First it is important to note that the leadership of NEA cannot endorse a presidential candidate. An endorsement for president must be voted on by the 8000+ delegates to the Representative Assembly. Historically this has been done at the RA in July prior to the election in November. This year, the PAC Council broke with tradition and recommended endorsing a candidate 16 months prior to the election.
So why the early endorsement? The reasoning provided by leadership was as follows: 1) becoming involved in a presidential race 4 months before an election is too late; 2) the NEA has a seat at the table that would be compromised if we did not take an active early roll in the campaign.
Personally, I was opposed to the early endorsement and spoke to it during a state caucus meeting (the proposed endorsement is not debated on the RA floor). I suggested that an early endorsement would weaken our leverage with respect to the many education policy disagreements that NEA has with the administration. I also questioned the wisdom of endorsing a candidate whose opponent is still unknown.
Our detractors will say that it was a forgone conclusion, that the NEA is simply a wing of the Democrat Party. Having witnessed the past few RA’s and worked with NEA staff, I don’t believe this to be the case. I believe the NEA leadership recognized that there was a small, but very real possibility that the delegates would not endorse Obama. They exhibited a full course press to encourage approval of the endorsement. They contacted delegates with information well in advance of the RA, they urged passage of a statement rebuking many of the administration’s education policies, and Vice President Biden personally addressed the assembly.
In the end, the Assembly voted to endorse Obama by 72%, the lowest percentage received for a presidential endorsement by the NEA RA in the last 25 years.
While I may be disappointed with the results, it is important keep things in perspective. The GOP will not have a presidential candidate for 2012 that will reflect our priorities for education. A message has been sent to the Obama administration that we take issue with their education policies. But perhaps most importantly, we need to keep in mind that most important decisions about education are not made in D.C., they are made in state capitals, in local board rooms, at sites, and yes, even some still made in the classroom. I will continue to work towards the day when the NEA RA can endorse a Republican Candidate. Until then, let’s keep the fight focused where it needs to be.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Friday, August 13, 2010
Who Will Decide the Future of Public Education
The Future of Public Education in Arizona will be Decided in 11 Days.
In 11 days the 2010 primary elections will come to a close. The outcomes of the Republican legislative primary races in 7 districts will determine if Arizona can fix its structural problems while protecting the interests of students. The majority of legislatures will be Republican; the lopsided registration advantage among districts is stacked to ensure Republican control. The only question is whether the Republican legislative caucus will be a deliberative body or a rubber stamp of approval for the leadership.
During the 2009-2010 legislative session, that question was eventually settled in favor of leadership. In the end, public education had only two Republican friends in the Senate and none in the House. The legislative leadership was able to enact punitive policy changes regarding teacher employment, pass destructive legislation effecting students, and left the crucial question of education funding to the public.
If Arizona is to recover for the near collapse of state government, we must elect a legislature willing to have an honest discussion about priorities and that possesses the political will to reform our revenue structure to meet those priorities.
AEA Recommended Republican Candidates
Due to the shift in the Republican Party over the last decade, AEA has struggled to recommend Republican candidates. As the GOP in Arizona shifted its focus from a philosophy of limited government, local control and personal responsibility to an almost single minded fixation on tax cuts, it was harder and harder to find reasonable Republicans willing to engage in a conversation about the future of education. Perhaps AEA was not looking hard enough for a while, but that was the past. For the 2010 elections, AEA has recommended ten Republican legislative candidates.
Northern Arizona:
Karen Fann (LD1 House)
Central Arizona:
Dave Braswell (LD6 Senate)
Rick Robinson (LD6 House)
Heather Carter (LD7 House)
Venessa Whitener (LD21 House)
Paul Howell (LD22 House)
Steve Urie (LD22 House)
Southern Arizona:
Wade McLean (LD26 House)
Doug Sposito (LD30 House)
Marian McClure (LD30 Senate)
(links to the candidates web sites can be found on the nav. bar on the right)
Despite the claims of their opponents, the 2010 recommended candidates are solid Republicans with impressive political, professional and educational backgrounds. They are not “RINO’s” or democrat plants. Many of them have extensive histories of political involvement within the Republican Party. They are not liberals who happen to be Republican by circumstance. Most are social conservatives, and all are fiscal conservatives. As a group, they have simply stepped forward and said, “the key to economic recovery is quality public education.”
