MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
June 2, 2020
Hi Everyone.
I hope this email finds you healthy and happy.
COVID-19 is a health crisis that is also causing serious economic disruption. Because of this, many of you are wondering whether the FRPS will cut positions. Unfortunately, we don't have a definite answer for you at this time. We are still waiting for the State to revise their budget and inform districts how much chapter 70 funding they will receive.
I contacted Senator Rodrigues this week to see if I could find out what we might be looking at. He understands the urgency of the situation and hopes to have answers in a couple of weeks. Since revenues are at historic lows, I also asked him to consider exploring some progressive forms of revenue to help fund education. We know that the recently passed CARES act was intended to provide COVID related relief, but it also included a large tax cut for high-income businesses, including hedge fund investors. At a time when we are heading towards damaging state cuts, we should try to recoup a portion of that windfall.
I know waiting is not easy. Once we have the revised numbers we will know more about whether we can maintain level services.
We have also received more questions about Professional Teaching Status (PTS). Districts must inform non-PTS teachers if their contract will not be renewed by June 15. If you do not have PTS, and do not get a letter by June 15, you can assume you are returning next year.
Have you taken MTA's Survey on Remote Learning yet? The survey ends on Friday, June 5 so please take it today. The more responses they collect, the more accurate the findings will be for doing a statewide analysis. You can find the survey here.
Over the past week, I've had numerous conversations with members about the senseless killing of George Floyd and the issue of systemic racism. The pain, fear, and outrage people feel is real and heartbreaking. As educators, we are role models for our kids and they are watching our response. Let's not look away. We need to keep talking to each other, and we need to listen to the stories of people of color. There are many ways to speak out against discrimination and social injustice. If you are interested in attending a local event, there will be a peaceful rally in Lafayette Park on Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. The Herald News has more details.
These seem like times of great darkness. Let's do our best to spread some light, love and peace.
Rebecca
I hope this email finds you healthy and happy.
COVID-19 is a health crisis that is also causing serious economic disruption. Because of this, many of you are wondering whether the FRPS will cut positions. Unfortunately, we don't have a definite answer for you at this time. We are still waiting for the State to revise their budget and inform districts how much chapter 70 funding they will receive.
I contacted Senator Rodrigues this week to see if I could find out what we might be looking at. He understands the urgency of the situation and hopes to have answers in a couple of weeks. Since revenues are at historic lows, I also asked him to consider exploring some progressive forms of revenue to help fund education. We know that the recently passed CARES act was intended to provide COVID related relief, but it also included a large tax cut for high-income businesses, including hedge fund investors. At a time when we are heading towards damaging state cuts, we should try to recoup a portion of that windfall.
I know waiting is not easy. Once we have the revised numbers we will know more about whether we can maintain level services.
We have also received more questions about Professional Teaching Status (PTS). Districts must inform non-PTS teachers if their contract will not be renewed by June 15. If you do not have PTS, and do not get a letter by June 15, you can assume you are returning next year.
Have you taken MTA's Survey on Remote Learning yet? The survey ends on Friday, June 5 so please take it today. The more responses they collect, the more accurate the findings will be for doing a statewide analysis. You can find the survey here.
Over the past week, I've had numerous conversations with members about the senseless killing of George Floyd and the issue of systemic racism. The pain, fear, and outrage people feel is real and heartbreaking. As educators, we are role models for our kids and they are watching our response. Let's not look away. We need to keep talking to each other, and we need to listen to the stories of people of color. There are many ways to speak out against discrimination and social injustice. If you are interested in attending a local event, there will be a peaceful rally in Lafayette Park on Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. The Herald News has more details.
These seem like times of great darkness. Let's do our best to spread some light, love and peace.
Rebecca