Tag Archives: Teachers

New Hampshire And The Common Core: Stop The High Stakes Testing

  By Matt Murray | May 22, 2013 - 7:00 am | , , , ,
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common core iconOn Monday Laura Knoy and the Exchange took up the issues surrounding the Common Core.  Common Core are standards that define what all student are expected to know and be able to do, these standards focus on what is most essential. They do not tell us how teachers should teach but it will be anew way of teaching which moves away from the test and drill mentality of the past.

The Exchange had three guests on the show:

Heather Gage: Director of the Division of Instruction at the New Hampshire Dept. of Education.
Laura Hainey: President  American Federation of Teachers New Hampshire
Paul Peterson: Director of the Harvard University program on education policy, editor-in-chief of the journal called Education Next, and author of the forthcoming book, Endangering Prosperity: a Global View of the American School.

Everyone agreed that we need to move away from the standardized testing created by No Child Left Behind.  NCLB is failing our children and creating a situation where children are being drilled to pass standardized tests, and does not promote a true learning experience.

One of the biggest points in this discussions is the fact that the American Federation of Teachers (AFT)  have serious concerns over high stakes testing that are  attached to the Common Core.  Laura Hainey President of AFT-NH talked about how there needs to be more time to evaluate the Common Core standards. Teachers need time to unpack the standards and fully understand them.

Laura Hainey told the NH Labor News:

“Common core standards will lead to critical thinking, problem solving, apply knowledge and teamwork– compare to what we have now rote memorization and endless test taking but we need to give the teachers the time, resource and tools to unpack these standard and fully understand them.”

AFT and AFT-NH agree to the principles laid out by the Common Core standards because unlike NCLB, teachers were involved in developing these standards that have been adopted by 45 states.

Recently AFT conducted a poll where they found 75% support common core standards.  After the standards were adopted there was an immediate push to use this to evaluate teacher effectiveness.  Though a recent AFT survey  found that “74% (of teachers) are worried that the new assessments will begin—and students, teachers and schools will be held accountable for the results—before everyone involved understands the new standards and before instruction has been fully implemented with a rich curriculum”. This is why AFT  has called for a moratorium on teacher and student evaluations based on Common Core.

“The momentum is building to step on the accelerator of quality implementation, and put the brakes on the stakes,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten. “Teachers everywhere are speaking out. They know these standards can transform teaching and learning. But for that to happen, they need the necessary tools and resources to effectively teach the new standards.”

Teacher’s lack of access to the tools and resources to implement the common core standards is the biggest problem right now.

  • 27% of the teachers polled said their school district has provided them with all or most of the resources and tools they need to successfully teach the standards, leaving 73% without the necessary tools and resources.
  • 78% of teachers in low-performing schools said they have been given just some, few or no resources.

Until teachers are given the proper resources and time to unpack and understand the standards they cannot effectively do their jobs.  We need to take this implementation slowly and ensure that it is done correctly.  We need to be patient and make sure it is done correctly.

 

Listen to the discussion on The Exchange

David Letterman’s Top Ten: Ten Reasons I Became A Teacher

  By Matt Murray | May 19, 2013 - 8:00 am | ,
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topten_20110803191317If you know me, I am sarcastic and snarky almost all of the time.  I love to say things like, ‘yes more guns in school is a great idea’ (what you cannot see is the giant eye roll).

Last week the Letterman show used their sarcastic Top Ten list to very sarcastically talk about the reasons people choose to become teachers.  I really liked the how Dave focused on the need for more teachers and better public education in his intro to the bit.

Letterman: “Teachers, my god. If there is a future, it is in the hand of  our teachers. Doing thankless work day after day….. Thankless is the wrong word. We should all be eternally grateful for the hard work these people do.”

Top Ten Reasons I Decided To Become A Teacher

Friday, May 10, 2013

10. I hope to live up to the teachers who inspired me — like Ms. What’s-Her-Name

9. It’s no fun saying the pledge of allegiance every day by myself

8. Honestly, I didn’t pay much attention the first time through school

7. Kids need to know the moon landing was faked

6. If I could make a difference in just one student’s life — well, that wouldn’t be a very good average

5. The glamour

4. You work long hours, but at least the pay is bad

3. Hoping to teach in an all song-and-dance high school, like on “Glee”

2. In the summer, I can watch all you losers go to the office

1. I want to help kids talk good

Can You Feel It? Workers Standing Together In Strikes Across The Country

  By Liz Iacobucci | May 13, 2013 - 3:23 pm | , , , ,
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union_strike_by_blperk_viaFlikr

Fair Contract NowSomething’s happening out there.

