Local leaders lobby about pay issues
   At a special informational/lobbying day last Saturday, about 70 local association leaders and PALs (Political Action Leaders):  

·         Heard an update on the state’s revenue and budget situation from Michael Jackson, deputy director of Delaware’s Office of Management and Budget;

·         Learned the latest about the status of changes to the No Child Left Behind Act from Randy Moody, NEA’s chief lobbyist;

·         Heard U.S. Rep. Mike Castle’s perspective on what areas of NCLB will most likely see change as the federal education law is reauthorized; and

·         Spent an hour in small groups, talking face to face with seventeen state legislators who accepted DSEA’s invitation to devote a Saturday morning to candid conversations with our leaders.

The conversations dealt with DSEA's top legislative priority, raising the paraprofessional salary to the poverty level. That’s right: up to the poverty level - $20,650.

"It’s a social justice issue for us," explains DSEA Exec. Director Howard Weinberg.

Right now, paras earn approximately $16,000 at step one; and it takes them 25 years to reach the top, about $26,146. The poverty level in Delaware for a family of four is $20,650. Even with local supplements (which only average 10%, not the 30% negotiated by teachers), the top salary is no where near the "basic family budget" needs of a family of four in Delaware, which is $33,216.

"Our folks were eloquent," praises DSEA President Barbara Grogg, "especially the teachers who time after time explained just how critical their paraprofessionals are to the success of their students." 

The News Journal’s Patrick Jackson was on hand. To see his story, click here.

Election this Saturday to replace John Atkins in 41^st district

On April 19 a team of DSEA members interviewed the three announced candidates for the 41^st House seat. They are: John Burton (Independent), Gregory Hastings (Republican) and Lynn Bullock (Democrat).

Member’s of the DSEA interview team included:  Linda Teplica, chair (Indian River Education Association); Kevin Elzie (Sussex Tech Education Association); Jill Warrington (IREA); and Pat Murrell (IREA). Also in attendance were DSEA staff persons, Charles Holmes and Jack Polidori.

The interview team unanimously recommended to the DSEA Executive Board that our statewide organization take "No Action" in this race. The DSEA Executive Board affirmed that recommendation at its meeting on April 23, 2007.

The interview team was favorably impressed by all three candidates’ commitment to public education.

We sent a letter to all NEA members living in this district about this decision, with more information about each candidate.

•YOUR CALLING•