Great Public Schools for Every Louisiana Child Volume 11, No. 4 October 2015

THE LAE LAUNCHES It’s time to get it right for... “IT’S TIME TO OUR SCHOOLS. OUR CHILDREN. OUR FUTURE. GET IT RIGHT” TAKE A STAND with educators this CAMPAIGN election season! INITIATIVE AIMS TO EDUCATE Make a commitment to support the candidates LOUISIANA COMMUNITIES who champion Louisiana’s ON PRO-PUBLIC EDUCATION public schools! Go to itstimelouisiana.com CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR to find out more. VARIOUS OFFICES

NEA15026_U_2.indd 1 8/17/15 3:52 PM This election season, the LAE and the LFT have teamed up on an Debbie Meaux. “This is our chance to get it right…for our schools, initiative to spotlight individuals running for office who have a our children, and the future of Louisiana!” proven track record of supporting the best interests of Louisiana’s public schools. The It’s Time to Get It Right campaign focuses Candidate recommendations for each race will be posted on the on reviewing the political platforms of the individuals running website, itstimelouisiana.com. The site will help to promote for Louisiana Governor, the Board of Elementary and Secondary candidates and their positions on important issues affecting Education, and the Louisiana Legislature, and recommending Louisiana; additional social media will further extend the reach those candidates who champion Louisiana’s public school of media coverage and community activities in which candidates students. are involved. Interested parties are encouraged to “like” the It’s Time to Get it Right Louisiana fan page on Facebook; follow the “Louisiana voters have a unique opportunity to elect leaders to @ItsTimeLA2015 twitter handle; and subscribe to the It’s Time office who can truly transform this state,” said LAE President Louisiana YouTube channel.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: IMPORTANT DATES YOU NEED TO REMEMBER THIS ELECTION SEASON!

