JCAFT ACTION Newsletter

Jefferson County Baccalaureate School Named Number 1 In The Nation! Jefferson County Transportation Department Receives National Safety Recognition!! Jefferson County Schools Honor Sixty-Six Nationally Board Certified Teachers!!! Jefferson County Schools Receive National EPA Award in Washington D.C!!!!.

What do all these outstanding accomplishments have in common? All of them were made possible because Jefferson County Schools attract quality employees and quality programs for students. These awards and programs would not have been possible, without eight mills of taxes that were passed in 1992. On January 24, 2006 tax payers once again have the opportunity to support quality education by renewing these two taxes. These taxes mean $15 million to Jefferson County Schools. These funds are critical because all of the money is controlled locally to support local schools with excellent programs and outstanding employees.

JCAFT leaders and staff are working with school officials and leaders of other organizations to support the passage of the much-needed revenue. It is time to renew that millage for 29 more years. On November 15, the Jefferson County Commission voted to hold a special election this January to renew the eight mills of property tax, a major centerpiece of our entire local monies.

The Jefferson County Board of Education spends $62.7 million in local funds. The eight mills provide $15 million of this funding. Much of the local money is used to hire additional personnel, so classes will not be so large. Approximately 105 teachers are hired each year out of local funds. Additional services that school support workers provide are also funded out of local monies. JCAFT leaders and staff have worked hard with Dr. Hammonds and other school officials to improve employee salaries so we can attract the best teachers, administrators and support workers to Jefferson County schools. In order to remain competitive Jefferson County schools must have revenue to provide enhanced programs for students and competitive salaries for employees.

To renew these taxes it will be necessary to vote for two separate measures

on the ballot: a five-mill tax and a three-mill tax.

Voters who live in an area represented by Jefferson County Schools, Trussville City Schools, or Leeds City Schools can vote in the special election. The impact of both taxes is modest for an individual taxpayer--approximately $80 per year on a house appraised at $100,000. “These tax renewals are critical to the education of our students. THEY ARE NOT NEW TAXES. The money helps local schools compete with better funded more affluent schools in our area, and in other states. Please do your part to help our schools,” says Vi Parramore, JCAFT President.

DON SIEGELMAN MEETS WITH JCAFT LEADERS

On November 9, 2005, former Governor Don Siegelman met with JCAFT and other labor leaders at the JCAFT office. In a standing room crowd Governor Seigelman discussed his campaign platform he will implement if he is elected. JCAFT members have supported Siegelman every time he has run for office. Under Siegelman’s leadership, portable classrooms were removed. A bill to increase school employee salaries to the regional average was passed with Siegelman’s leadership. .Governor Siegelman worked with JCAFT leaders when school employees reported serious health concerns from a roofing/flooring project at Rudd Middle School. Governor Siegelman ordered the building closed until an investigation could be completed and the building cleared.

Siegelman answered numerous questions regarding charges filed against him. He said that he is innocent of all charges. “The people responsible for these false accusations are making them for political reasons. I look forward to my complete exoneration”, Siegelman told labor leaders.

“Don Siegelman has been a friend to education. We don’t need to desert our friends when they are under attack from our enemies”, says Vi Parramore, President. Governor Siegelman asked for JCAFT leaders to support him. Get the latest information regarding upcoming political races at the JCAFT meeting on January 17.

JCAFT members have voted to support Sundra Escott every time she has sought re-election for state senator. In 1996, Senator Escott sponsored a bill to include JCAFT staff in the Teacher’s Retirement System. This bill granted JCAFT staff the same rights that AEA staff had enjoyed for years. JCAFT had not been included before Senator Escott’s bill. She has a 100% voting record on behalf of education and labor.

Her family members are educators. Her sister, Cora Hall is a JCAFT building representative at Crumley Chapel. Her brother taught at Brighton for years. She knows firsthand the struggles eeducators and support staff face working in grossly under funded schools.

The election in November will be crucial to the direction the state moves in funding education. Will privatization, merit pay, and school vouchers become a reality to the detriment of students and the employees working in our schools? Will PEEHIP Insurance be funded at an appropriate level? Will salaries keep pace with surrounding states? Will class sizes increase? Will school reconstruction and school renovations be funded? Will teachers be required to impose more testing on schools already devoting most of their time on test preparations? Sundra Escott is right on these and many other education issues.

Senator Escott will sponsor two bills during the upcoming legislative session that begins on January 10, 2006. She will sponsor one bill that will allow school employees the opportunity to be covered by Workman’s Compensation. She will sponsor another bill supporting healthy schools with good air quality for students and workers. “Sundra Escott has supported every issue brought to her from JCAFT leaders on behalf of the JCAFT teachers and school support workers. She has been in the trenches with us, fighting by our sides.”

Senator Escott faces opposition from at least two candidates. “We must stand by our friends and support them. I am requesting that every JCAFT member get involved in the November elections. Our futures depend on the upcoming election,” says Vi Parramore, President. JCAFT needs volunteers and contributions to help finance expensive campaigns. Please complete the Committee On Political Education, (COPE) form included, indicating your desire to contribute to endorsed candidates. Fax it to the JCAFT office at 933-1101 to begin payroll deductions for political action. Donations can be directly mailed to the JCAFT office. Remember that the only contributions given to candidates are voluntarily contributed for political activities.

Saturday, January 28, 2006 - 9:00 – 12:30

Judge Alan King, Representatives from Family and Children’s Court including Judge Brian Huff and Judge Andre Sparks, and United Way Agency Officials will present information to help teachers, counselors, and nurses identify options for mentally-ill students and adults.

Judge King works through the probate court system to assist families dealing with mental illnesses.

Judge Huff and Judge Sparks will discuss the role of Family and Children’s Court and the services available to assist students and school employees struggling to meet the growing needs of students in the court system.

These workshop presenters will provide up-to-date health and safety tips for bus drivers, custodians, child nutrition workers, exceptional education employees and others who deal with students on a regular basis.

Mr. Don Yancey, Director Of Teachers’ Department of Teachers’ Retirement System, will give important information for anyone interested. Receive the latest information on the DROP and anticipated changes in retirement.

Gary Hill, Jr., a local investment and retirement planner for Financial Matters, will also be part of the training to provide ongoing help to future retirees.

The Extreme Classroom Makeover project has been a huge success so far! Go by and see Janice Grady’s “new” classroom if you get a chance. It is definitely worth the trip! The classroom is beautiful and she, her students and their parents love the changes.

The reveal of Debra Reeser’s classroom is scheduled for Thursday, January 5 at 10 a.m. It will be spectacular! Debra’s new classroom is going to be a completely equipped, state-of-the-art science lab.

Look for more exciting details about the Extreme Classroom Makeover project in an upcoming January newsletter.

· Information regarding the January 24 vote for the upcoming tax renewal and the importance to JCAFT members and the students they serve.

· A recommendation to transfer money into the JCAFT political campaign account for use in upcoming elections.

If you are a member of another organization, you can start receiving benefits NOW and pay nothing until September 2006. Just complete the card below and check “HOLD”. If you are not a member of another organization join NOW; we will turn your card into payroll immediately. You will receive the best representation each and every time you need us. Fax to 933-1101 or mail.

JCAFT MEMBERS VOTE TO SUPPORT

Saturday, January 28, 2006 - 9:00 – 12:30