Thank You!

To all who took the time to answer our short survey, thank you!  Out of 128 responses, 70% of our membership would like to see us return to a brief all district meeting at the beginning of the school year.  Many who commented said they would like to have an opportunity to meet new teachers, interact with teachers in the district who they don't get to see on a regular basis and to be addressed by the Superintendent and SREA President in an effort to clarify our vision.  We appreciate you speaking up and want you to know that you were heard!

MEA Urges Members NOT to Sign or Circulate Synder Petition

Of the recent effort to present language for the recall of Snyder, only one (petition) has been approved for circulation.  Not unlike the petitions to recall Sens. Meekhof and Schmidt, this too is sponsored by members of the far right wing of the tea party.  In short, sponsors of the recall petitions believe Meekhof and Schmidt are not conservative enough.  Although we have not been contacted by sponsors of those petitions, the sponsor of the Snyder recall did contact us this morning.  We’ve no intention of returning his call and would urge that MEA members NOT sign nor circulate the Snyder recall petition.

Here’s why:

1.    In the unlikely event Snyder is actually recalled or resigns – the result would most likely be devastating for MEA.  First, Lt. Gov. Calley could become the new governor and he’s no better than Snyder is.  Second, Calley or any other GOP candidate, running for a full term as governor, would be compelled to prove his far right, tea party bona fides and the best way for him to do that would be to move as much anti-MEA, anti-school employee legislation as possible, as soon as possible.  We gain absolutely nothing by the recall of Snyder and quite possibly would be in worse shape very quickly.

2.    The sponsor of this petition is Ben Lazarus.  He’s a 24 year old, recently elected member of the Warren Consolidated Schools Board.  He was not endorsed by MEA.  Mr. Lazarus, a Republican, is a controversial figure and constant social media critic of Snyder even though he appeared in one of the last Snyder TV spots in the last election.  He was also the campaign manager of Republican Alan Arcand running in the first Congressional district, running to the right of Benishek and received the support of disgraced RNC member Dave Agema. 

Mr. Lazarus essentially ran for the Warren school board from Florida and won the election only after running race baiting robo-calls.  Unfortunately, he did not mention his arrests for drugs and resisting arrest while living in Florida just two years ago.

Whatever Mr. Lazarus’ agenda, plans or motivations are, it is simply ludicrous to believe any of it is to benefit members or the MEA, quite the opposite. 

Again, we urge that local leaders and members refrain from signing or circulating his petitions.

Steven B. Cook

MEA President

Meet (or become reaquainted with) Your Executive Board Members

Your SREA President - Bill Triolet

Bill has been the SREA President for the past 9 years and enjoys doing so because "South Redford is an incredible district with fantastic employees" and he feels "honored" to represent "such a highly skilled , professional group of educators."  Mr. Triolet has been teaching in the district for 19 years and currently teaches 8th grade language arts at Pierce Middle School.  In the past, he been an SREA building rep, an SREA Grievance Chair, 7th grade boys basketball coach,  language arts department head, NCA Committee Chair and martial arts instructor for the Pierce Martial Arts Club.  Bill has been married to a former Pierce and Thurston grad - Lori (Matukaitis) Triolet for 21 years. They have two children, Ryan (16) and Miranda (13).  Mr. Triolet loves to read, fish and hunt and has trained in martial arts for almost 25 years (Aikido and Laido).

Your SREA Vice President - Tracey Drotos

Tracey has been the SREA Vice President and Grievance Chair for the past 3 years. She has been a teacher in the district for 18 years and is currently a Teacher Consultant at Pierce Middle School.  Ms. Drotos has served in many capacities including: SREA building rep, South Redford Foundation rep, volleyball coach, track coach and NJHS sponsor.  When she's not at school, Tracey loves to travel...anywhere, anytime!

Your SREA Treasurer/Membership Chair - Lynda O'Donnell

Lynda has been the SREA Treasurer for the past 5 years.  She has been in the district for 18 years and is currently teaching 5th grade at Addams Elementary.  Mrs. O'Donnell has held several positions in South Redford including:  SREA Building Rep, School Improvement Chair, district reading and math committee member, Kindergarten teacher and she is a graduate of the Galileo Leadership Academy ('09 - '11). Lynda's husband Chris O'Donnell used to work in the media center at Thurston High School. They are the proud parents of two boys, Joe and Ian, and they have an "awesome" dog named Louie.

