FOCUS on ISSAQUAH SCHOOLS 565 NW Holly St
Total Page：16
File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb
ON ISSAQUAH SCHOOLS FOCUS ON ISSAQUAH SCHOOLS 565 NW Holly St. Issaquah, WA 98027 ISSAQUAH EDUCATION ASSOCIATION AND ISSAQUAH SCHOOL DISTRICT AGREE TO FOCUS www.issaquah.wednet.edu HISTORIC FOUR YEAR CONTRACT STAY CONNECTED Funding for public education is a national issue. don’t feel underpaid.” In Washington State, we are living in a time of uncertainty, as well as differing opinions, about However, Gary the new state funding model for education and the cautions, a young impact it has had on local contract negotiations teacher coming into across the state. What we do know for certain is that the ISD today with the demands and expectations of our teachers are a Bachelor’s Degree greater than ever. Their role in preparing students and one or two years to accept the academic, occupational, personal, of experience is still and practical challenges of life in a dynamic global going to have difficulty environment— the very mission of our District— finding affordable Kindergarten students at Sunny Hills Elementary settle in on the first day of class during the cannot be understated. housing near their 2018-19 school year. work and will likely face The Issaquah School District benefited from the a long commute. That said, “There’s enough income growing to new heights. The District also agreed new state education funding model, for which we to give teachers hope. As opposed to having to put off to increasing counselor time in secondary schools thank our local legislators. On August 22, 2018, important decisions such as buying a house or starting and, for the first time in the history of the our Board of Directors ratified a new four year a family indefinitely, those on the lower end of the District, all elementary schools now have full time contract with the Issaquah Educators Association salary schedule have some hope. For those of us who counselors. Gary says that these counselors help (IEA), providing an average 15% salary increase to have more experience, it gives one a sense that there everyone in the system. “When we have a student our certificated staff. This salary increase allows is still room to grow, that my income will still go up presenting with anxiety or depression, it affects the Issaquah School District to remain competitive and that’s a good feeling! Experienced teachers may everyone because every classroom is like a little with the salaries of neighboring districts and offers now be in a position to save for retirement or pay community. We need someone available who is our teaching professionals some relief from the down debt, which they were not before.” trained to support students with mental health ISSAQUAH SCHOOLS FOUNDATION — ALL IN FOR KIDS pressures of the high cost of living in our region. issues, so it is an enormous gain for us.” Salary compensation is only one element in the “Honestly, it’s completely given me a purpose to get up in the morning.” While the District views this as a historic moment, contract agreement that benefits teachers and Gary also mentioned that he is pleased that the – Robotics Club Member who better to describe the impact of the new students. According to Gary, other big highlights District was open to creating opportunities to contract than a teacher? FOCUS sat down with of the contract center around increased English work on issues with regard to Echo Glen, the State being a member of a team and community. We fund and emotional support for things like bullying, Gary Arthur, a 25 year teaching veteran who is Language Learning (ELL) teacher support and the Juvenile Rehabilitation Center run by the ISD. programs such as Shakespeare Alive – a concept mental health, and issues for students facing also the current Issaquah Education Association Gary explains that the District cannot enrich the initially funded through our teacher grant process homelessness. President, to learn his perspective on how this program up at Echo Glen using Local Levy dollars, and now available to all ninth-grade students – which agreement impacts our learning community. “Experienced teachers may now be which is frustrating because the population is Thank you! If you have given to the Issaquah gives an interactive educational twist to exploring All of the above – and much more – is made possible in a position to save for retirement or made up of a very vulnerable set of kids and the Schools Foundation All in for Kids Campaign this the Shakespearean world. by the generosity of our community, parents, Gary notes that one of the ways that society shows pay down debt, which they were not staff there has an enormous task. “Just knowing fall, we greatly appreciate your support. You’re businesses and local partners who believe enough honor and respect is through compensation. before.” that we can initiate concerns with the District making a difference in the lives of students. Donations to the Foundation also support the critical in our work and step up to help. Please visit our Teachers have often experienced a disparity as they about the complicated, scary jobs that Echo Glen area of basic student needs. Basic student needs website www.isfdn.org to learn more. Thank you! watch friends they went to college with surpassing teachers have, had a big impact on us. We know At the Issaquah Schools Foundation, we know that include programs such as Feeding Student Success, them in terms of things like buying nice houses, implementation of full time Positive Behavior and we are putting kids there at first, and, to the student success goes beyond academics. It involves which helps kids stay focused by providing free With appreciation, sending their kids to college, and being able to travel Social Emotional Support (PBSES) coaches. “ELL extent that we can, improve and change there.” the emotional and social aspect of schooling. snacks, breakfasts and lunches; and Tools for School, on vacations. “Those of us who chose teaching teachers are amazing specialists,” Gary explains. “They That’s why the Foundation funds programs that which provides free backpacks filled with school didn’t plan to be rich, but we did plan to be middle are a vital resource to teachers who have English Finally, the new contract, being a four year deal, address the unique needs of students, from supplies to families who need financial support. class,” explains Gary. Throughout the bargaining Language Learning students in their classrooms.” provides for stability and security, which benefits kindergarten through 12th grade – programs that process, Gary Gary also says that PBSES coaches being boosted to both the District and the community as a whole. aren’t paid for by state or tax dollars. The Foundation is also a key force in supporting states that it full time from half time will be a tremendous lift to Gary reminds us, “Children in school today emerging efforts and emergency needs. The was appreciated all teachers as they assist in creating systems that will one day be the leaders of our community. Thanks to the generous support of people like you, Foundation supports the District’s Student that the District promote a positive environment in their classroom They are born here and they have a right to an we fund programs such as robotics clubs, which Intervention Department by providing funding Liz Swanson trusted IEA’s and throughout the school. education, to learn about and understand the give kids an opportunity to explore a potential for professional development for teachers so that Executive Director numbers and nuances of our society. To learn how to heal sick career, develop leadership skills, and benefit from they have the tools they need related to social Issaquah Schools Foundation understood the Another vital component of the agreement involves people, how to build things, and how to create.” membership’s Mentorship and professional development. “Having Truly, we all benefit from a student population concerns. “They professional learning coaches is a game changer,” that is engaged and giving back to the community. FROM THE ISSAQUAH PTSA COUNCIL met us from says Gary. “The Issaquah School District is a high As Gary concludes, “I recall the many teachers that place of performing and very complex district. When you that supported me, who encouraged me to be in Hopefully, you are settling into your Fall routine Stronger voices help move problems towards membership by asking if those you know want to mutual respect come to teach here, you’re going to learn at least the school band, take up sports, and participate and that joining your children’s schools’ PTAs/ solutions, ideas towards actual programs, and helps support your kids at their school, by joining your throughout 50 acronyms and three sophisticated computer in the student senate. Those experiences were PTSAs was something you checked off your list our kids be the best they can be. PTA. the bargaining systems, not to mention adapting to the culture in meaningful to me and they show how the influence in August. If not, we want you to give PTA/PTSA process and as your building.” The District is providing top notch of teachers extends far beyond academics to membership another look and add it to your At your own school, PTA/PTSA membership builds Now, wouldn’t you want to be a part of a dynamic a result, I feel teachers ready to take on the challenge of getting promote a society where we listen to and value November to-do list! strong community, and helps your PTA provide group who supports the best interests of children? Gary Arthur, IEA President respected, I new staff up to speed and experienced continually each other.” programs, activities, family events, and grants that If you have already joined your child’s PTA, we Why join PTA? Your membership helps make cannot be provided by the school district.