  • Here in New England, the Brotherhood of Utility Workers reached a tentative agreement with National Grid just three hours before a strike was scheduled to start.  Members will vote on a tentative agreement next week.
  • More than 2,000 registered nurses at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center will hold a one-day strike later this month.
  • After a week-long strike in Iowa, Carpenters Union Local 308 just reached a new agreement with their local contractors.
  • Last month, fast-food workers in Chicago and New York walked off their jobs for a day.

So yes, down in Washington DC, Congress may be trying to emasculate the National Labor Relations Board.

And yes, in state capitals across America, corporate lobbyists may be pushing their so-called “Right to Work” laws.

And the political elite may think they’re winning this battle.

But out there, all across America, people are getting tired of watching corporate profits soar. Tired of waiting for the economic recovery to “trickle down”.  Tired of shrinking incomes and stagnant futures.  Tired – and scared – of rising workloads and lowered worksite safety standards.

All across America, something’s happening.  Workers are willing to go out on strike.  We’re willing to stay out on strike.  We’re even willing to go out on “sympathy strikes”.

Something’s happening, all around this great country of ours.

Something that’s bigger than the political elites.

Can you feel it?

5-13-13 AFT-NH Legislative Update From Pres. Laura Hainey

  By New Hampshire Labor News | May 13, 2013 - 8:58 am | , ,
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UPCOMING FULL HOUSE VOTES May 22nd

The House Labor Committee recommended defeating SB 100: AN ACT authorizing electronic payment of payroll. This bill will affect all public employees in New Hampshire. This bill will do the following:

  • Delete the requirement that an employer who pays wages by electronic fund transfer offer employees the option of being paid by check.
  • Permits an employer to pay wages with a payroll card after offering employees the option of being paid by direct deposit.

AFT-NH is opposed to this bill and supports the Committee recommendation to defeat this bill.  We understand that many employees do receive their paycheck by direct deposit but there are many who prefer the paper check and they should still have this option. It might be different if they were proposing the cost savings be shared with the employee.

UPCOMING FULL SENATE VOTES—DATE NOT YET SET

The Senate Executive Departments and Administration Committee recommended passage of HB 124 as amended: relative to the determination of gainful occupation for a group II member receiving an accidental disability retirement allowance from the retirement system.

This bill:
I. Reinserts a provision which removes the application of the gainful occupation reductions to retirement allowances of group II accidental disability beneficiaries who have years of service plus years of accidental disability retirement which total at least 20 and who have attained the age of 45.
II. Allows the director of homeland security and emergency management in the department of safety the option to rejoin the retirement system as a member and to continue group II retirement status based on prior service and group II membership, and allows the assistant director of homeland security and emergency management to continue group II retirement status based on prior service and group II membership.
III. Provides for the appointment of the director of the division of homeland security and emergency management for terms of 3 years.
AFT-NH supports the recommendation of passage.

AFT-NH BILL TRACKER UPDATE

Click here to review AFT-NH bill tracker and see where each bill is and where AFT-NH stands on each bill.

STATE BUDGET

The Senate held a public hearings on HB 1: making appropriations for the expenses of certain departments of the State for fiscal years ending June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2015, and on HB 2: relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures Thursday. Many who testified ask that they fund programs that are very much needed like the CHINs program, community health center, personal care attendant, community based program for adduction, and preventative care programs.

In the end Chairman Morse stated “in so many words” that the Senate budget will look a lot different and be a lot leaner than the House’s proposed budget. To review all the documents that have been discussed click here.

If you have any questions or concerns please email me at lhainey@aft-nh.org.