EARLY VOTING PRIMARY ELECTIONS RUN OFF ELECTIONS OCTOBER 10 – 17 OCTOBER 24 NOVEMBER 21

Check out www.sos.la.gov for polling locations and other important information regarding Louisiana’s 2015 Elections. Here’s what you can do to advance this initiative: FROM THE • Take an active interest in the LAE’s upcoming projects. Soon, LAE representatives will visit your school to PRESIDENT’S meet with you to talk about and listen to the issues that are most important to you and your colleagues. Please DESK make every effort to take part in this discussion, as this will help us in our Debbie Meaux, President planning efforts surrounding the LAE’s upcoming initiatives. • Be prepared to change your dues As I’m sure you noticed, we’re in election tide on the top-down approach by which payment method. The times are season—the most urgent of any that classroom professionals are currently changing, and so is the LAE. Several we’ve faced in the past. We are at a managed. It’s time to ensure professional states have eliminated payroll crossroads. The power to create positive educator voices are heard in the policy- deduction as an option for the payment change is in our hands; we can either making decisions implemented in the of union dues; our legislature will make choose to do so or we can continue on classrooms of Louisiana. It’s time that another attempt in 2016. We must be with more of the same. our parents and communities are given a prepared. We now offer an updated, stronger say and have real opportunities technologically advanced way to pay As president of the LAE, I’m writing with to invest in our community schools. It’s your dues through NEA’s eDues payment a few heart-felt requests before the polls time that public schools are resourced service. Our goal is to transition away open. First, please make every effort to and held to reliable standards that map from the payroll deduction payment educate yourself. Take the opportunity out equitable criteria for success. It’s structure in order to give us greater to get to know the candidates. Learn time to stop closing schools based on the power in our efforts to enact positive about their positions so you understand current “test and punish” regime led by change. If you’re ready to make the their ideas. Attend candidate functions an overreliance on standardized tests. switch, contact Sheryl Almonte (225- and watch the debates. The men and It’s time to give our children the tools 330-0401) or Donna Thibodeaux (225- women elected to office have the power they need to be successful in the 21st 330-0402) in the LAE Membership to affect your everyday lives. Make century. There are individuals running for Department TODAY! sure you trust the individuals for whom Louisiana Governor, the legislature, and • Get active. Are you ready to take a you vote. In order to help you in the the BESE who value Louisiana’s citizens stand for your profession? Become an process of discovery, the LAE’s political and children—we just need to make sure association leader and help us grow a action committee, the LAE Fund for to get them in office. It’s time to get it stronger LAE. Remember, our guiding Children and Public Education, created right, and I know we have the power to mission is driven by the voice of our a one-stop-shop website with our list do just that! members, and we need active leaders of recommended candidates, links to to step up and speak out on the changes their websites, and other information Looking beyond election season, we are they wish to see in the association. that will allow you to better understand gearing up to focus on another extremely • Recruit your colleagues. Encourage their positions on educational issues. important initiative: re-energizing your colleagues who are dissatisfied You can take advantage of this resource the association with the voice of the with the current state of our schools to by visiting itstimelouisiana.com. members. We want to empower you. We belong so that they can begin working Secondly, I am asking you to get involved. want to make you a strong advocate for with us to drive educational excellence Have you found a candidate whom you your profession. Over the past few years, in Louisiana. support? If so, help them in their efforts educators’ advocacy efforts have been to drive their campaign message. Talk hindered by forces who aim to diminish We look forward to the new direction of to your family members. Volunteer to the power we have to enact positive the association, and hopefully, Louisiana. make calls or put a candidate’s sign in change in our schools. I hope you will join We have a chance to get it right, and I your yard. Show your support for the us in our efforts to maintain our influence know that together, we can certainly candidates you trust to make a difference in effectively impacting our schools and make that happen—for our schools, our for the people of Louisiana. Lastly, our students. We are currently in the children, and the future of this state! please consider donating to your chosen process of an organizational transition Please continue to stay informed on all candidate(s). I know times are tough, that will help to ensure the integrity of of our initiatives. As always, thank you but give what you can to the campaigns the association. LAE representatives for being a member and for inspiring the you truly believe in. Ten dollars makes a are currently focusing their efforts on children of Louisiana—today and every difference. speaking with members to find out day. more about your needs, concerns, and It seems as though our current successes. We want to know what In Solidarity, administration has not made public areas you feel need improvement and Debbie Meaux education a priority—we all know our the areas you feel inspire you. How can LAE President schools and our students are the most we lend to the betterment of your work important priorities. If we elect the right environment? men and women to office, we can turn the

2 ARE YOU ENROLLED IN LAE’S NEW EDUES SERVICE? IF NOT, IT’S TIME YOU MADE THE SWITCH! CHECK OUT WHY MEMBERS ACROSS LOUISIANA ARE FLIPPING THEIR DUES PAYMENTS FOR LAE

LAE members across the state transition their dues payment method.

Members are transitioning from having monthly dues deducted “I get perks when I use my charge card. from their paychecks to paying by credit card or bank draft. This Paying my dues by credit card gives me a chance to is what the LAE is calling its “Flip 4 LAE” campaign. gain additional cash back and other benefits.” –Johnell Celestine, Evangeline Association of Educators There are many reasons why members have chosen to make the switch. Here are just a few: “It was extremely easy to do­—it only took about a minute to make the switch!” “Several states have eliminated payroll deduction as an option –East Baton Rouge Parish Association of Educators for the payment of union dues. Our legislature came a few “LAE advocates for fairness. votes shy of taking this right away from us last year. I want to protect the integrity of this work.” I wanted to be proactive and change my payment so –Ruthie Wright, Webster Association of Educators that I could get ahead of the game.” –Cammie Claytor, Lafourche Association of Educators If you’re ready to make the switch, contact Sheryl Almonte (225-330-0401) or Donna Thibodeaux (225-330-0402) in the LAE Membership Department TODAY! LAE RECOGNIZES LOUISIANA’S NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFIED TEACHERS AS LEADERS IN EDUCATION ASSOCIATION HOSTS EVENT TO HONOR EDUCATORS AND LAUNCH NEW NBCT NETWORK

National Board Certified Teachers from Institute Program Coordinator Ellen Holmes. across Louisiana gathered in Lafayette earlier this month to be a part of the President Meaux recognized those in attendance as leaders in official launch of a new statewide education. She said she hopes the event helps to connect and network for NBCTs for which the LAE unite those with a proven commitment to the profession. will be the sponsoring organization. The evening also focused on the “National Board Certified Teachers demonstrate the value of power that NBCTs have to transform professionalism in education and, together, can be strong the perception of school teachers and advocates for changing the tide, not just for our profession, but education support professionals. for our educational system as a whole,” Meaux said.

