Special Issue - Voter Guide - November 2018 Volume 100, No. 2 Cyan Cyan Magenta Yellow Yellow Black 2018 Legislative Report Card and Voter Guide Important Information Every Educator Should Know President’s Message- NEA–New Hampshire Stand Strong For Education on November 6 ISSN 0279–3539 Vol. 100, No. 2 We sometimes hear from members that the po- calling. As educators, we believe in each other and Concord, NH litical engagement of NEA-NH makes them uncom- in the students in our classrooms. Together, we fortable. They ask why are we so deeply involved make sure every educator gets the resources, re- November 2018 in politics at times, and is that the best use of our spect and recognition they deserve to support their time and resources. student’s achievements and advance their profes- Published by To answer that question, I’d ask you to look sional career. NEA–New Hampshire around your classroom and try to name an activity We are committed to improving student achieve- 9 South Spring Street or item in that room that the Legislature or voters ment in New Hampshire public schools, providing Concord, NH 03301 do NOT have control over? The cur- learning opportunities for teachers and riculum? Nope. Textbooks? Nope. The students, and ensuring that all students condition of the classroom? Nope. The are ready to learn. NEA–NH Officers level of technology? Nope. Supplies? I did not become a teacher because President: Megan Tuttle Nope. All of these things are controlled I was motivated by politics. But every Vice President: Carolyn Leite by your the state legislature, your teacher learns very quickly that elec- Secretary/Treasurer: Rebecca Butler school board and a budget passed by tions and elected officials decide al- NEA Director: Sharry Sparks voters. most everything about our profession; Take a look at your paycheck. Who from class size, classroom supplies, Board Members has the final say on how much you curriculum, working conditions, to edu- Capital: Muriel Hall are paid and what benefits you and cator pay scales and benefits. Paul Bourassa your family receive? Your local elected New Hampshire parents, the commu- Eastern: Ed Olson school board and voters decide how nity and the state are getting a fantastic much we earn, and what doctors we can NEA-NH President return on their investment in public Julie Doiron see. Megan Tuttle schools and public-school students and Lakes: Karen McLoud 2 The simple truth is, we’d the results speak for them- Monadnock: Melissa Alexander love to not be involved in pol- “The simple truth is, we’d love to not be selves - New Hampshire con- Patrick Cogan Cyan Cyan itics, but almost every part of involved in politics, but almost every part of sistently places at or near the North Country: Jon Dugan-Henriksen our profession is controlled our profession is controlled by politicians and top in nationwide measures Seacoast: Ed O’Brien Magenta by politicians and voters. of school quality and student voters. Elections matter. Our students are Amy Wilson Elections matter. Our achievement. students are counting on us counting on us to make a difference.” All students have the right Southern: Susan Harden to make a difference. The to a great public school. It’s Greg Paris Yellow Yellow sooner we realize that the impact we can make in time to stop draining our public schools of vital re- Lisa Stone their lives rides on the outcome of every election, sources and work together to protect and strength- South Central: Meg Morse-Barry the sooner we become involved and even obsessed en them. Maxine Mosley Black with getting the right people in office. Molly Kelly has always been a champion for Western: Karen Brown public school education, and we enthusiastically For the sake of our students and their parents, Jennifer Bewersdorf we need to be sure that the Governor’s office re- endorse her to be our next governor. Instead of ESP: Jill Owens turns to the hands of a champion of public educa- pushing a school voucher program that would tion and working families, safeguarding the dream weaken public schools, we know Molly will work to Retired: Sandra Amlaw of a quality public education for every child in New strengthen public education, support teachers and Educator Staff Hampshire. Educating our students is the most ensure every child can earn a quality education. Molly shares our belief that great public schools Executive Director: Rick Trombly important investment our society can make in our Editor: George Strout future. We need to elect leaders who will make pub- are the foundation for strong communities and a lic education a priority. vibrant New Hampshire economy. Communications Assistant: Lori Cyr NEA-New Hampshire recommended candidates She understands that every child needs a quality, The NEA–New Hampshire Educator (ISSN 0279– are pro-education, pro-educator, pro-student, and well-equipped school right in their neighborhood where they can learn, be inspired, and thrive. 