In Solidarity,
Laura Hainey
AFT-NH President

UPCOMING HEARINGS FOR NEXT WEEK
Note the ones in red are priority bills for AFT-NH


MONDAY, MAY 13

STATEWIDE EDUCATION IMPROVEMENT AND ASSESSMENT PROGRAM LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE (RSA 193-C:7), Room 103, LOB
10:00 a.m. Regular meeting.

TUESDAY, MAY 14

HEALTH, EDUCATION AND HUMAN SERVICES, Room 103, LOB
9:00 a.m. EXECUTIVE SESSION ON PENDING LEGISLATION
10:00 a.m. Presentation: New Hampshire Public Charter School Association
Presentation: Department of Education

EDUCATION, Room 207, LOB
10:30 a.m. Subcommittee work session on retained HB 435-FN, relative to funding for chartered public school pupils, HB 243, relative to the board of trustees of a chartered public school, HB 424-FN, relative to review of chartered public school applications by the state Board of Education.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15

EDUCATION, Room 207, LOB
10:00 a.m. Subcommittee work session on SB 97, relative to high school equivalency and relative to illiteracy.
10:30 a.m. Subcommittee work session on SB 82, establishing a commission to identify strategies needed for developing and implementing a competency-based public education system.
11:00 a.m. Subcommittee work session on. SB 27-FN, relative to monitoring by the Department of Education of programs for children with disabilities.

FRIDAY, MAY 17

FINANCE, Room 103, SH
SENATE FINANCE BRIEFINGS
10:00 a.m. Department of Education

TUESDAY, MAY 21

EDUCATION, Room 207, LOB
10:00 a.m. Executive session on SB 27-FN, relative to monitoring by the Department of Education of programs for children with disabilities, SB 48, relative to school performance and accountability.

HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND ELDERLY AFFAIRS, Room 205, LOB
10:00 a.m. Subcommittee work session on retained HB 494, relative to the administration of glucagon injections for pupils.

MONDAY, JUNE 3

TASK FORCE ON WORK AND FAMILY (RSA 276-B:1), Room 207, LOB
1:15 p.m. Regular meeting.

5-6-13 AFT-NH Legislative Update From President Laura Hainey

  By New Hampshire Labor News | May 6, 2013 - 2:12 pm | , , , ,
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DISAPPOINTING VOTE BY THE FULL SENATE THIS PAST THURSDAY

The full Senate voted on HB 142: relative to teacher evaluation systems. Senator Kelly brought forward an amendment to reinsert the following language:  Nothing in this subparagraph shall supersede collective bargaining rights under RSA 273-A. However this failed on a 12 to 12 vote and the following passed:
1 New Paragraph; School Boards; Duty to Provide Education. Amend RSA 189:1-a by inserting after paragraph II the following new paragraph:

III. School boards shall adopt a teacher performance evaluation policy, with the involvement of teachers and principals, for use in the school district. A school board may consider any resources it deems reasonable and appropriate, including any resources that may be provided by the state department of education. In this paragraph, “teacher” shall have the same meaning as in RSA 189:14-a, V.
AFT-NH is opposed to this bill as amended. It does include the involvement of teachers but it left out “Nothing in this paragraph shall supersede collective bargaining rights under RSA 273-A”.  We will ask that the House Education committee not agree with this amendment and the amended bill with then either be defeated or go to a committee of conference.

AFT-NH thanks Senator Kelly for putting forth the amendment with the collective bargaining language and also all the senators that voted in support of the amendment.

Once again, HB 187: relative to deliberative sessions in towns that have adopted official ballot voting, was special ordered to next session. This is the second time this has happened, and no date has been posted for when they will be meeting in full session.

This bill was submitted by retired AFT-NH member Marjorie Porter. This bill provides that the dollar amount agreed to in a collective bargaining agreement between a public employer and an employee organization shall not be modified by the legislative body of the public employer and that amount is what the voters should vote on.

AFT-NH supports this bill; we believe that what is negotiated in good faith should go before the voters for a vote and not be sidelined by a few. We hope that the Senate will pass it as well.

POSITIVE SENATE VOTES

The full senate did vote in favor of passage on HB 178: relative to public employer collective bargaining agreements. This will have the NH Public Labor Relations Board:

  • Post online training for collective bargaining and,
  • Maintain a record how political subdivisions vote on collective bargaining agreements and provide the legislature with an annual report.

