East Brunswick Education Association

Proud of who we are,

Pride in what we do!

Welcome to the ...

East Brunswick Education Association!

We are the local NJEA / NEA affiliate representing approximately 1,400
members. We are an all inclusive association of teachers, child study
team members, nurses, speech and language pathologists, guidance
counselors, school library media specialists, secretarial/clerical personnel,
aides, computer technology personnel, child nutritionists, custodians,
vehicle drivers and maintenance and grounds personnel.

Please review the Calendar of Events for all that is happening in our local.
Visit us frequently as we continue to add more information to this website.

Thank you for visiting our website.

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A message from our President....

March/April 2012

Typically our March newsletter urges our members to work together for
the success of the passage of the annual school budget. The April newsletter
then spotlights candidates who seek election to the Board of Education.
As reported in last month's newsletter, Public Law 2011 Chapter 202 now
allows school board candidate elections to be held in November. Additionally,
the requirement to vote on a school budget is eliminated as long as the budget
remains under the statutory 2% revenue cap. While this combined edition
features information on Board's final budget adoption as required by statue,
candidate profiles for board of education seats will be presented in a future
newsletter. This article also includes valuable information about our Annual
General Membership Meeting.

School Budget 2012-2013 - The budget presentation at the March 22, 2012
Board of Education meeting included a summary of state aid figures, the
general tax level increase and the general fund budget. Budget highlights also
included changes in instructional programs, curriculum and instruction
improvements and provisions for capital improvements. Unlike previous years'
budget, there are fewer teacher and support staff reductions for 2012-2013.
Additionally, teaching and support staff positions have actually been added
that are fully offset by program conversions and retirement savings. Members
are encouraged to visit the district website at www.ebnet.org to view the entire
school budget report for the upcoming fiscal year.

EBEA General Membership Meeting - A general membership meeting
was scheduled for March 20, 2012. The agenda for this meeting included a
presentation of proposed changes to the EBEA Constitution and Bylaws.
Those members in attendance received materials emphasizing the proposed
additions, modifications and deletions of the Association's current document.
The vote to amend the EBEA Constitution and Bylaws was schedule for
April 3, 2012 during the regular election of officers.

Part of the general membership meeting also included a Membership Matters
video which spotlighted a collection of personal stories from our NJEA colleagues.
Their narratives emphasized the value of membership in their classrooms, their
communities, their professional and personal lives. Following the video, NJEA
Government Relations Director Ginger Gold Schnitzer informed the audience
of anticipated legislation (sick leave and education reform) that will most likely
impact public school employees during this legislative session. She reported
that although the Governor's sick leave plan seeks to end all sick leave payouts,
NJEA continues to have discussions with legislators who will support some level
of benefit as well as preserve the ability to collectively bargain the terms of sick
leave. G.Gold Schnitzer also noted that the legislature is poised to take on tenure
reform and make possible changes to teacher evaluation. She asked that members
use the 2012 political action guide (available in this month's Review as well
as at the general membership meeting) and personally contact lawmakers about
these issues. Look for the TAKE ACTION icon on the NJEA's website for
talking points about these matters before calling or writing legislators.

So while we do not have to work for the passage of a school budget this April, our
focus must be on the work that still needs to be done. Take the responsibility to
read about the changes that face public school employees. Stay informed by
texting the work REFORM to 738674 to receive updates on education issues.
Then be ready to take action as the voice of experience when it comes to what
works in public education!

Ruth Davitt,
EBEA President

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