.

Click to view DEA Recommendations

Click Here to Find Your Polling Location

Education Plan - Goals, strategies run on money

2010-10-19T08:34:00.003-06:00

"Changes will require a substantial financial investment. More money isn't the complete solution, but continued underfunding is a big part of the problem," is the conclusion of an editorial in the Salt Lake Tribune today.

Read the complete editorial.

In Memory of Kathie Lee Dalton - School Board Member, Teacher, and Friend

2010-10-12T12:45:00.004-06:00

School board member Kathie Lee Dalton passed away Monday, October 11. She served on the Davis School Board for 11 years and was running for reelection to the board.

You can read an article from the Ogden Standard Examiner for more information.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Layton Stake Center, 60 W. Gordon Ave., in Layton. Friends may visit family from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at Lindquist's Layton Mortuary, 1867 N. Fairfield Road and from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the church.

SL Tribune Article and Editorial

2010-10-04T08:41:00.002-06:00

These two pieces from today's SL Tribune would be worth your time. Take a look.

Education Leaders Want to Change the Conversation

Schools Like Ours

Steve Drott wins "Excellence in Teaching" Award

2010-10-01T07:41:00.005-06:00

Steve Drott of Woods Cross High School is a winner of the "Excellence in Teaching Award" and will be honored at the "Superstars in Education" Awards Celebration on October 14. Each winner receives $1,000 courtesy of Bill and Pat Child.

There is no cost to attend the Superstars Celebration this year, so everyone is invited to attend the awards celebration at 4:30 p.m. (reception begins at 4 p.m.), at the South Towne Exposition Center, Hall 4.

Here is an excerpt from the nomination submitted by a fellow teacher.

Steve Drott brings science to life, literally, for his students, many of whom have never before seen the living creatures swimming around them. Kids who have hated academic classes, seen no use for science, or appeared to have no interest in learning, thrive when they enter "Otis's Fish Shack," as the sign on his classroom door reads. Lectures are fascinating, assignments are accessible, and attendance is high. Steve's enthusiasm for his subject and his acceptance of his students, no matter their skill levels, make him one of Woods Cross High School's most beloved teachers.

So, imagine the shock and distress that spread through his students, his volleyball and softball players, and the faculty when it was discovered that Steve had multiple myeloma, a cancer that infects the bone marrow. In the two years since his diagnosis, Steve has been in several comas, has had his kidneys shut down, and has missed weeks of school. His immune system is compromised; he has had to keep a perimeter around himself to prevent students from passing on their colds and flu, and he has had hand sanitizers installed for students to use when entering his room. He goes for chemotherapy every Wednesday, but has learned to manage the ups and downs that are part of the treatment, as he hopes for a remission that so far has not come.

Yet, if he can move, Steve is at school. Steve is smiling. Steve is a living testament to looking for the positive. Steve goes on. He talks openly to his students about what he is going through, and finds teaching moments based on his own current experiences, whatever they might be. He is a hero and a role model at a time when kids need heroes and role models.

Update on Federal Money

2010-09-22T09:13:00.002-06:00

The DEA and District negotiations teams are meeting today to explore options regarding the recent funding from the federal government. There is still some concern that the legislature is not acting quickly enough to send the money through to the school districts. Members are encouraged to contact legislators to ask that a special session be scheduled as soon as possible to allow districts to start appropriating the money to schools and classrooms.

Please click this link to access contact information and a sample letter.

Utah Approved for Federal Jobs Bill Money

2010-09-13T13:21:00.003-06:00

Follow this link to read an article posted on the SL Tribune's web page just after noon today.

Read the Article

Free Magazines from NEA Member Benefits

2010-09-07T08:26:00.003-06:00

To thank you for being an NEA member, you can sign up for a free magazine subscription. Click here to be directed to the on-line sign up page.

UEA Urges State Leaders to Use Federal Education Money ASAP

2010-09-03T13:27:00.004-06:00

Funds will immediately help students and the economy

Jordan School District cut nearly 200 education support jobs, including many special education aides who serve students with special needs.

Canyons and Millard School Districts eliminated five days of student instruction from their school calendars.

Davis School District increased its class sizes, already among the nation's largest, by an average of one student per class.

These are just of few of the budget cuts local school boards could reverse with $101 million provided by the Education Jobs Fund of 2010 recently passed by Congress. But a letter sent to school districts from Utah legislative leaders suggests this federal funding should be delayed until the Utah State Legislature has a chance to deliberate.