AFT-NH supported  passage of this bill.

FULL HOUSE VOTE ON MAY 8TH

The full House will be voting on SB 166, relative to critical incident stress management and crisis intervention services, with a committee recommendation of ‘Ought To Pass.’ This bill establishes that information divulged during critical incident stress management and crisis intervention services is confidential, with limited exceptions specified in the bill. AFT-NH supports the passage of this bill. We feel it is important that we do something for our first responders to support and help them thought difficulty times.

ONGOING COMMITTEE WORK

The House Labor committee is still working on SB 100: AN ACT authorizing electronic payment of payroll. This bill will affect all public employees in New Hampshire. This bill will do the following:

  • Delete the requirement that an employer who pays wages by electronic fund transfer offer employees the option of being paid by check.
  • Permits an employer to pay wages with a payroll card after offering employees the option of being paid by direct deposit.

AFT-NH is opposed to this bill.  We understand that many employees do receive their paycheck by direct deposit but there are many who prefer the paper check and they should still have this option. It might be different if they were proposing the cost savings be shared with the employee.

SB 82: This bill establishes a commission for the purpose of identifying strategies for developing and implementing a competency-based public education. AFT-NH is staying neutral on this bill. We understand that moving to a competency-based system will take much time and consideration when developing this system. AFT-NH hopes that the final report will include recommendations for adequate time and staff development for the educators charged with implementing this new system.

If you are currently moving forward in implementing a competency-based system and you have concerns, suggestions and recommendations please send them to LHainey@aft-nh.org. This way we can makes sure they are passed along.

BUDGET HEARINGS

The Senate will be holding public hearings on HB 1: making appropriations for the expenses of certain departments of the state for fiscal years ending June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2015, and on HB 2: relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures.

This is a good time to attend and express your support or concerns with the proposed budget. The Senate is working from the House’s budget and they will be making changes as they move through the process. To review all the documents that have been discussed click here.

These hearing are being held in Representatives’ Hall on May 9th at 3:00 p.m. − 5:00 p.m. and at 6:00 p.m. − 8:00 p.m. If you are not able to make the hearing you can listen to it at: mms://gencourt.state.nh.us/wmtencoder/housemedia.wmv

If you have any questions or concerns please email me at lhainey@aft-nh.org

In Solidarity,
Laura Hainey
AFT-NH President

UPCOMING HEARINGS FOR NEXT WEEK
Note the ones in red are priority bills for AFT-NH

TUESDAY, MAY 7

LABOR, INDUSTRIAL AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES, Room 307, LOB
10:30 a.m. Continued executive session on SB 100, authorizing electronic payment of payroll,

WEDNESDAY, MAY 8

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION, Room 100, SH
9:00 a.m. Hearing on proposed non-germane amendment #2013-1356s to HB 124-FN, relative to the determination of gainful occupation for a group II member receiving an accidental disability retirement allowance from the retirement system.

THURSDAY, MAY 9

EDUCATION, Room 207, LOB
9:00 a.m. Subcommittee work session on SB 48, relative to school performance and accountability.

10:00 a.m. Executive session on
SB 82, establishing a commission to identify strategies needed for developing and implementing a competency-based public education system,

FINANCE, Representatives’ Hall, SH
3:00 p.m. − 5:00 p.m. HB 1-A, making appropriations for the expenses of certain departments of the state for fiscal years ending June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2015.
HB 2-FN-A-L, relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures.
6:00 p.m. − 8:00 p.m. HB 1-A, making appropriations for the expenses of certain departments of HB 2-FN-A-L, relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures.
Please note: The above Finance hearing will be streamed live via the internet at the following web address: mms://gencourt.state.nh.us/wmtencoder/housemedia.wmv

MONDAY, MAY 13

STATEWIDE EDUCATION IMPROVEMENT AND ASSESSMENT PROGRAM LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE (RSA 193-C:7), Room 103, LOB
10:00 a.m. Regular meeting.

TUESDAY, MAY 21

HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND ELDERLY AFFAIRS, Room 205, LOB
10:00 a.m. Subcommittee work session on retained HB 494, relative to the administration of glucagon injections for pupils.