Five of them are or have been public school teachers, and not “taught for a year before doing something else” teachers, but career educators. A few of them are even members of their local associations. “I want my profession back!” a theme that echoed through this summer’s leadership meetings at both the state and national level, a possibility with these candidates if we take action.
The Decision Is Up to Us.
The turn out in Arizona primaries is usually less the 25%. When you do the math and consider the party registration within districts, it turns out many legislators are elected to office by less then 5% of the voters in their district. We already know who that five percent will choose. The question is; will we allow them to make the decision?
In each of the 7 legislative districts, the number of Republican educators and support professionals multiplied by their family and friends is enough to determine the outcome of the election. We can change the conversation. We can secure a future for Arizona’s students. We can take back our profession. But only if we act, and act now.
In 11 days the 2010 primary elections will come to a close. The outcomes of the Republican legislative primary races in 7 districts will determine if Arizona can fix its structural problems while protecting the interests of students. The majority of legislatures will be Republican; the lopsided registration advantage among districts is stacked to ensure Republican control. The only question is whether the Republican legislative caucus will be a deliberative body or a rubber stamp of approval for the leadership.
During the 2009-2010 legislative session, that question was eventually settled in favor of leadership. In the end, public education had only two Republican friends in the Senate and none in the House. The legislative leadership was able to enact punitive policy changes regarding teacher employment, pass destructive legislation effecting students, and left the crucial question of education funding to the public.
If Arizona is to recover for the near collapse of state government, we must elect a legislature willing to have an honest discussion about priorities and that possesses the political will to reform our revenue structure to meet those priorities.
AEA Recommended Republican Candidates
Due to the shift in the Republican Party over the last decade, AEA has struggled to recommend Republican candidates. As the GOP in Arizona shifted its focus from a philosophy of limited government, local control and personal responsibility to an almost single minded fixation on tax cuts, it was harder and harder to find reasonable Republicans willing to engage in a conversation about the future of education. Perhaps AEA was not looking hard enough for a while, but that was the past. For the 2010 elections, AEA has recommended ten Republican legislative candidates.
Northern Arizona:
Karen Fann (LD1 House)
Central Arizona:
Dave Braswell (LD6 Senate)
Rick Robinson (LD6 House)
Heather Carter (LD7 House)
Venessa Whitener (LD21 House)
Paul Howell (LD22 House)
Steve Urie (LD22 House)
Southern Arizona:
Wade McLean (LD26 House)
Doug Sposito (LD30 House)
Marian McClure (LD30 Senate)
(links to the candidates web sites can be found on the nav. bar on the right)
Despite the claims of their opponents, the 2010 recommended candidates are solid Republicans with impressive political, professional and educational backgrounds. They are not “RINO’s” or democrat plants. Many of them have extensive histories of political involvement within the Republican Party. They are not liberals who happen to be Republican by circumstance. Most are social conservatives, and all are fiscal conservatives. As a group, they have simply stepped forward and said, “the key to economic recovery is quality public education.”
Five of them are or have been public school teachers, and not “taught for a year before doing something else” teachers, but career educators. A few of them are even members of their local associations. “I want my profession back!” a theme that echoed through this summer’s leadership meetings at both the state and national level, a possibility with these candidates if we take action.
The Decision Is Up to Us.
The turn out in Arizona primaries is usually less the 25%. When you do the math and consider the party registration within districts, it turns out many legislators are elected to office by less then 5% of the voters in their district. We already know who that five percent will choose. The question is; will we allow them to make the decision?
In each of the 7 legislative districts, the number of Republican educators and support professionals multiplied by their family and friends is enough to determine the outcome of the election. We can change the conversation. We can secure a future for Arizona’s students. We can take back our profession. But only if we act, and act now.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Fundraiser For Carter (LD7) Braswell (LD6) July 22.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
AEA Republican Members Can Change the State
Last week the Governor singed HB2227, a bill that re-enforced the policy changes made during last summer's special session budget bills. The bill either explicitly or effectively removes all of our contract protections and due process rights. The bill's sponsor was Laurin Hendrix form LD22 (Gilbert, Higley and SE Mesa). Imagine if Hendrix was not the Representative.