“The praise of Louisiana’s certified State Representative John Bel Edwards offered a resolution proclaiming October 8, 2015, as Louisiana National Board Certified Resolution offered by teachers is long overdue,” said LAE State Representative John President Debbie Meaux. “Educators Teacher Day. The resolution urged all citizens to recognize NBCTs Bel Edwards proclaiming are the experts in their respective for the care and commitment they’ve shown to Louisiana’s school October 8, 2015 as fields. They understand their craft and children. Louisiana National Board know what their students need. It’s Certified Teacher Day. Missed the event time they were recognized for their and want to dedication to their profession and treated with the respect they get involved? deserve.” Contact LAE NBCT National Board of Professional Teaching Standards Director of Network Lead National Board of Professional Teaching Standards Outreach and Engagement Michaela Miller presented an overview Madison Poche at [email protected]. Director of Outreach and Engagement Michaela of critical changes in the National Board program. Then, it was on Miller presents overview of critical changes in the to the official network launch, led by NBCT Montgomery County National Board Program. 3 VOTE 2015 COVERAGE: LAE-RECOMMENDED CANDIDATES

JOHN BEL EDWARDS: THE RIGHT MAN AT THE RIGHT TIME FOR LOUISIANA HERE ARE SOME IMPORTANT THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT LAE’S TOP PICK FOR GOVERNOR

STRONG SUPPORTER OF DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVANT PUBLIC EDUCATION John Bel learned the importance John Bel Edwards is the husband of public service at an early age. of a teacher. He has a proven track As one of eight children from a record of standing up for Louisiana family long dedicated to public public schools, educators, and service, John Bel Edwards carries children on issue after issue. on the family tradition currently • In 2011, John Bel Edwards fought to improve the process for serving as the Louisiana State auditing schools in academic crisis. Representative for District 72.

• In 2012, when Governor Jindal and his allies attacked public RESPECTED VETERAN education with ill-conceived, unconstitutional schemes, John Bel Edwards graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at John Bel Edwards was one of the only legislators who did West Point. He served eight years on active duty as an Airborne his homework. He read the legislation, pointed out several glaring flaws, and stood strong in defense of the Louisiana Ranger and commanded a rifle company in the 82nd Airborne Constitution. John Bel Edwards was a staunch advocate for Division. Louisiana teachers, school employees, and parents who were SMALLUSINESS B MAN locked out of the Louisiana State Capitol during the debate. A graduate of LSU Law School, John Bel Edwards runs a law firm • In 2013, John Bel Edwards led the charge to increase Louisiana in his hometown of Amite. public school funding (the first in five years), with 50 percent of the increase going toward educator pay raises. FAMILY MAN John Bel Edwards’ strong family ties have shaped both his • This year, John Bel Edwards commitments to his own community as well as his family. John ensured that an additional $36 Bel’s mother taught him both the compassion he demonstrates as million was added to the budget to preserve teacher pay raises a legislator and his belief in the power of prayer. This compassion after the legislature rejected the and good judgment, coupled with his ability to understand the Minimum Foundation Program details of legislation, have made him a force to be reckoned with formula. among his colleagues in the Louisiana Legislature.