3539), is published six times per year in 4 printed believe as we do that every child in NH deserves a and 2 online-only issues by NEA–New Hampshire, great public school, and caring qualified educators. We need her in the corner office in November 9 South Spring Street, Concord, NH 03301. I urge you to support them. I ask that when you so we can make public education a priority in this vote, don’t go alone. Bring your family and friends state once again. Periodicals postage paid at Concord, NH, and at and neighbors. Contact former students, be a mo- We can’t think of anyone better to represent our additional mailing offices. bilizing force in your neighborhood and get people members in New Hampshire’s first district than Chris Pappas. to the polls. NEA–NH Educator Chris grew up in the Granite State and went to NEA-NH’s undivided attention has been focused public schools in Manchester. He is rooted in the 9 South Spring Street on New Hampshire educators for more than 150 communities of the district and has prioritized Concord, NH 03301–2425 years. We need elected officials who support our education throughout his career in public service Phone: 603–224–7751 Fax: 603–224–2648 efforts, and understand the importance of what we as a State Representative and Executive Councilor. do each day in districts around the state. E-mail: [email protected] Educators and support staff need partners like NEA-New Hampshire members have access to Web site: http://www.neanh.org Chris in Washington to help every student thrive.” the most sought-after resources and professionals Chris Pappas has fought for public education on to help them reach, teach and inspire New Hamp- Advertising rates: the Executive Council, standing up to efforts to di- shire’s students. We provide advice and profession- vert funding from public schools. NEA-NH has been Full page $1,000 al assistance promoting schools and supporting the focused on making sure public schools are well- One-half page $500 educators who are teaching tomorrow’s leaders. funded and equitably funded in the Granite State. One-third page $340 Our 17,000 members work in public education and support positions, including classroom teach- We need elected officials who will keep our 0ne-fourth page $250 ers and other certified professionals, instructors students first and extreme political ideology out One-sixth page $170 at public higher education institutions, students of the discussion. We cannot afford to allow New preparing for a teaching career, education support Hampshire to become a state where a few people All advertisement copy should be camera-ready professionals and those retired from the profes- do really well, while a growing number of people and is subject to approval by NEA–NH. Call or write sion. struggle to get by. for specifications. Circulation to more than 17,000 We believe that education isn’t just a job, it’s a Stand strong for education on November 6 and active, associate, special, student, reserve and vote for NEA-NH recommended candidates. retired members of NEA–NH. 213 NEA–New Hampshire Educator Month year Standing Strong for Education or the November 2018 Elections, the follow- ing questions were asked of all candidates Fseeking a recommendation from NEA-New Hampshire. Answers to these questions, along Recommending a Candidate with any voting records and interviews were all hroughout this edition of the Educator you will valuable. We believe this process allows us to look considered when making recommendations for find NEA-New Hampshire recommended can- beyond stump speeches and commercials, and more the upcoming elections. Tdidates. Members often ask how these recom- deeply into the candidate’s position on our issues,” mendations are made and what role they can play in said Tuttle. the process. In evaluating each candidate, the Committee The recommendation process used by NEA-New reviews their responses and their voting record. Candidate Questionnaire Hampshire has been in place for many years and has The committee is looking for past support of public been used countless times to make recommendations education funding and policies, support of collective Have you ever been a member of the National Education in the past for federal, state and local offices. The bargaining rights, and protection of retirement secu- Association, or any of its state affiliates? Government Relations (GR) Committee is responsible rity for educators. for producing these recommendations and forward- The Committee reviews the candidate’s proposed Please answer the following questions in the spaces ing them to the Executive Board for approval and new policies and solutions, not just in terms of their provided and/or use additional pieces of paper if necessary.