"The children of a recession deserve the same educational opportunities as the children of prosperity," said UEA President Sharon Gallagher-Fishbaugh. "Each day we delay getting this money into our classrooms is a day lost in a child's education."

"The reality is we need this money now...for our students and for our economy. I am disappointed to hear some state leaders suggest we delay getting this money to the schools where it is so desperately needed. This funding will go to urban and rural school districts and help stimulate Utah's economy."

Of the $26 billion included in the Education Jobs Fund of 2010 passed by Congress, about $101 million will come to Utah. It has been estimated that 150,000 education jobs nationwide - more than 1,700 in Utah - can be saved as a result of this bill. Governors wishing to apply for the funds have a September 9, 2010 deadline, but the U.S. Department of Education is encouraging them to be prompt so monies can be used to get people back to work as soon as possible.

"We encourage the legislature to avoid micromanagement and allow local school boards to use the education jobs funds as Congress intended," said Gallagher-Fishbaugh. Under the provisions of the bill, funds can be used to recall teachers and other building-level employees, reinstate lost instructional days or other days lost to funding cuts, and to maintain step increases on employee salary schedules.

Dual Endorsement for Governor

2010-09-02T10:18:00.001-06:00

Follow this link to read the UEA press release.

Class Size Matters

2010-08-26T07:42:00.003-06:00

The following is an op-ed piece which was sent to the newspaper agencies.

August 25, 2010

Before anyone gets too excited with former Florida Governor Jeb Bush's education reform plans, it would be wise to do some research.
You will hear the argument that education needs to be run like a business. Mr. Bush, himself, will state this very thing. I am continually amazed that conversations surrounding our children turn into nothing more than a numbers game.
There is a false analogy between education and business. You cannot fix education by applying the principles of business, organization, management, law, and marketing or by developing a data-collection system to incentivize the workforce-principals, teachers, and students-with rewards and sanctions.
Diane Ravitch, former assistant secretary of education under former President George H.W. Bush, once espoused the very tenets of Governor Bush's education reform ideas. She writes, "I began seeing like a state, looking at schools and teachers and students from an altitude of 20,000 feet and seeing them as objects to be moved around by big ideas and great plans."
Through her extensive research on the ideas of choice and accountability, she has concluded that curriculum and instruction are far more important. She states that decisions about schools should be left up to the educators, not politicians or businessmen.
As far as grading schools is concerned, Dr. Ravitch points out, "It is harmful to stigmatize a complex institution with a letter grade, just as it would be ridiculous to send a child home with a report card that contained only a single letter grade to summarize her performance in all her various courses and programs."
Class size doesn't matter! Tell that to Bonnie, a teacher in Alpine who has 42 fourth graders, or Cathy, a sixth-grade teacher in Salt Lake with 38 students. Teaching 28 second graders with a literacy range of non-English speaking to sixth grade reading ability is not only difficult but extremely complex. Class size does matter! Parents know it. Teachers know it.
Parents also know that a quality education consists of more than standardized tests. The citizens of Utah want their children to have a broad, rich curriculum which prepares them for the 21st Century workforce. After all, the children of today will be taking care of those of us who are making critical education decisions for future generations.

Sharon Gallagher-Fishbaugh
M.A., N.B.C.T
UEA President

A Message from UEA President Sharon Gallagher-Fishbaugh

2010-08-23T07:43:00.000-06:00

Dear Members and Staff,

The Utah Education Association has been very active in working to make sure the Education Jobs Bill funding, which Congress passed earlier this month, is something that we as a state will be able to benefit from.

A BIG THANK YOU goes out to many of you who took time from your summer to contact your Congressional representatives to assure the passage of this important legislation.

Since the passage of this legislation, we have been meeting with the Governor and other state leaders to make sure they understand the benefits this funding will provide. For those that are not aware, Congress passed a $26 billion jobs bill to benefit public education across the country. Of the $26 billion, Utah will be awarded $101 million. This money can be used to recall teachers and other building level employees, reinstate lost instructional days, reduce class sizes, or fill anticipated funding shortfalls for the 2010-2011 school year.