4 FOR GOVERNOR, BESE, AND THE LOUISIANA LEGISLATURE

HERE ARE SOME IMPORTANT THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE BESE

The Louisiana Board of Elementary The LAE recommends the following Richland, Tensas, Union, and West and Secondary Education (BESE) is the candidates for the Louisiana Board of Carroll parishes administrative body for all Louisiana Elementary and Secondary Education public elementary and secondary (BESE): KATHY schools. One of the body’s most significant EDMONSTON, roles is administering the yearly budget LEE BARRIOS, BESE District 6*: for Louisiana’s public schools through BESE District 1: Ascension, East Baton the Minimum Foundation Program (MFP). Jefferson, Orleans, Rouge, Livingston, The BESE also adopts regulations and and St. Tammany Tangipahoa, and enacts policies governing the operations parishes Washington parishes of the schools under its jurisdiction and exercises budgetary oversight of their JASON FRANCE, educational programs and services. BESE District 6*: KARA Ascension, East Baton The board is composed of 11 members. WASHINGTON, Rouge, Livingston, Eight are elected, one representative BESE District Tangipahoa, and from each of the state’s eight BESE 2: Assumption, Washington parishes districts. Three members are appointed Jefferson, Orleans, by the governor to represent the state St. Charles, St.James, at-large; these members must be and St. John parishes ETTA LICCIARDI, confirmed by the Louisiana Senate. The BESE District 6*: ideal candidate for each seat should DR. LOTTIE BEEBE, Ascension, East Baton have values that are in line with the BESE District Rouge, Livingston, following key traits of a pro-public 3: Assumption, Tangipahoa, and education supporter. The ideal BESE Iberia, Iberville, Washington parishes representative should… Jefferson, Lafourche, Plaquemines, Pointe • Have a trusted track record of Coupee, St. Bernard, MIKE KREAMER, advocating for adequate investments St. John, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, BESE District in student learning, so that all Terrebonne, and Vermilion parishes 7: Acadia, Allen, Louisiana students —regardless of Beauregard, their zip code—receive the educational MARY JOHNSON Calcasieu, Cameron, tools they need to learn. HARRIS, BESE Jefferson Davis, • Recognize the importance of District 4: Bienville, Lafayette, and collaborative partnerships with key Bossier, Caddo, Vermilion parishes public education stakeholders— Desoto, Natchitoches, students, parents, public school Red River, Sabine, CAROLYN HILL, employees, and community members— Vernon, Webster, and BESE District 8: to address concerns and work on Winn parishes Ascension, Avoyelles, positive solutions for improving East Baton Rouge, Louisiana’s public schools. “JOHNNY” East Feliciana, • Commit to ensuring that every FATHEREE, BESE Iberville,Pointe Louisiana student has a caring, District 5: Caldwell, Coupee, St. Helena, qualified, and committed teacher in Catahoula, Claiborne, St. Landry, St. Martin, West Baton their classroom by providing educators Concordia, East Rouge, and West Feliciana parishes with the resources, mentoring, and Carroll, Evangeline, professional support they need to Franklin, Grant, supply students with the best 21st- Jackson, LaSalle, Lincoln, Madison, * Multiple candidates voted century educational experiences. Morehouse, Ouachita, Rapides, as favorable by the LAE-FCPE

5 HERE ARE SOME IMPORTANT THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE LOUISIANA LEGISLATURE

The Louisiana Legislature consists of 144 men and women elected —regardless of their zip code—receive the educational tools to represent you in the Louisiana House of Representatives and they need to learn. Senate. It is their responsibility to listen to the public, assess • Recognize the importance of collaborative partnerships with key state needs, and enact laws to benefit the people of Louisiana. public education stakeholders—students, parents, public school Our Constitution calls for 39 State Senators and 105 State employees, and community members—to address concerns Representatives. They are elected in districts based on population. and work on positive solutions for improving Louisiana’s public schools. The ideal candidate for each seat should have values that are • Commit to ensuring that every Louisiana student has a in line with the following key traits of a pro-public education caring, qualified, and committed teacher in their classroom supporter. Representatives and Senators should… by providing educators with the resources, mentoring, and professional support they need to supply students with the • Have a trusted track record of advocating for adequate best 21st-century educational experiences. investments in student learning, so that all Louisiana students

TheAE L Fund for Children and Public Education congratulates the following senators on their uncontested election for Louisiana State Senate.e W recognize these senators for their unwavering support for public schools, students and educators:

Karen Peterson Dan W. “Blade” Morrish District 5: Portions of Jefferson and Orleans District 25: Portions of Acadia, Calcasieu, parishes Cameron, and Jefferson Davis parishes