Imagine if LD22 had a Republican Representative that not only understood, but also supported public education and the professionals that make it work. Imagine if LD22 was represented by a public school teacher.
It is not just a dream, it is a real possibility. Dr. Paul Howell could be the Representative from LD22. Dr. Howell is an educator of 16 years currently teaching English at Mesa HS and a member of Mesa EA. He was elected to the Higley School Board in 2008. Dr. Howell will be part of the change our State and our Party desperately needs.
However this change will not happen without our help. Please send Dr. Howell a message of support through his website or via facebook. If you live in LD22, please consider making a $5 clean elections contribution.
Imagine if LD22 had a Republican Representative that not only understood, but also supported public education and the professionals that make it work. Imagine if LD22 was represented by a public school teacher.It is not just a dream, it is a real possibility. Dr. Paul Howell could be the Representative from LD22. Dr. Howell is an educator of 16 years currently teaching English at Mesa HS and a member of Mesa EA. He was elected to the Higley School Board in 2008. Dr. Howell will be part of the change our State and our Party desperately needs.
However this change will not happen without our help. Please send Dr. Howell a message of support through his website or via facebook. If you live in LD22, please consider making a $5 clean elections contribution.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Pop Quiz
What is Rep. Kavanagh’s Problem?
a) can’t read
b) doesn’t care
c) is hypocritical
d) all of the above
Commenting on the changes made to state law in violation of the constitution during this summer’s special session, Rep. John Kavanagh (Republican LD8-Scottsdale/Fountian Hills) claimed that the removal and restriction of teachers’ contract rights was a “good pro-kids measure”. School districts “won’t be forced to keep a dead-beat teacher on.” (azfamily news report)
The chairman of House Appropriations Committee and one of the men largely responsible for how the legislature is approaching Arizona’s budget crisis, Kavanagh holds a masters in government and a Ph.D. in criminal justice. With such credentials, you would think Kavanagh has read governing documents like state constitutions and statues. Being an elected legislator chairing one of the most important committees, one would assume he has read the Arizona constitution. In Article 4: Part 2: Section 3 he would have read:
“In calling a special session, the governor shall specify the subjects to be considered, and at such special session no laws shall be enacted except such as relate to the subjects mentioned in the call.”
The Governor’s calls for special sessions this summer were to address the state budget and never referred to school employee contracts. Thus the only way the Republican leadership can claim these policy changes were related to the subjects mentioned is if our worst fears are true. They must have been enacted as cost saving measures; specifically to allow districts to replace more experienced, higher paid teachers with new-hires or arbitrarily cut salaries.
Assuming Kavanagh can read, and has read the bills he is voting on, he would have reviewed Title 15: Chapter 5 of the Arizona Revised Statutes which specifically details how to dismiss teachers for inadequate performance. His contention that school districts are “forced to keep” dead-beat teachers is at best uniformed, more likely just intended to be incendiary.
So if Kavanagh can read, why is he defending the legislation? Because he cares. About what you can decide. During a floor debate this summer, Kavanagh was asked about what would happen to displaced corrections officers when Arizona’s prisons were privatized. He replied by saying it was his hope that “some sort of seniority transfer system” could be worked out. (COW on HB2638 6/4/09 at 57:44) In other words, seniority is only good for those who are likely to vote for him.
a) can’t read
b) doesn’t care
c) is hypocritical
d) all of the above
Commenting on the changes made to state law in violation of the constitution during this summer’s special session, Rep. John Kavanagh (Republican LD8-Scottsdale/Fountian Hills) claimed that the removal and restriction of teachers’ contract rights was a “good pro-kids measure”. School districts “won’t be forced to keep a dead-beat teacher on.” (azfamily news report)
The chairman of House Appropriations Committee and one of the men largely responsible for how the legislature is approaching Arizona’s budget crisis, Kavanagh holds a masters in government and a Ph.D. in criminal justice. With such credentials, you would think Kavanagh has read governing documents like state constitutions and statues. Being an elected legislator chairing one of the most important committees, one would assume he has read the Arizona constitution. In Article 4: Part 2: Section 3 he would have read:
“In calling a special session, the governor shall specify the subjects to be considered, and at such special session no laws shall be enacted except such as relate to the subjects mentioned in the call.”