Your SREA Secretary - Kevin Conte

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Kevin has been the SREA Secretary for the past 2 years.  He has been a teaching in South Redford for 11 years and is currently teaching 5th grade at Fisher Elementary.  Mr. Conte has also server as an SREA building rep at Fisher/  He is married to the lovely Jill Conte who teaches 2nd grade at Vandenburg Elementary and they have two awesome kids (ages 6 and 4) who keep them busy in their non-teaching time.

Your SREA MEA/NEA Representative - Bryan Chase

Bryan has been our MEA/NEA Rep and our PAC Chair for the past two years.  He has been teaching in South Redford for the past 25 years at Fisher Elementary.  Mr. Chase has taught 5th grade for all of those years except one.  He has served on the last two negotiating teams, has been a member of the Sex Ed. Advisory Board since its inception and has served on many different district level math committees.  He is the second best SREA teacher in his house, coming in a distant second to his wife Michelle who also teaches in the district. Bryan, Michelle and their three boys (Austin, Travis and Landon) have seen 49 states on their summer vacations and they can't wait for Delaware.

Your SREA BST/Communications Chair - Beth Harris

Beth has been the BST/Communications Chair for the past year.  She has been teaching in South Redford for the past 15 years and currently teaches in the English department at Thurston High School.  She serves as an SREA rep, department head and Crisis Committee member and has been a middle school teacher, NCA chair and committee member, volleyball and softball coach, and Galileo teacher leader (09-11). Beth lives with her husband, Dave, two sons, Nicholas and Emmett, two dogs and 10 chickens.She loves to travel, read and do home improvement projects.

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Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!

Some of our members won big bucks from the scratch off ticket they received from the SREA. Congratulations, Winners! Not pictured:  Kelly Ferstle and Ryan Robertson

Josh Bzovi - $15

Kevin Conte - $30

Heather Barlow - $1

 Heather - $1

Happy Holidays from Your SREA Team!

And now, a word from our President...

Dear SREA Members,

It is really hard to believe that 2016 is almost upon us.  It has been a challenging but good year for the SREA.  We have seen our first step increase in far too long and a small raise at the top step.  We have another salary re-opener for next year, for which negotiations will start in late February or early March.  Our over-all student count has increased even more than anticipated so our fiscal forecast is strong.  We continue to work with administration to solve issues and concerns.  We strongly believe that promoting and fostering a strong, mutually-respectful relationship with administration is the best way to serve our members.  Finally, we have recently had a change in MEA Uni-Serve Directors as Helen Brish has accepted a promotion and will now be in charge of assisting districts across the state that are in financial emergencies.  She has served us well for over ten years and she will be missed.  Our new Uni-Serve Director, Tonya Karpinski, comes to us with a long history of serving members both in Michigan and other states.  She is a knowledgeable, competent, advocate for our members and she has stepped in to fill the role seamlessly.

Recently, a survey of members went out and about 50% of our members completed it.  Your voice was heard and we are working on making the SREA even better.  The entire results – including comments  – have been shared with all members and are also available on the above hyperlink (click on "entire results" within the text).  It is interesting reading and I encourage you to take a look.  Overall, the results were positive and there were some great suggestions for improvement.  Members asked for more visibility from their president, so I will be making a point to visit all schools and meet with teachers to listen to their ideas about the SREA and our district.  Beth Harris, our Bargaining Support Committee Chair, has created an SREA Blog to share news, inform members and celebrate successes.  Please be sure to join the Blog and check it often.  If you would ever like to contribute to it, feel free to contact Beth directly. Another suggestion was to have more SREA social gatherings.  Please watch for information of upcoming events in the New Year.

As always, please keep yourself informed of happenings in Lansing by reading your MEA Voice On-line and any updates sent from MEA or the SREA.  Attacks and cuts on Public Education and Teachers Unions continue to occur.  We must stay informed, united, and strong to weather these constant challenges to a free and well-funded education system in which we all so strongly believe.
On behalf of the SREA Executive Board and the Representative Congress, I wish you all a wonderful holiday, a restful break and a healthy and prosperous New Year.

Bill

P.S. Look for a small token of our appreciation for all you do in your mailbox.  Rumor has it that Santa will be making an early stop to South Redford this year!

Are you a Winner?

