Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/879719
FALL 2017 | ADVOCATE 35 On Day 3, RA delegates got down to important business of electing NEA leaders. President Lily Eskelsen García, Vice President Becky Pringle, and Secretary Treasurer Princess Moss were all re-elected to serve another three-year term. Also, delegates overwhelmingly approved a new policy statement in response to the rapid expansion of unaccountable, privately managed charter schools. "We oppose any charter schools that do not meet the criteria because they fall short of our nation's responsibility to provide great public schools for every student in America," said NEA Vice President Pringle, who led the 21-member task force charged with writing the new policy statement. The statement draws a sharp new line between charter schools that have a positive effect on public education and those unaccountable, privately managed charter schools that hurt public schools and students. NEA will forcefully support state and local efforts to limit charter growth and increase charter accountability, and slow the diversion of resources from neighborhood public schools to charters. Twelve-year-old Marley Dias during the NEA Representative Assembly. Dias was one of several youth poets who addressed the assembly. Delegates from Chandler Education Association. Photo: Rick Runion Photo: Calvin Knight Photo: Calvin Knight n