THURSDAY, MAY 23

STATE FEDERAL RELATIONS AND VETERANS AFFAIRS, Room 203, LOB
9:00 a.m. Full committee discussion with the Congressional Delegation.

AFT-NH Holds Biennial Convention With A Focus On Stopping The Corporate Attack On Schools

  By New Hampshire Labor News | April 9, 2013 - 7:37 am | ,
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AFT-Convention Image

Image courtesy of AFT_NH

This past Saturday AFT-NH held its Biennial Constitutional Convention at the NH Audubon Society in Concord. With 52 delegates, alternates and guest in attendance we heard from AFT National Secretary-Treasurer Lorretta Johnson. She stressed: “Politicians, corporate interests, and so-called reformers have launched an attack on public education, public services, AND our ability to collectively bargain.” Continuing, she reminded delegates that “We need to unite our communities around our brothers and sisters while also making sure that the other side cannot divide and vilify us!”

We also heard from Dave Lang, President of the NH Professional Fighters, who reviewed the current retirement law suits moving their way through the courts and updated the convention on the Local Government Center and the ruling against them. Joe Casey Business Manager of IBEW introduced the Apprenticeship program they have in Concord to train individuals to become Electricians. Lastly, we heard Mark MacKenzie, President of NH AFL-CIO, who spoke on AFT’s history in the labor movement and its powerful advocacy on behalf of teachers since 1916.

The delegates unanimously passed a resolution that “TESTING SHOULD INFORM, NOT IMPEDE, TEACHING AND LEARNING.” Since the implementation of No Child Left Behind, we’ve seen a growing fixation on high-stakes testing as a central piece of the effort to improve schools. Unfortunately, the result has been exactly the opposite. The low-level, high-stakes tests that now hang over our teachers and students—and their extreme misuse as a result of ideologically and politically driven education policy—have seriously damaged our public education system. AFT-NH believes that Learning Is More Than a Test Score and delegates were unanimous in supporting this resolution. To read the full resolution click here.

AFT-NH Officers

AFT-NH held elections for its Executive Board as well, we are excited to announce that Laura Hainey was elected for President, Robert Sherman for Vice President, Dora Hill for Treasurer, Mark King for Secretary and Ellen Fioretti for At-Large. We are ready to move AFT-NH forward for we are dedicated professionals serving NH individuals and families through collaboration with others, striving to advance NH communities and improve the workplace with integrity and commitment.

“AFT-NH is the State Affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers. The AFT has over one million members with nearly 4,000 members here in New Hampshire.   These members are teachers, school support staff, police, higher education faculty and town employees. AFT-NH is a member of the New Hampshire AFL-CIO which represents over 40,000 working men and women.”

4-7-13 A Legislative Update From AFT-NH President Laura Hainey

  By New Hampshire Labor News | April 7, 2013 - 3:38 pm | , ,
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STATE BUDGET

We have made it to “crossover,” when bills from one legislative chamber must pass to the other chamber.  This now means both the House and Senate have till the end of June to finish up business. This week the House completed work on their version of the upcoming State budget. They worked with Governor Hassan’s proposed State budget, but did make a few changes to it.  The biggest is the House did not put gaming revenues into the budget but did increase the gas tax and cigarette tax. AFT-NH is happy to report that the House had the following in its budget:

  • Fully funds existing education funding—$1.9 billion over the biennium
  • Fully funds projection for approved Charter school—there is no new money for new charter schools.
  • Increases catastrophic  aid (special education) $2 million over current.
  • School building aid of $88 million –funds current approved projects.
  • Increase tuition/transportation $1 million over current level.
  • Restores $9.5 million to total fund “children in need of services.”
  • Repeals the education tax credit program.

There has been a lot of talk about funding charter schools but if public schools have to live within a budgeted amount then so should charter schools. They should not be given an endless pool of money.  WE DON’T HAVE IT, SO WHY SHOULD THEY?  

To read more on the House budget click here.

AFT-NH will continue to monitor legislative activity as the Senate begins their work on the State budget.

