Published by the LAKE COUNTY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION March 29, 2001 – Affiliated with FEA, AFT, AFL-CIO

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President’s Message

Just prior to Spring Break, the LCEA Bargaining Team returned to the table only to receive news that the Lake County School District was, once again, not prepared to begin meaningful salary negotiations. This is not what our teachers need to hear. 

The LCEA Team presented a compelling case for reaching agreement on both salary and benefits sooner not later. The results of the recent LCEA Teacher Survey showing rapidly declining morale and confidence in the district were used to substantiate our position. The survey provides clear evidence that teachers rate morale at an all time low (62.2%); that confidence in the School Board continues to decline (66.6%); and that one-third of Lake’s teachers are seriously considering transferring another district. Teachers want a contract now. They have waited patiently for months and certainly deserve better.  

We pointed out that many of Lake’s teachers will use Spring Break as a time to test the market in nearby districts… that many teachers are holding unsigned contracts and are simply waiting to see how negotiations play out. It is no secret that other counties are providing lucrative incentives to steal teachers from Lake. Why? They know how dedicated you are to your profession. They know how effective you have been in the classroom and they are willing to reward you. 

It is time for the Lake County School Board and the District Office to send a positive message to teachers. Melanie Young, negotiator for the District, told us that the School Board has directed her to resolve the dependent health insurance premium issue at the bargaining table rather than having the case heard by an arbitrator. That is a start, but if the Board really wants to send the right message to teachers, they will first stop deducting increased premiums from your paychecks. They will pay back the additional premiums collected since December and then return to the table to bargain this issue as required in our contract. Next, the School District should move swiftly to resume meaningful salary negotiations.  

The longer negotiations drag out, the more likely many Lake teachers are to jump ship. The School Board, and especially the students, cannot afford to lose quality teachers. I strongly urge the School Board to get back on course and begin moving in the right direction. 

Detailed survey results available to LCEA members on e-UPDATE 

Collective Bargaining Dates 

March 29^th 7 P.M. Howey Center Green Room 

April 5^th  6 P.M. Howey Center Green Room 

April 12^th 6 P.M. Howey Center Green Room 

April 17^th 6 P.M. Howey Center Green Room 

April 19^th 6 P.M. Howey Center Green Room 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LCEA Teachers Lobby Tallahassee 

LCEA teachers traveled to Tallahassee on Monday and Tuesday, March 26^th and 27th, in an effort to sway legislators to be the “good guys” for public schools and children. LCEA President Don Allen led the delegation in an effort to stem what he referred to as the “tidal wave of tax cuts for the wealthy at the expense of our schools.” 

The LCEA delegation consisted of Rob Byrd (South Lake High), B. Grassel (Tavares Middle), George Bianchi (Tavares High), Sandy Reeves (Minneola Elementary) and Frank Wood (Mount Dora High).  

“The tragic irony of this session is the fact that the Legislature and governor have been considering serious cuts to Florida’s public education system while simultaneously pushing for $313 million in tax cuts that will largely benefit the wealthiest Floridians,” said Frank Wood, government and economics teacher at Mount Dora High. “The reasoning appears intellectually bankrupt. Where I come from, cutting education dollars to help fund tax cuts for rich folks seems like a decision made in some sort of moral vacuum.” 

Wood went on to urge teachers and their friends to e-mail or write Governor Bush and state legislators expressing educators’ concerns. “They don’t know how you feel unless you tell them,” Wood concluded. “Contact them and ask, ‘Why?’ Encourage elected officials, in a civil yet clear manner, to be champions for children when crafting the state’s budget.” 

 

 

LCEA Elections

LCEA was created by Lake County teachers more than thirty years ago. It is owned and operated by its members. The LCEA officers and Board of Directors are all current teachers working in Lake County schools and are directly elected by LCEA members. They volunteer their time, energy and talent to work for our common cause. 

Elections for three open seats on the LCEA Board of Directors and four delegates to the FEA Convention plus two convention alternates, will be held at each school site on April 18 and 19, 2001. Because the offices of LCEA President and Secretary are unopposed, President Don Allen and Secretary Kim Strow shall be declared elected upon the casting of a majority vote by the LCEA Representative Council members present at the March 29, 2001 meeting. 

Due to increasing interest, both the Board of Directors and the Convention Delegate elections are contested.

Candidates for both elections are listed below. 