The Governor’s calls for special sessions this summer were to address the state budget and never referred to school employee contracts. Thus the only way the Republican leadership can claim these policy changes were related to the subjects mentioned is if our worst fears are true. They must have been enacted as cost saving measures; specifically to allow districts to replace more experienced, higher paid teachers with new-hires or arbitrarily cut salaries.
Assuming Kavanagh can read, and has read the bills he is voting on, he would have reviewed Title 15: Chapter 5 of the Arizona Revised Statutes which specifically details how to dismiss teachers for inadequate performance. His contention that school districts are “forced to keep” dead-beat teachers is at best uniformed, more likely just intended to be incendiary.
So if Kavanagh can read, why is he defending the legislation? Because he cares. About what you can decide. During a floor debate this summer, Kavanagh was asked about what would happen to displaced corrections officers when Arizona’s prisons were privatized. He replied by saying it was his hope that “some sort of seniority transfer system” could be worked out. (COW on HB2638 6/4/09 at 57:44) In other words, seniority is only good for those who are likely to vote for him.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
A Load of Bull
“They play this game that they try to protect children. That's a load of bull. They're only there for themselves."
These were the comments of State Representative Frank Antenori (Republican LD30) on a KGUN9 report about the changes the Republican controlled legislature made to state law, removing most of teachers’ contract protections. Antenori was of course referring to the Arizona Education Association, local district associations, and the members of those associations. Senator Al Melvin (Republican LD26) listed the destruction of teachers’ contract protections as one of the top ten accomplishments of the Republican controlled legislature in his monthly e-mail blast and has publicly expressed the same sentiment as Mr. Antenori did Wednesday night.
The 30,000+ members, including the approximately 8,000 Republican members, are the Arizona Education Association, and we can tell you exactly where the “load of bull” is.
Both of these Legislators made these comments in the week before the Republican leadership failed for the sixth time to pass, or even propose, a budget plan that would provide for Arizona’s future. Their current plan that includes an additional $144 million cut to K-12 education was foiled by one Senator, Thayer Verschoor (Republican LD22), who dared question the leadership. Apparently, Senator Verschoor was uncomfortable with the leadership’s plan to maintain, at all costs, the perception that they were not responsible for any tax increases by forcing other agencies raise fees. The Senate Republicans were again unable to pass a budget on Thursday and adjourned the special session until Monday, November 23rd.
"Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result." Albert Einstein.
This quote is certainly over used, but perhaps that is due to the truth it contains. The Insanity that has overtaken the Republican Leadership has put them on a path of self-destruction, unfortunately as they implode, the damage is likely to do immeasurable harm to our students and communities. There are a few rational Republican Legislators among the ranks. Please continue to contact them and encourage them to step forward. It is long past time for the legislators to put party allegiances aside and undertake the business of solving Arizona’s fiscal problems for both the short and long term.
These were the comments of State Representative Frank Antenori (Republican LD30) on a KGUN9 report about the changes the Republican controlled legislature made to state law, removing most of teachers’ contract protections. Antenori was of course referring to the Arizona Education Association, local district associations, and the members of those associations. Senator Al Melvin (Republican LD26) listed the destruction of teachers’ contract protections as one of the top ten accomplishments of the Republican controlled legislature in his monthly e-mail blast and has publicly expressed the same sentiment as Mr. Antenori did Wednesday night.
The 30,000+ members, including the approximately 8,000 Republican members, are the Arizona Education Association, and we can tell you exactly where the “load of bull” is.
Both of these Legislators made these comments in the week before the Republican leadership failed for the sixth time to pass, or even propose, a budget plan that would provide for Arizona’s future. Their current plan that includes an additional $144 million cut to K-12 education was foiled by one Senator, Thayer Verschoor (Republican LD22), who dared question the leadership. Apparently, Senator Verschoor was uncomfortable with the leadership’s plan to maintain, at all costs, the perception that they were not responsible for any tax increases by forcing other agencies raise fees. The Senate Republicans were again unable to pass a budget on Thursday and adjourned the special session until Monday, November 23rd.
"Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result." Albert Einstein.
