President's Monthly Update

December 2007

I would first like to thank all of the members who voted to update our Constitution and By-laws. I am happy to report that we are now in compliance with the current Negotiated Agreement and with state and federal statutes.

As many of you know the District is changing rapidly. In 2008 RRPS will open two new elementary schools with Cleveland HS to follow in 2009. In addition, part of RRMH will be converted to a Career Training Center the same year. As of this date, no actual programs have been identified. However, there have been talks regarding healthcare and culinary arts. This is important because the District will be moving staff to fill the new schools and that means both voluntary and involuntary transfers. Please review the negotiated Agreement and become familiar with the format and procedures regarding those actions! For those who live in the District, please read up on the latest boundary proposals as this will affect the entire District.

Pardon my language but I have to say something about AYP. It is not going away. The latest word from the state and national levels is that Congress is planning on delaying any reauthorization and/or amendments to the law until after the presidential elections next November. Regardless of your political affiliation or opinions, it is important that we all work hard to support our students and encourage them to do their best on the upcoming SBA’s. As you know, the tests may mean little to individual students, they are crucial to our schools!

Due to an on-going conflict between AFT-NM and NEA-NM, our work on updating the Jurisdictional Agreement (and its subsequent impact on our Local) has come to a grinding halt. I have written to the respective presidents and asked them to resolve their issues so that we can get to work on fixing a very broken system. I hope to have more and better information for you in January.

Congratulations to all of the new Building Representatives! We have at least one BR in every school now and our numbers continue to grow … BRAVO to all new members and to those who keep working to recruit our fellow employees to join our union.

My heartfelt thanks to all of you who have taken an active role in our Local and for your efforts on making our union even better. Our Executive Council has been tireless in dealing with and resolving issues since before the start of the current SY. Next time you see any Executive Council members, please give them a pat on the back, they deserve the thanks.

Now that that is said, I would like to extend my wish that each of you may enjoy a safe and relaxing Winter Break.  See you all in January 2008!

R. Carl Brady
President, RRSEU