OTHER HAPPENINGS

The Senate Health, Education & Human Services Committee will be making recommendations Tuesday, April 9th on HB 142: relative to teacher evaluation systems. We have asked the Committee to keep this bill as is.  We especially do not want the Committee to follow the recommendation from the School Board Association, which wants to delete “support system” and want to be the only ones to adopt the system—thus leaving out the voice of the teachers.

As we have said many times, the best evaluation system is devised when each district works with all stakeholders as they develop, implement and modify an evaluation system which will meet the needs of the children of the community and is fair to our teachers. When something is imposed it is usually not well-received.

The Committee will also be making a recommendation on HB 370 repealing the education tax credit program. AFT-NH asks that the committee make the recommendation of ought to pass for the following reasons:

  • This program is unconstitutional. New Hampshire’s Constitution is clear—state money shall not be used to fund religious instruction (“no person shall ever be compelled to pay towards the support of the schools of any sect or denomination.”– Article 6, NH Constitution).
  • There is also much to be concerned about regarding the group that will be overseeing this program.
  • There is no oversight and the only accountability is a parent survey.
  • New Hampshire cannot afford to divert scarce resources to private and religious schools as well as home-schoolers.
  • This is just bad policy.

If you have any questions or concerns please email me at lhainey@aft-nh.org

In Solidarity,
Laura Hainey
AFT-NH President

UPCOMING HEARINGS FOR NEXT WEEK
Note the ones in red are priority bills for AFT-NH


MONDAY, APRIL 8

FINANCE, Room 103, SH
10:00 a.m. House Finance Division Chairs’ presentation on Budget to Senate Finance Committee.

1:00 p.m. Office of Legislative Budget Assistant presents Budget passed by the House to Senate Finance Committee.

TUESDAY, APRIL 9

HEALTH, EDUCATION AND HUMAN SERVICES, Room 103, LOB
EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY FOLLOW
10:15 a.m. HB 142 –teacher evaluations and support system,
HB 370 repeal of the education tax credits.

MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY GOVERNMENT, Room 301, LOB
10:15 a.m. SB 2, relative to the calculation of the local tax cap.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION, Room 100, SH
9:20 a.m. HB 364, relative to notice required concerning employment of a retired member of the New Hampshire retirement system of the limitations on part-time employment.

9:40 a.m. HB 591, relative to an abusive work environment and the health and safety of public employees.
EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY FOLLOW

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION, Room 306, LOB
2:00 p.m. SB 132-FN, establishing a committee to study police special details.

MONDAY, APRIL 15

STATE RETIREE HEALTH PLAN COMMISSION (RSA 100-A:56), Room 302, LOB
1:00 p.m. Organizational meeting.

March 24th Legislative Update From AFT-NH President Laura Hainey

  By New Hampshire Labor News | March 24, 2013 - 5:54 pm | , , ,
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On Friday the Senate Health, Education & Human Services committee heard testimony for four hours on HB 370: repealing the education tax credit program. There was similarity when people spoke in favor or opposition of this bill. Those favoring HB 370 attacked the program as vouchers for private and religious schools.  Those opposing HB 370 said it was about choice and called it a tax credit, not a voucher.

AFT-NH joins those in favor of passing HB 370 in believing that this program is unconstitutional.  New Hampshire’s Constitution is clear—state money shall not be used to fund religious instruction (“no person shall ever be compelled to pay towards the support of the schools of any sect or denomination.”– Article 6, NH Constitution).  The New Hampshire Civil Liberties Union, American Civil Liberties Union, and Americans United for Separation of Church and State have filed suit in Strafford County Superior Court. The lawsuit asks the court to declare the tax-credit program unlawful and block the state from further implementation. To read the press release click here. To read the complaint click here.  The court hearing has been scheduled for April 26th. We hope for a decision by the summer.

There is also much to be concerned about regarding the group that will be overseeing this program. This California based group is called “Alliance for Separation of School and State,” and here in New Hampshire they are called the “NH Network For Educational Opportunity.”  Make no mistake they are one in the same, animated by the goal of “ending government involvement in education,” In other words…privatizing public education. To read more on this group click here to read Bill Duncan’s research on it.

There is no oversight and the only accountability is a parent survey. There is no oversight board and the donors are not going to be public. The only oversight is a summary on statistics that will be produced.

