NJEA-Honoring Our Past, Imagining Our Future

October 2011

Dear WWPEA Members,

Thanks for your enthusiasm as we started this new school year! I know there are issues that need to be ironed out and I appreciate your consistent willingness to do what needs to be done so that kids have the best possible experience in our schools. Our professional approach to our jobs is being maintained even though our budget has been cut. We have fewer teachers, academic programs have been slashed, and ridiculous demands are being made of us by the state of NJ. You are all remarkable educators!

Your WWPEA Executive Board is working hard to make sure you are informed about the candidates running in this unique election, one in which all senators and assembly people are campaigning for office. Our LAT sub-committee has posted its report that recommends candidates who have demonstrated support for all aspects of public education through their votes and actions. Additionally, on our "News Flash!" page you will find three (3) responses to a WWPEA survey that was sent to every candidate this past summer. Please read the results of these questionnaires to better understand each candidate's point of view. We have also posted "Meet and Greet" information so that members can attend these events and speak directly to the various candidates (“Dates/Info”). If you are interested in hosting a "Meet and Greet," please email me and I will walk you through this process.

The amount of support I have seen for public education is only outdone by the amazing acts of compassion and kindness shown by our members as some of our colleagues began battles with illness. The WWPEA Executive Board has decided that our website should be used to support these acts of generosity. We have begun posting fliers and links to facilitate contributions and assistance for these worthy causes. Please visit the “Dates/Info” page to learn more about these opportunities to support one another.

On the benefits front, medical insurance options are increasing (NOT for the better), so please be sure to attend your building meeting to become informed about medical open enrollments and new health plans. These new medical plans will be explained along with the impact of insurance costs on next year's salaries.  It is very important that members clearly understand all of this so that fears may be allayed and informed decisions made.

My last bit of news for you is that I have moved our WWPEA office from Millstone River School to the "horseshoe office" at HSS. I'd love to have any of you drop by to say hi or discuss any concerns.

Keep up the great work!

Debbie

WWPEA mini