John Alario Jonathan Perry District 8: Portions of Jefferson and District 26: Portions of Acadia, Lafayette, St. Plaquemines parishes Landry and Vermilion parishes

Eric LaFleur Yvonne Dorsey-Colomb District 28: Portions of Acadia, Allen, District 14: Portions of Avoyelles, Evangeline and St. Landry East Baton Rouge Parish parishes

Eddie Lambert John Smith District 18: Portions of Ascension, District 30: Portions of Beauregard, Livingston and St. James parishes Calcasieu and Vernon parishes

Gerald Long Gary Smith District 31: Portions of Grant, Natchitoches, District 19: Portions of Jefferson, Lafourche, Rapides, Red River, Sabine and Winn St. Charles, and St. John the Baptist parishes parishes

Francis Thompson Fred Mills District 34: Concordia, East Carroll, Madison, District 22: Portions of Iberia, Lafayette, St. Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, and Tensas Landry and St. Martin parishes parishes

6 The following candidates have been recommended by the LAE Fund for Children and Public Education for incumbent challenger and open seats for the Louisiana State Senate in the 2015 Primary Election:

Sharon Hewitt “Mickey” Murphy District 1: Portions of Orleans, Plaquemines, District 12: Portions of St. Tammany, St. Bernard, and St. Tammany parishes Tangipahoa, and Washington parishes

Troy Brown District 2: Portions of Ascension, Dale Erdey Assumption, Iberville, Lafourche, St. District 13: Portions of East Baton Rouge, Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, and Livingston, and Tangipahoa parishes West Baton Rouge parishes

Wesley Bishop Regina Barrow District 4: Orleans Parish District 15: East Baton Rouge Parish

Jeff Arnold** Ronnie Johns District 7: Portions of Jefferson, Orleans, District 27: Calcasieu Parish and Plaquemines parishes

Troy Carter** District 7: Portions of Jefferson, Orleans, and Plaquemines parishes ** Two candidates voted as favorable by the LAE-FCPE

LAE did not receive recommendations from local association political action teams for the following Louisiana Senate seats for the 2015 Primary Election cycle: District 9: District 36: Portions of Jefferson and Orleans Parishes Portions of Bienville, Bossier, Claiborne, and Webster parishes District 33: Portions of Claiborne, Lincoln, Morehouse, Ouachita, District 23: Union, and West Carroll parishes Lafayette Parish

District 16: District 38: East Baton Rouge Parish Portions of Caddo and DeSoto parishes

District 35: District 24: Portions of Grant, Jackson, Lincoln, Ouachita, Rapides Portions of Lafayette, St. Landry and St. Martin parishes and Winn parishes District 39: District 20: Caddo Parish Portions of Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes

7 TheAE L Fund for Children and Public Education congratulates the following representatives on their uncontested election for the Louisiana House of Representatives.e W recognize these representatives for their unwavering support for public schools, students and educators:

Charles R. “Bubba” Chaney “Mike Pete” Huval Barbara Norton District 19: East Caroll, District 46: Iberia, St. District 3: Caddo West Caroll, Madison, Landry, and St. Martin Parish Morehouse, Ouachita, parishes and Richland parishes

Andy Anders Bob Hensgens Thomas Carmody District 21: Concordia, District 47: Calcasieu, District 6: Bossier and East Carroll, Cameron, and Caddo parish Catahoula, Madison, Vermilion parishes and Tensas parishes

Kenny Cox Taylor Barras Gene Reynolds District 23: DeSoto, District 48: Iberia, District 10: Webster Natchitoches, and Red Lafayette, and St. and Bossier parishes River parishes Martin parishes

Patrick Jefferson Jeff Hall Sam Jones District 11: Bienville, District 26: Morehouse District 50: St. Martin Claiborne, and Lincoln and Ouachita parishes and St. Mary parishes parish

Jerry “Truck” James Armes Rob Shadoin Gisclair District 30: District 12: Lincoln District 54: Jefferson Beauregard and and Union parishes and Lafourche Vernon parishes parishes

Jerome “Dee” Frank Hoffman Mike Danahay Richard District 15: Ouachita District 33: Calcasieu District 55: Lafourche Parish Parish