This past week the Governor said he will be making application for the $101 million. There are some challenges we are working through in educating the legislature as to the positive impact these monies will have on our state’s economy. It is anticipated that there will be a special session called as this money is distributed to the local districts. We are trying to expedite this process in order to enable the monies to be made available as quickly as possible. As you have conversations with your legislators, please share your thoughts related to this funding investment to our schools, children and economy.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our staff here at the UEA. Get in touch with Kory Holdaway at kory.holdaway@utea.org or Jay Blain at jay.blain@utea.org, and they can answer many of your questions or visit our web site for the status related to this funding.

Sharon Gallagher-Fishbaugh M.A., N.B.C.T
UEA President
801-266-4461
Toll Free 800-594-8996

School Board Approves Two of Four Tax Increases

2010-08-18T07:35:00.004-06:00

"We must renew our commitment to adequately fund quality public schools," said DEA President Susan Firmage during the truth in taxation hearing Tuesday night in Farmington. DEA was well represented by board members Andrew Owens, Jennifer Tanner, Jessica Dunn, Richard Heath and Vice President Don Paver all of whom addressed the board and audience. Other board members, building reps and DEA members were in the audience to show support for the proposed increases.
Much of the opposition to the tax increase seemed to have more to do with general frustration with the economy than with this particular tax increase or a lack of support for educators and education.
The DEA negotiation team will likely be called back to the table to discuss the impact on the budget of these tax increases and the federal jobs bill passed last week. Watch this space for updates on these and other important developments as school begins.

School Board Considers Tax Increase

2010-08-16T20:38:00.002-06:00

Tuesday, August 17, the Davis School Board will hold a public hearing regarding tax increases to help offset funding lost during the last legislative session. The impact was discussed during building rep training last week. Members who wish to show support for the school board can attend the board meeting which begins at 5:30 PM. The taxation hearing will begin at 6:00 PM. DEA leadership will be in attendance, but member support is encouraged.

Training for Building Reps

2010-08-09T13:45:00.002-06:00

DEA Association Reps will gather this Thursday in Farmington to discuss some important issues facing the association as the year begins. If you are a building rep, you should have been contacted by email and phone with information. If you have not, please send a request for information to Pat Riley at pat@dea.org. If you are a building rep and will not be able to attend, please contact Pat for information regarding how the information can best be obtained another time.

Joel Briscoe Utah's Newest Member of the House of Representatives

2010-07-20T08:47:00.005-06:00

Our own Joel Briscoe was recently appointed to fill a vacancy in the Utah House of Representatives. Follow this link to read about the appointment in the Deseret News.

Read about Representative Joel Briscoe

More Comments from the NEA RA

2010-07-07T11:22:00.002-06:00

Don Paver, DEA VP: There have been many opportunities to be a part of the NEA process by attending a variety of caucuses (including State, National Board Certified Teachers, Republican, Democrat, etc.). We are doing a great job speaking to issues and representing YOU, our Members!

Richard Heath: Davis and Utah are well represented. We have a voice in NEA! I wish we could bottle all the excitement here and bring it home for all of you to experience! PS. I'm never going to complain about our arid heat in Utah again. I stuck to my seat on the trolley!

Susan Firmage: Davis has more delegates than anyone else in Utah. We have 15. Davis is well represented! (Delegates include: Susan Firmage, Don Paver, Jesse DeHay, Brian Ferguson, Ellen Thompson, Shelli Arthur, Jessica Dunn, Richard Heath, Paulette Hopfenbeck, Bruce Illum, Valerie Lindeman, Jennifer Tanner, Holly Lindeman, Andrew Owens, Yvonne Speckman.

Yvonne: We are working hard on the floor debating new business items. New Orleans is such a fun town. Humid and hot but the wonderful food helps make up for it.

Valerie Lindeman: I love seeing and being with so many educators from all over the country! The democratic process of debating education issues has been very respectful and inspiring to observe. Everyone truly has a voice.
Bruce Illum: Attending the NEA Representative Assemblly has been an awesome experience. Seeing and hearing the voices of members from all over the nation coming together in one unified voice brings a feeling of strength and comfort that the NEA "has our back" in facing the many difficult issues in front of us at both the National and local levels.

Jenn Tanner: Not only did we walk within 15 feet of Mary J. Blige coming back from lunch (the Essence Music Festival is in the other end of the convention center), but the food has been fantastic! It is so energizing to be here and see this representative body at work. I wish all of our members could be here.

