Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/801096
COMMUNIQUÉ A PUBLICATION OF THE IOWA STATE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION – MARCH 2017 – Vol. 54, No. 5 IN THIS ISSUE: Why Membership Matters FAQ Analysis: The New Law 3 6-7 8-14 Set it... Set it... and forget it! and forget it! EFT AVAILABLE NOW! EFT AVAILABLE NOW! Forward Together Ten days after the most disrespectful legislation to hit Iowa educators and public employees was passed, a reporter called to ask for an interview. The interview was in response to a U.S. News and World Report article that placed Iowa as No. 6 in "The Best States" ranking of U.S. states. One of the reasons for Iowa's ranking is our high score on education. I am never surprised when someone or some organization singles out Iowa's public education as superior, however, I was taken aback with the report at a time when a majority of Iowa's legislators had so recently failed to support us. The hypocrisy of legislators who say they support our students and educators during election time and then pass laws that don't, is heartbreaking. And then to respond to a national report lauding our education system was ironic. I imagine the local associations across the state are at different levels of security and frustration and my mind races. Yet, we are all working together through this new process and learning from each other. We have locals who were able to secure multi-year contracts before the new collective bargaining bill passed, but others are in the middle of bargaining now. The ISEA's very capable staff is providing guidance and counsel to these locals as they sail in unchartered territory. These early decisions and contracts will establish patterns and precedents for others to follow. Collaboration and support from community members are the keys to success and entering into those conversations will be the beginning of strong and successful partnerships for years to come. FOLLOW US ON: see FORWARD on page 4 Iowa State Education Association President Tammy Wawro speaks at a rally during the February 12 "March for Teachers" at the Iowa Capitol. The march was organized by Iowans for Public Education, a grassroots organization that came together as Republican lawmakers in the House and Senate moved to dismantle public employee rights. Iowa State Education Association President Tammy Wawro offers testimony to lawmakers during the February 13 public hearing at the Iowa Capitol. More than 4,000 people filled both levels of the Capitol rotunda for the hearing although only a handful were allowed in the committee room where it was held. Of the 37 who were given time to speak before the 90-minute hearing closed, only three supported the legislation gutting collective bargaining. Read Across America Children at Buchanan Elementary School in Davenport celebrated Read Across America with the Cat in the Hat on Friday, March 3. The Iowa State Education Association was awarded a National Education Association Read Across America "State Affiliate Grant" in the amount of $11,000. In addition to the award, the NEA supplied 500 Dr. Seuss books and 5000 red-and-white stovepipe hats for an additional retail value of $5,000. The celebration included visits from local police, firefighters and high school student athletes for an all-school assembly and read-aloud classroom visits with a special parade around the hallways that included the Cat in the Hat. by ISEA President Tammy Wawro