Katrina Jackson Bernard Lebas Greg Miller District 16: Morehouse District 38: Evangeline District 56: St. Charles and Ouachita parishes and St. Landry and St. John the parishes Baptist parishes

Major Thibaut District 18: Iberville, Randal Gaines Jack Montoucet Pointe Coupee, District 57: St. Charles District 42: Acadia West Baton Rouge, and St. John the and Lafayette parishes and West Feliciana Baptist parishes parishes

8 Walter “Walt” Patricia Smith Neil Abramson Leger III District 67: East Baton District 98: Orleans District 91: Orleans Rouge Parish Parish Parish

Tom Willmott J. Rogers Pope Edward “Ted” James District 92: Jefferson District 71: Livingston District 101: East and St. Charles Parish Baton Rouge Parish parishes

John Schroder Helena Moreno District 77: St. District 93: Orleans Tammany Parish Parish

John A. “Johnny” Sherman Q. Mack Berthelot District 95: Livingston District 88: Ascension Parish Parish

The following candidates have been recommended by the LAE Fund for Children and Public Education for incumbent challenger and open seats for the Louisiana House of Representatives in the 2015 Primary Election:

Dorothy Sue Hill Cedric B. Glover** Marcus Hunter District 32: Allen, District 4: Caddo District 17: Ouachita Beauregard, and Parish parish Calcasieu parishes

Terry Brown Reginald Johnson** District 22: Grant, A. B. Franklin District 4: Caddo LaSalle, Natchitoches, District 34: Calcasieu Parish Red River, and Winn Parish parishes

Stephen Ortego Eileen Velez Robert Johnson District 39: Lafayette District 5: Caddo District 28: Avoyelles and St. Landry Parish Parish parishes

Vereta Lee Germaine Jackson “Dodie” Horton District 29: East Baton District 41: Acadia, District 9: Bossier Rouge and West Baton Evangeline and St. Parish Rouge parishes Landry parishes

** Two candidates voted as favorable by the LAE-FCPE more candidates on page 10 9 Kenny Havard Terry Landry Vincent Pierre District 62: East Baton District 96: Iberia, District 44: Lafayette Rouge, East Feliciana Lafayette, and St. Parish and West Feliciana Martin parishes parishes

Joe Harrison District 51: Barbara West Joseph “Joe” Assumption, Carpenter** Bouie Jr. Lafourche, St. Mary District 63: East Baton District 97: Orleans and Terrebonne Rouge Parish Parish parishes

Brenda Leroux Babin Joyce Marie Jimmy Harris District 53: Lafourche Plummer** District 99: Orleans and Terrebonne District 63: East Baton parish parishes Rouge Parish

Robby Carter Ed Price Alicia Plummer District 72: East District 58: Ascension, Clivens Feliciana, St. Helena, Iberville, St. James District 100: Orleans and Tangipahoa parishes Parish parishes

Tim Bailey Pat Bell District 74: Portions Gary Carter Jr. District 59: Ascension of St. Tammany, District 102: Orleans Parish Tangipahoa, and Parish Washington parishes

Chad Brown “Chuck” Nassauer Casey Hunnicutt District 60: District 75: St. District 103: Orleans, Assumption and Tammany and Plaquemines, and St. Iberville parishes Washington parishes Bernard parishes

Alexis Catherine Donna Collins-Lewis Ebony Woodruff Billiot District 61: East Baton District 87: Jefferson District 105: Jefferson, Rouge Parish Parish Orleans, and Plaquemines parishes