Paulette Hopfenbeck: Things are happening in the Representative Assembly. Issue are being thoroughly debated with the goal of making education even better for both students and teachers. This is a great process.

Holly Lee: What an exciting process to watch as new items are debated on the floor of the RA! To see a group of 10,000 teachers make decisions for NEA through the democratic process is wonderful. We are on track and heading in the right direction!

Jessica Dunn: This is my first RA. I have been blown away by the process, dedication, and organization of the NEA. The thousands of teachers at the conference are here to make a difference for the members. I wish everyone could participate!

Shellli Arthur: I thought it was nice to see the NEA taking action to reach out to the 30% Republican NEA membership. We voted in support of organizing grass roots and leadership roles and influencing party policy to support education friendly positions. We all agree that educating our students well is the IDEAL non partisan issue.

Comments from the NEA RA

2010-07-05T09:17:00.000-06:00

From Andrew Owens:
A day in the life at the RA: We get up early and get to our Utah representative caucus and discuss the legislative issues that will be on the discussion board for the day's debate. We discuss the pros, cons, and outcomes, and then we take a vote for the Utah group. We then have one hour to grab some breakfast and get over to the convention center.
The Resolutions committee worked for large portions of two days to address amendments or new statements to be added to the list of belief statements that form the foundation of the NEA's daily actions. Utah is lucky enough to to have 5 state representatives that work on or with the Resolutions committee. We make sure that Utah's voice is heard and that Resolutions are worded in such a way that the rights of ALL NEA members are reflected fairly.
The days before the actual meeting began, we had a HUGE convention hall full of booths and benefits for teachers with teaching tools and merchandise aimed directly at educators (similar to the UEA convention booths). The Representative Assembly itself includes great speeches from fantastic educators and others, including international guests, Teacher of the Year, Education-Friendly Governor of the year, Education Support Professional of the year, and of course our very eloquent and motivation President Dennis Van Roekel, and VP Lily Eskelsen.
A 30 minute lunch break is really too short in a building with more than 10 thousand people and a mall-sized food court, so many of us bring snacks in our bags. More business and speakers in the afternoon, including debate on whether we should spend up to 5 million dollars on various action items. The representatives are VERY cautious with the funding that comes from the dues we all pay, and we work hard to do the most effective business with the least amount of expenditure. It is really neat to see an expensive proposal re-edited to accomplish the goal with less money, sometimes cutting a million-plus proposal down to an amount in the thousands. It is a wonderful experience to stand behind one of 40 microphone stands in a room of 10 thousand peers, and voice an opinion, and then vote (and actually take action) on issues that will affect the state of education across our nation.
In the evening, we usually find close, inexpensive restaurant with a very tasty range on the menu, and enjoy some free time to see the many sights of this historic town (New Orleans, this year, Chicago next)! We are glad to be here working for all of you, and carrying out the action that will improve the state of education in our great nation!

DEA Board Members attend NEA RA in New Orleans

2010-06-28T09:52:00.002-06:00

Each year about 10,000 NEA leaders gather at the Representative Assembly during the weeks surrounding July 4. This body has been praised as being the most democratic in the world. UEA sends more than 100 delegates. This year 13 of those delegates are members of DEA - Susan Firmage, Don Paver, Shelli Arthur, Jessica Dunn, Brian Ferguson, Richard Heath , Paulette Hopfenbeck, Bruce Illum, Holly Lee , Valerie Lindeman, Andrew Owen, Yvonne Speckman, and Jennifer Tannner. During the course of the Representative Assembly the NEA budget will be approved, the legislative agenda will be set, resolutions will be approved, and hundreds of new business items will be considered. DEA delegates to the RA have been asked to send comments while they are there which will appear on this blog. Check back to read first-hand comments on events during and following the RA.

Most DEA Recommended Candidates Advance to the Final Election

2010-06-23T08:27:00.003-06:00

The results are in! Most of the candidates recommended by DEA PAC in the primary are still in the running. Becky Edwards came through the Republican primary with 58% of the vote in House District 20. Larry Jensen gathered the most votes for Davis School Board in District 3. Burke Larson will continue to the final election in Davis School Board District 6. Each of these candidates has submitted responses to our questionnaire which can be viewed at this address:

http://www.dea.org/legislativeandpac/candidateinformation.html

The PAC will now interview the remaining candidates for the final election. Watch for those results in August or early in September.