New Hampshire cannot afford to divert scarce resources to private and religious schools as well as home-schoolers.

This is just bad policy. This tax credit program initiated in 2012 is an ill-disguised attempt to begin dismantling and privatizing our public education in NH while weakening our good schools. We are justly proud of our schools in NH and these “vouchers” disguised as tax-credits will only harm public education.

For the above reasons we ask that the Senate Health, Education & Human Services committee make the recommendation of ought to pass.

If you have not taken action and sent a letter to the committee members it is not too late. By clicking here you can take action and ask that they pass this bill.

If you have any questions or concerns please email me at lhainey@aft-nh.org.

In Solidarity,
Laura Hainey
AFT-NH President

OTHER HAPPENINGS AT THE STATE HOUSE AND WHAT WE KNOW!

The Senate Health, Education & Human Services committee will be holding a hearing on HB 142 relative to teacher evaluation systems on March 26th at 9:40 a.m. As I read this bill, any teacher evaluation and support system will be developed with teacher involvement and must be adopted by both the local school board and the teachers. The State teacher evaluation model may serve as a guide and reference only, meaning that it is not mandated that the State model be adopted at the local level. To protect current negotiated provisions in contracts, language was added to the bill, reading “Nothing in this paragraph shall supersede collective bargaining rights under RSA 273-A.” This bill has come a long way from when it was introduced.

We know that the NH School Board Association was not happy with the amended language and I believe they will be coming back with language that is more like the original bill. Keep in mind the original language gave local school boards the entire responsibility for the development, adoption, implementation, and monitoring of a teacher evaluation system. The school board might consult with school administrators and teachers in the development of a teacher evaluation system, but it would not be required to do so.

The House Finance committee is still working their way through the budget bill HB 1 and 2. The full house will have to vote by April 4th.  To read the full text of the budget bill click here. Once the full house has voted on HB 1 and HB 2 they will move over to the Senate. The Senate has until June 6th to take a full vote. We know that each chamber will have different budgets and HB 1 and 2 will move to a committee of conference, where both chambers will have till June 27th to take action.

UPCOMING HEARINGS FOR NEXT WEEK
Note the ones in red are priority bills for AFT-NH

MONDAY, MARCH 25

FINANCE, Rooms 210-211, LOB
Division Budget Presentations to Full Committee:
10:00 a.m. Division I and Division II.
1:00 p.m. Division III.

FINANCE – (DIVISION I), Room 212, LOB
9:30 a.m. Work session on HB 1-A, making appropriations for the expenses of certain departments of the state for fiscal years ending June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2015, HB 2-FN-A-L, relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures.

FINANCE – (DIVISION II), Room 209, LOB
9:30 a.m. Work session on HB 1-A, making appropriations for the expenses of certain departments of the state for fiscal years ending June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2015, HB 2-FN-A-L, relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures.

FINANCE – (DIVISION III), Rooms 210-211, LOB
9:30 a.m. Work session on HB 1-A, making appropriations for the expenses of certain departments of the state for fiscal years ending June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2015, HB 2-FN-A-L, relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures.

TUESDAY, MARCH 26

HEALTH, EDUCATION AND HUMAN SERVICES, Room 103, LOB

9:00 a.m. HB 161, relative to school district policies on health and sex education.
9:40 a.m. HB 142, relative to teacher evaluation systems.
10:00 a.m. HB 629-FN, relative to the criteria for approving and calculating school building aid grants.

FINANCE, Rooms 210-211, LOB
10:00 a.m. Executive session on HB 1-A, making appropriations for the expenses of certain departments of the state for fiscal years ending June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2015, HB 2-FN-A-L, relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27

10 a.m. House in session

THURSDAY, MARCH 28

10a.m.  Possible House session

1 p.m. Senate in session

MONDAY, APRIL 1

TASK FORCE ON WORK AND FAMILY (RSA 276-B:1), Room 207, LOB
1:15 p.m. Organizational meeting.

TUESDAY, APRIL 2

EDUCATION, Room 207, LOB
10:00 a.m. Department of Education – Presentation Common Core.
11:00 a.m. Department of Education – Smarter Balance Assessment.
1:15 p.m. NH school safety and security.