** Two candidates voted as favorable by the LAE-FCPE

LAE TEACHER WORK ROOM BULLETIN BOARDS AVAILABLE BY REQUEST

Want to help us publicize the names and contact information for our local association representatives and staff contacts? What about assisting us with getting the word out about association news and events? We have a batch of LAE teacher’s work room bulletin boards available by request. Simply email Kathy Potts at [email protected] to arrange delivery of your very own LAE work room bulletin board. Hurry! Supplies are limited. 10 TheAE L did not receive recommendations from local association political action teams for the following Louisiana House of Representatives seats for the 2015 Primary Election cycle: District 1: Bossier and Caddo parishes District 66: East Baton Rouge Parish District 7: Caddo, DeSoto, and Sabine parishes District 68: East Baton Rouge Parish District 8: Bossier Parish District 69: East Baton Rouge Parish District 13: Bienville, Jackson, Ouachita, and Winn parishes District 70: East Baton Rouge Parish District 14: Morehouse and Ouachita parishes District 73: Tangipahoa Parish District 20: Caldwell, Catahoula, Franklin, LaSalle and District 76: St. Tammany Parish Tensas parishes District 78: Jefferson Parish District 24: Natchitoches, Sabine and Vernon parishes District 79: Jefferson Parish District 25: Rapides Parish District 80: Jefferson Parish District 27: Rapides Parish District 81: Portions of Ascension, Livingston, St. John the District 31: Portions of Lafayette and Vermilion parishes Baptist and St. James parishes District 35: Beauregard and Calcasieu parishes District 82: Jefferson Parish District 36: Calcasieu Parish District 84: Jefferson Parish District 37: Portions of Calcasieu and Jefferson Davis parishes District 85: Jefferson Parish District 43: Lafayette Parish District 86: Tangipahoa Parish District 45: Lafayette Parish District 89: St. Tammany Parish District 49: Portions of Iberia and Vermilion parishes District 90: St. Tammany Parish District 52: Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes District 94: Jefferson and Orleans parishes District 64: East Baton Rouge and Livingston parishes District 104: St. Tammany Parish District 65: East Baton Rouge Parish ATTENTION: LAE BOARD VACANCIES The LAE Board of Directors is composed of association leaders who Sixth Associational District, Seat C: Jefferson, Lafourche, are active education employees and who have been elected by Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. John, St. Mary, their peers to act for the association in between meetings of the St. Tammany, and Terrebonne Representative Assembly. You must be a member for at least three Education Support Professional Representative, Seat A: years to be eligible to apply for one of the vacant seats listed Statewide seat below: If you are interested in applying, please send your letter of intent First Associational District, Seat C: Allen, Beauregard, Bienville, and resume to Laurie Guillot at [email protected] by October 30, Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, Desoto, Jackson, Jeff Davis, Lincoln, 2015. The next LAE Board meeting is scheduled for October 31, Natchitoches, Red River, Sabine, Union, Vernon, and Webster 2015, and the seats will be appointed at this meeting.

PRESIDENT MEAUX ANNOUNCES INTENT TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION IN 2016 In concurrence with Article IV: Section 5 of the LAE Constitution, “The incumbent president shall notify the LAE Board of Directors of his/her intent to seek re-election by October 1, and that decision will be communicated to the members.”

Please consider this the LAE Board of Directors’ communication to LAE members that Debbie Meaux has expressed her intent to the board to run for re-election for LAE president in 2016. 11 THE LAE VOICE NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE Published Monthly by the PAID Louisiana Association of Educators BATON ROUGE, LA 8322 One Calais Avenue PERMIT #246 Baton Rouge, LA 70809

Phone: 225-343-9243 Toll Free: 1-800-256-4523 Fax: 225-343-9272 www.lae.org Help Desk: 1-877-452-3477 [email protected]

Debbie Meaux, President Lynda Guidry, Executive Director

UPCOMING October 10-17 EVENTS 1. The LAE Launches Statewide “It’s Time to Get It Early Voting Right” Campaign October 16-17 1. Mark Your Calendars: Important Dates You Need to October 24 Remember This Election Season Executive Committee Primary 2. From the President’s Desk Elections 3. Are You Enrolled in LAE’s New EDues Service? If Not, It’s Time You Made the Switch! November 11 October 31 4. 2015 Elections Coverage: LAE-Recommended LAE Board Candidates for Governor, the Louisiana Legislature, Veterans Meeting Day* and the BESE November 21 11. President Meaux Announces Intent to Run for Re- November 25-27 Election in 2016 Runoff 11. Attention: LAE Board Vacancies! Elections Thanksgiving 12. Upcoming Events Break* LAE Headquarters * Closed