Was your scratch off  Lotto ticket a winner? Even if you only won a dollar,  please send us a selfie with your winning ticket so we can celebrate your winnings!  We'll post pics on Paying Our Dues after Winter Break.  Please submit pics to Beth Harris at bethany.harris@southredford.org.

Welcome (a little late) to a New School Year

SREA News Goes Digital
Welcome to the SREA's new blog Paying Our Dues.   SREA members are invited to stay connected with everything that's going on with our members, happenings in Lansing and all things SREA.  We would like this blog to be a place where members can share everything from great lessons to personal announcements to questions about insurance plans to events happening in and around the area. Please feel free to submit suggestions, lesson plans, photos, videos, articles,  etc. to Beth Harris @ mrs.harristhurston@gmail.com.  We look forward to hearing from you!

Welcome to the SREA!
The SREA would like to extend a warm welcome to its newest members from across the district!

Ashley Chiado 

Fisher Elementary School

4th grade

Degree(s):  Eastern Michigan University                                   December of 2014. 

You may want to know: This is my first year teaching! Some things I like to do include going up north to Oscoda for family vacations and fishing! 

Wendy Draper

Fisher Elementary School

5th grade

Degree(s): University of Wisconsin-River Falls

                          St. Mary's University - currently pursuing a Master's

You may want to know: I taught for 17 years in MN, all elementary grades except kindergarten and 2nd.  I was born in mid Michigan;  my dad's job transferred us to MN in late 80's. I moved back to Michigan last summer (2014) to be closer to my family.  I love to bake, crafting, dogs, and hockey.

Danielle Crossley
Pierce Middle School
7th grade language arts

Degree(s):  Michigan State University -  May of 2014

You may want to know: I’m a huge MSU fan! I love summer and warm weather. This past summer, I spent many weekends on Lake Farewell, where I learned to wake surf. I also love traveling and I was lucky enough to visit friends in San Francisco after finishing my internship! 

Barbara Johnston

Pierce Middle School

7th grade language arts

Degree(s):  Michigan State University

You may want to know: I completed a year long student teaching internship at Southfield-Lathrup High School in Southfield, MI. I love to cook and try new recipes. My next goal is to try making different types of homemade bread!

Jackie Fincher
Thurston High School
Algebra 1

Degree(s):  Grand Valley State University

You may want to know:   This will be my fourth year of teaching. I have previously taught at a charter school in Belleville, MI and have coached girls basketball and track. In my free time I enjoy running, participating in volleyball leagues and spending time with my family.

Kate Poirer
Thurston High School
9th grade physical science

Degree(s):  Michigan State University - 2007
                       DePaul University - 2012

  

You may want to know: I earned a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering with a Biomedical Cognate and a Master's in Education.  I worked as a power consulting engineer for three years and as a teacher for three years in the Chicago-land area.  I am married with three dogs and just recently moved back to the Detroit area from Chicago after spending 8 years there.  My husband, Nick,  and I reside in the Grosse Pointe area.

President's Corner

The 2015 school year is well upon us and for the first time in over five years, the members of the SREA are starting the year with a little more money in their pockets.  Over the summer, the Professional Negotiation Team met with administration to negotiate our salary re-opener and, as you know, were able to get a step increase for members who were frozen, and those at the top received a 1% increase off-schedule.  (As a reminder, off-schedule means that the increase will not carry over into the next year.)

Our success was mainly due to an increase in our student count – since the State has given almost no per-pupil funding increases.  Although the actual number of students in our classroom has dropped a bit, the SREA’s agreements to allow on-line learning and shared time with parochial schools has brought our total enrollment up over 200 students from last year.

This of course is good news, but members need to stay vigilant and keep an eye on Lansing.

Currently, legislators are looking at Roads Bills that will slash the general fund to fix roads. That means more cuts to schools.  We have another salary re-opener to negotiate for next year coming up in the next few months.  It is imperative that we continue to grow our enrollment, but also we must prevent cuts from the State which would negate any gains we have made in South Redford and devastate Public schools across the state.  Be sure to call your legislators and let them know that we cannot afford any more cuts!

Finally, the SREA Leadership works hard to serve its members.  We want to know how we are doing and how we can improve.  We can’t do that without your help.  Soon a survey will come out and we ask that you spend the time to answer some questions about our efforts.  Please take the time to answer honestly.  We need to know what we are doing right, as well as suggestions for improvement. Your voice cannot be heard if you don’t fill it out.  Thanks in advance!

Bill