Board of Directors: 

• Diane Revels, Groveland Elementary
• Sandy Reaves, Minneola Elementary
• George Bianchi, Tavares High School
• Terri Stevens, Seminole Springs Elementary
• Judy Jenecko Featherstone, Leesburg High School
• Richard E. Campbell, Lake Technical Center

Florida Education Association Convention Delegate: 

• Frank Wood, Mount Dora High School
• Kim Strow, Griffin Middle School
• Cynthia Cornish, Eustis Middle School
• George Bianchi, Tavares High School
• Gail Rager, Carver Middle School
• Terri Stevens, Seminole Springs Elementary
• Judy Jenecko Featherstone, Leesburg High School
• Leslie Seal, Seminole Springs Elementary
• By FEA Constitution, State Governance Board members, President Don Allen and Vice-President Pam Burtnett, will automatically serve as convention delegates in addition to the four delegates and two alternates to be elected.

LCEA Candidate Statements

Gail Rager (Carver MS) Candidate FEA Delegate

I am applying to serve as your delegate to the FEA convention. I feel that I am qualified to serve as a delegate because I have served as a union representative for ten out of the fourteen years that I have been an LCEA member. I have had the pleasure of participating in LCEA Representative training sessions, ER&D and Quest training. I was invited to serve as the representative for middle schools on the Systemic Planning Committee for former Superintendent Tom Sanders.

I would like to take my service to the LCEA and its members on to the next level by representing Lake County at the Florida Education Association convention as your delegate.

I am a product of the Lake County School System. I am a graduate of Leesburg High and Lake Sumter. I entered the 2+2 program offered by UCF at Lake Sumter and completed my Elementary Education degree in 1985. I am presently working on my Masters Degree in guidance at the University of Central Florida. Thank you for your consideration.

Judy Junecko Featherstone (LHS) Candidate, LCEA Board

When I first came to Lake County in 1983 with 17 years of experience, it was amidst state-level promises to put teachers’ salaries in the top quarter of the country. I have waited while salaries and benefits in Lake County have spiraled downward to our present pathetic condition -- the bottom one-third of the state. Yet we are the hardest working professionals with whom I have ever been associated. 

I like Don Allen’s leadership and his approach. Honest, fair and hard-working, he listens and then goes to bat for teachers. I want to be a part of the LCEA Board and to be an integral part of that approach. I want to be a part of a team that will make a difference!

In Pennsylvania, I served on several union committees, as a building representative and as a grievance person – handling grievances to the School Board level. In Lake County, I have served as a building representative, on the LCEA Board of Directors, lobbied in Tallahassee, volunteered for the negotiating team, served as representative to the Central Florida Labor Council & created a members’ discount shopping plan.

Let me put my 36 years of teaching experience and 33 years of union membership to work for you.

Diane Revels (Groveland El.) Candidate, LCEA Board

I’m a 5^th grade teacher and I am proud to say that I have been an LCEA member since I started teaching in Lake County back in August, 1980. I am seeking reelection to the LCEA Board of Directors. It has been both an honor and a pleasure to serve my fellow union members for the past two years in this capacity.

It was asked of me, “Why do you want to seek reelection to the LCEA Board?” I replied, “Why wouldn’t I?”

Being a member of LCEA’s Board has broadened my knowledge of LCEA and has given me opportunities to participate in union activities. I want to continue to be active in our professional association. I don’t consider it a job. I consider it a position that makes me a better person and provides me an opportunity to serve ALL LCEA members. I ask for your vote for Diane Revels, LCEA Board of Directors. Thank you for your support.

Sandy Reaves (Minneola El.) Candidate, LCEA Board

Responsibility, Respect, Results was the theme for AFT’s Lessons for Life campaign several years ago. These words are a daily source of encouragement to me as I strive to represent my profession. Despite low morale, limited funds, enduring tremendous stress and dealing with uncooperative administrations -- Lake’s teachers continue to exhibit responsibility, show respect for their profession, and produce admirable results. This ensures that our Lake County public schools can and will continue to provide a foundation for academic achievement and a citizenry that is well prepared.

My long and loyal support for my professional association, LCEA, is known throughout the district. I have always been a dedicated, actively involved participant in LCEA. I am a constant voice for the betterment of teachers and their rights. I have served on many fact-finding groups, such as the District Insurance Committee, the District Accountability Team, and have done extensive work with the School Improvement Plan process. I have served as a Building Representative for eight years before being elected to the LCEA Board of Directors.

I wish to continue being part of the LCEA planning process and serving as a Board Member. My background, part of which has been to continually educate myself locally and nationally on relevant educational issues, provides a broad spectrum from which to draw information concerning teachers and education. I would like to continue to provide input & leadership to better the educational environment for my colleagues. I need your support. Please vote for Sandy Reaves. I will continue to work hard & be a voice for teachers!

LCEA Scholarships

LCEA members with graduating children or grandchildren should contact their high school guidance counselor immediately for details about LCEA scholarships. The deadline for submitting applications is April 15^th.