In another election of note, Joel Briscoe, DEA Executive Director, was successful in his bid to be the Democratic Candidate in House District 25. We wish him luck in the final elections in November.

Davis Well Represented at Leadership Academy

2010-06-22T09:27:00.003-06:00

Thanks to our Ignite participants, Kim Rathke, Cathy Bell, Kathy Sutherland, and Todd Hammond. Thanks to Executive Board Members, Andrew Owens, Richard Heath, Jessica Dunn, Bruce Illum, Julie Lundell, Don Paver and me. Thanks to UEA leaders and UPDP members, Trudy Henderson, Jesse DeHay, Brian Ferguson, Ellen Thompson and Roz Van Vleet. Thanks to our UniServ Directors Pat Riley and Joel Briscoe. In all Davis had 18 people attend the UEA Leadership Conference in Midway. We were well represented on all levels! I don't think there was another local with that many. You are wonderful people to work with. Thank you again for your dedication and service! I feel lucky to work with such quality people!

Susan Firmage
DEA President

Professional Days for 2010-11

2010-06-09T08:30:00.001-06:00

Last year the Quality Teaching Block grant which provided seven Quality Teaching Days, was not funded. Through the negotiation process, five days were funded as Professional Days.

Again this year, the 2010-11 calendar includes a total of five Professional Days. Two of the Professional days are calendared prior to the beginning of the school year. A contract day is also calendared prior to the beginning of the school year giving educators a total of three days before school starts. The additional three Professional days appear at the end of the first, second, and third terms.

Important Dates to Note
August 17 New Teacher Orientation, 9:00 - 12:00
August 18 Professional or Contract Day*
August 19 District Department Sponsored Meetings, 8:00 - 10:00
Teacher preparation time
August 20 Professional or Contract Day*
October 29 Jr. High Summit and High School SLC Summit, 8:00 - 11:30
January 18 Elementary Summit, 8:00 - 11:30

* The contract day scheduled prior to the beginning of school is reserved for individual and team planning activities. According to the Professional Agreement, this day must be free of any mandatory meetings so that educators may use it to prepare classrooms and lessons in anticipation of the new school year. At the discretion of the JSSC, the teacher contract day can be either the 18th or the 20th. The 19th is reserved for District sponsored meetings and teacher preparation time.

Primary Election Information

2010-06-03T07:54:00.002-06:00

Many of you will be facing a decision about which candidate to support in the June 22 Primary. We have posted information on our web page about the five primary races in Davis County and will continue to update that during June. Please check that page as the election time nears. We have posted answers to a survey we sent to all candidates for those candidates who have returned them. We will also be posting our PAC ratings of the candidates that were interviewed soon. Remember, DEA does not endorse candidates but tries to provide information that will help you see where the candidates stand on issues related to education. We know that our members are concerned about other issues and will need to make voting decisions based on the complete picture. We hope the information is helpful.

Early voting begins in Davis County on June 8 and continues until June 18. This link will take you to the information from the county.

http://www.co.davis.ut.us/clerkauditor/elections/early_vote_schedule.cfm

Ratification Vote Passes

2010-06-01T08:27:00.002-06:00

With a sizable majority, the vote to ratify the contract has been successful; however, there is a clear message that this does not mean educators are satisfied with the loss of days and other cuts necessary to balance the budget. The message is clear that members feel the negotiations team did a good job given the situation, but there is a recognition and dissatisfaction with the fact that Davis County schools will be different in the fall with larger class sizes, less time for students with counselors, administrators carrying a heavier load, and support staff reduced in schools and at the district.

The school board will continue to examine the budget throughout the summer. It is still possible that some cuts can be restored if revenue increase from local, state or federal efforts. The school board will consider changes to the calendar proposed by the District Calendaring Committee at their meeting today at 5:30. Those proposed changes can be seen at the following link:

https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicItemDownload.aspx?ik=30295813

Ballot Drop Off Locations

2010-05-27T08:22:00.004-06:00

Ballots for ratification can be dropped off at the following locations:

DEA Office
Bountiful Junior High School
Clearfield High School
Legacy Junior High School
Syracuse Elementary
Buffalo Point Elementary

All ballots need to be to the DEA Office by 3:00 PM Friday. After noon Friday, ballots need to be dropped off at the DEA Office in Farmington. Please call the office if you have a problem.