May 17, 2012

Dear Union Brothers and Sisters,

I call you union brothers and sisters because last night was a perfect example of unionism and what we can accomplish when we work together!

Despite less than perfect weather, hundreds of you lined Forest Hill Boulevard to stand up for our profession. You waited more than an hour for awards to be presented before you could enter the School Board meeting. Finally, so many of you made thoughtful, poignant presentations to the School Board. And, trust me, they heard you.

You make me so proud to be the president of the Palm Beach County Classroom Teachers Association!

Our work is not finished, however. Soon our negotiations team will go to the table, and we must continue to support them. Wear your yellow Step Up for Step Raises shirts and buttons. Many schools picked up their buttons last night and the rest will be distributed in the next few days. Shirts are still available for purchase.

Be sure to read the article in today’s Palm Beach Post. Check the CTA website, www.palmbeachcta.net) often for updates. Ask a potential member to join. Our strength is in our unity for together we can accomplish what none of us can do alone.

Finally, take pride in knowing that you are part of a union and a movement that is dedicated to not only preserving and enhancing public education, but also to recognizing and rewarding the public educators who make this nation strong.

In Unity,

May 16, 2012

May 16, 2012

Here’s the link to the School Board videos of the May 16 meeting. Debra’s speech is in the 5-16-Delegations clip. The teachers are in the 5-16-Non-Agenda Speakers 1 and 2….all 90 minutes!! OUTSTANDING!!

http://www.palmbeachschools.org/Community/BoardVideo.asp

Here’s the link on the Palm Beach Post page. GREAT COVERAGE!

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/schools/teachers-pack-school-board-meeting-to-demand-return-2360350.html

SUN SENTINEL link (by Allison Ross of Palm Beach Post)

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/palm-beach/pb-teachers-want-raises-20120516,0,3155027.story

Here are links for two different Channel 5 coverage and videos

http://www.wptv.com/dpp/news/region_c_palm_beach_county/palm-beach-county-teachers-protest-for-pay-increases

http://www.wptv.com/dpp/news/region_c_palm_beach_county/west_palm_beach/pbc-teachers-working-multiple-jobs-to-make-ends-meet

Channel 12 coverage updated with Board response to open negotiations

http://www.cbs12.com/news/features/palm-beach-county/stories/vid_169.shtml

Here’s the link to Channel 29′s coverage

http://www.wflx.com/story/18484139/pbc-teachers-rally-for-step-raises

May 16, 2012

May 16, 2012

LAST REMINDER!!!!

Now’s the time for YOU to help us STEP UP FOR STEP RAISES.

WEAR YELLOW!

4:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 16

at the Fulton-Holland Educational Services Center (DAC)

3300 Forest Hill Blvd., West Palm Beach, 33406

HERE’S THE TIMELINE:

4:00 p.m.—we’ll line the streets on Forest Hill Boulevard

WEAR YELLOW! Yes, you can wear yellow in your classroom, but do NOT engage in

discussion with students about the STEP UP issue.

Bring your signs to hold while lining the street and to put in your car windows.

Wear your STEP UP FOR STEP RAISES button (we’ll have extras).

5:00 p.m.—School Board meeting begins

Attend the School Board meeting dressed in YELLOW

to show support for the CTA effort to STEP UP FOR STEP RAISES.

IF YOU WISH TO SPEAK AT THE SCHOOL BOARD MEETING,

you MUST call DAC at 561-434-8000 BEFORE NOON WEDNESDAY.

Ask for the School Board office.

Ask to be put on the speaking order for public participation.

YOU MUST CALL BEFORE NOON ON WEDNESDAY TO BE PUT ON THE SPEAKING ORDER.

If you have questions about the Wednesday STEP UP FOR STEP RAISES demonstration and School Board meeting, call the CTA office at 561-683-4623.

If you will be speaking at the School Board meeting, be sure to check the CTA website (scroll down) for Talking Points and additional information about the step raises you might wish to include in your remarks.

Debra Wilhelm
President
Palm Beach County CTA
FEA Board of Director