A suggestion was made at our monthly Executive Board and Site Representative’s Council meeting that I report regularly about my activities in a mass email as well as the reports I always make monthly at our regular meetings.  I think it is a valid request although I would prefer that members attend, participate and hear my report at our regular meetings.

5/2/11 – We held our regular PRPE Executive board and site representative council meeting in Room 211 at Paso Robles High School from 3:30pm until 6pm.

5/3/11 – I, along with Brigid Woods (the PRPE health benefits specialist), attended the yearly SISC (Self-Insured Schools of California) plans and premiums update.  It was clear from the presentation that SISC is reducing the richer benefits options and increasing the higher cost to employee’s options.  They also announced that premium increases will be in the 7% to 11% range.

5/3/11 – Evaluation Committee – I attended this committee meeting along with Brigid Woods (VP), Dr. McNamara, Carol Kenyon, Babette DeCou, Steve Campbell and Greig Welch. At this meeting, Dr. McNamara passed out a large packet of newly proposed forms related to certificated evaluations. We will review these draft forms and respond with questions.

5/5/11 – I attended a presentation in downtown Los Angeles by the California Public Employee Relations Institute for Research on Labor and Employment that covered the process of navigating an unfair labor practice charge before PERB (the California Public Employment Relations Board).

5/6/11 – I consulted with our CFT (California Federation of Teachers) attorney Jeff Boxer in his office in Los Angeles related to the timeline for binding arbitration of our outstanding grievances and our unfair labor practice charge concerning our Special Education Program.

5/13/11 – I attended our PRJUSD-PRPE monthly communications meeting with our K-5 Vice-President Jennifer Lutz (VP), 6-12 Vice-President Fred Kloepper (IHS), Negotiations Chair Lisa Tate (KK), and Shannon Gidcumb (PRHS). The district representatives included the superintendent, Greig Welch and Rueben Canales, principal W.P. We discussed a variety of issues including funding, discipline and upcoming meetings.

5/16 – 18/11 – I went to Sacrament to lobby for education funding with a group from the TCEC (Tri-County Education Coalition) that represents parents, community members, administrators, teachers and education support professionals.  We heard reports from the various involved groups regarding the May Revise and visited our state representative’s offices to deliver the clear message of “No More Cuts!”  On 5/16 I also met with other state CTA chapter presidents for an update and further lobbying activities at the capitol.

5/19/11 – Brigid Woods and I attended another SISC meeting that provided Paso Robles School District specific numbers on our premium increases for 2011-2012.

5/20/11 – I participated in a grievance hearing concerning the high school English curriculum. I also attended a meeting concerning an individual’s personnel matter.

5/21/11 – I attended the CISCC (Channel Islands Service Center Council) meeting in Santa Maria.

5/23/11 – I participated in a meeting at PRHS about the bell schedule.

5/24/11 – I attended the PRJUSD school board meeting and presented a report on the Sacramento Lobby Days and the state budget.

5/25/11 – I met with the superintendent about the Evaluation and Special Education grievances.

Jim Lynett, PRPE President