This quote is certainly over used, but perhaps that is due to the truth it contains. The Insanity that has overtaken the Republican Leadership has put them on a path of self-destruction, unfortunately as they implode, the damage is likely to do immeasurable harm to our students and communities. There are a few rational Republican Legislators among the ranks. Please continue to contact them and encourage them to step forward. It is long past time for the legislators to put party allegiances aside and undertake the business of solving Arizona’s fiscal problems for both the short and long term.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Governor vetoes cuts to education; but at what cost?
The Governor should be given respect for her actions last week. In line-item vetoing the education cuts from the general appropriations bill and the K-12 budget reconciliation bill, she has spared public education, at least for the moment, from the devastating cuts proposed by the legislative leadership. In vetoing the general revenue bill in its entirety, she allowed the state property equalization tax to be reinstated. She deserves credit for keeping her word and standing firm against the majority of elected officials within her party.
But what do her actions mean for future of public education in Arizona?
In only line-item vetoing the K-12 BRB, she allowed several policy changes to become law that will further break the social contract between society and public school employees. The new laws will prohibit districts from using seniority as the basis for retention, allows districts to target groups and/or individuals for pay cuts, and removes the statutory deadlines for contract notifications. If these changes are allowed to take effect in 90 days, teachers and many classified employees that currently have negotiated protections will effectively become at-will employees.
Those of us old enough to remember when teaching was thought of noble profession thought there was an implied deal between society and public educators. You were never going to get rich from teaching, but in return you would earn enough to provide for a family, receive a good benefits package, and have job security. We are reminded every weekend when we face our bills that a teacher’s salary is not what it used to be. In real dollars, the average teaching salary in Arizona has dropped by 5.5% in the last 20 years. Added to this, our benefit packages are no longer a good deal. In my district the out of pocket cost for family health coverage is $750 per month; equivalent to 28% of a beginning teacher’s base salary. But we still had job security; that was until last Friday.
And then there is still the matter of the budget. While the Governor’s actions eliminated the cuts from the current proposal, the budget is still out of balance by about a billion dollars. With the majority caucus in the legislature showing no signs of even being willing to consider generating new revenues, the Governor’s veto may only be delaying the inevitable.
So what now?
It is easy to be discouraged, but our efforts are needed more then ever. Between now and the next special session (likely in mid October) we must convince Republican legislators that their political futures are tied to the future of public education. Republican and Independent educators need to explain to them why the policy changes cannot stand and what the real effects of cuts will be. Please continue to contact your legislators, attend legislative district meetings/events, and consider becoming a precinct committee person. Together we can be a rational voice within the Republican Party.
Average salary data from: ALEC: Report Card on American Education
But what do her actions mean for future of public education in Arizona?
In only line-item vetoing the K-12 BRB, she allowed several policy changes to become law that will further break the social contract between society and public school employees. The new laws will prohibit districts from using seniority as the basis for retention, allows districts to target groups and/or individuals for pay cuts, and removes the statutory deadlines for contract notifications. If these changes are allowed to take effect in 90 days, teachers and many classified employees that currently have negotiated protections will effectively become at-will employees.
Those of us old enough to remember when teaching was thought of noble profession thought there was an implied deal between society and public educators. You were never going to get rich from teaching, but in return you would earn enough to provide for a family, receive a good benefits package, and have job security. We are reminded every weekend when we face our bills that a teacher’s salary is not what it used to be. In real dollars, the average teaching salary in Arizona has dropped by 5.5% in the last 20 years. Added to this, our benefit packages are no longer a good deal. In my district the out of pocket cost for family health coverage is $750 per month; equivalent to 28% of a beginning teacher’s base salary. But we still had job security; that was until last Friday.
And then there is still the matter of the budget. While the Governor’s actions eliminated the cuts from the current proposal, the budget is still out of balance by about a billion dollars. With the majority caucus in the legislature showing no signs of even being willing to consider generating new revenues, the Governor’s veto may only be delaying the inevitable.
So what now?
It is easy to be discouraged, but our efforts are needed more then ever. Between now and the next special session (likely in mid October) we must convince Republican legislators that their political futures are tied to the future of public education. Republican and Independent educators need to explain to them why the policy changes cannot stand and what the real effects of cuts will be. Please continue to contact your legislators, attend legislative district meetings/events, and consider becoming a precinct committee person. Together we can be a rational voice within the Republican Party.
Average salary data from: ALEC: Report Card on American Education
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