FRIDAY, APRIL 19

FISCAL COMMITTEE (RSA 14:30-a), Rooms 210-211, LOB
10:00 a.m. Regular business.

An Update on Retirement System Legislation From AFT-NH Pres. Laura Hainey

  By New Hampshire Labor News | March 8, 2013 - 3:42 pm | ,
Comments
aft sqaure

This year we are not facing the attacks we did last year on our retirement system but there are eight bills we are tracking. The NHRSC (NH Retirement Security Coalition) is the driving force in introducing and advocating for the passage of three of these 8 bills. When these three bills were introduced, we did so keeping in mind that we support efforts to maintain a defined benefit pension provided by the New Hampshire Retirement System for retired public employees and to ensure the long-term viability of the plan for current and future public employees.  These benefits are essential tools for recruiting and retaining a skilled and qualified workforce—educators, police, fire fighters, and other essential public servants—to provide vital services in the citizens of New Hampshire.
These three bills are:

HB 341: relative to the cost of fiscal analysis of legislation relating to the retirement system.

  • This bill requires that the administrative and professional cost of the fiscal analysis of proposed legislation done by the retirement system not be paid from retirement system assets or charged as an expense of administration.
  • In the last two sessions it cost the New Hampshire Retirement System over $100,000 to fund the costing of bills put in. This is money coming out of our system that could fund close to three pensions.
  • If a legislator puts in a bill then the funds to cost this should come out of their budget not ours.
  • This bill was retained in committee and will be worked on and brought back next session.

HB 342: relative to part-time employment of retired members of the retirement system.

  • This bill has been amended in its entirety into a reporting requirement,
  • It will provide valuable information regarding NHRS retirees. Employers will report the number of hours worked and the compensation earned to the NHRS on a quarterly basis, so NHRS can collect and maintain data that is unavailable now.
  • The bill does not take effect until 120 days after passage to allow time to prepare, and includes a sunset provision in 2018, which allows time for sufficient data to be developed.
  • The New Hampshire Retirement Security Coalition (NHRSC) hired, Thomas Lowman from Bolton Partners and he provided us his actuarial opinion stating that the practice of “double-dipping” is setting the state up for greater costs down the road. He included numerous reasons why employers who either hire more part-time positions than full-time, or encourage full-time employees to retire and then hire them back part-time, are negatively impacting the overall state retirement system and the Unfunded Actuarial Accrued Liability. To read the full letter click here.
  • The House Executive Departments and Administration Committee recommended passage as amended. AFT-NH supports this recommendation.

HB 364: relative to notice required concerning employment of a retired member of the New Hampshire retirement system of the limitations on part-time employment.

  • This bill was amended its in entirety.
  • This bill requires New Hampshire retirement system employers to notify existing and prospective part-time employees, who are retired members in the retirement system, of the annual limitations on hours for part-time employment. The bill also requires the retirement system to provide similar notice to all retired members.
  • An employer shall provide written notice of the hourly limitations on part-time employment and the potential effect that exceeding such hourly limitations could have on the retired member’s retirement benefits.
  • The retirement system shall annually provide written notice to all retired members of the retirement system of the hourly limitations on part-time employment and the potential effect that exceeding such hourly limitations could have on the retired member’s retirement benefits.
  • The House Executive Departments and Administration Committee recommended passage as amended. AFT-NH supports this recommendation.

OTHER RETIREMENT BILLS

HB 124: relative to the determination of gainful occupation for a group II member receiving an accidental disability retirement allowance from the retirement system.

  • This bill reinserts a provision which removes the application of the gainful occupation reductions to retirement allowances of group II accidental disability beneficiaries who have years of service plus years of accidental disability retirement which total at least 20 and who have attained the age of 45.
  • The House Executive Departments and Administration Committee is still working on this bill. AFT-NH supports the recommendation of passage.

HB 455: establishing a committee to study the use of a cash balance retirement plan for new state employees.

 

  • This bill establishes a committee to study the use of a cash balance retirement plan for new state employees and other groups electing to participate.
  • The House Executive Departments and Administration committee recommended defeating this bill. AFT-NH supports this recommendation.

HB 620: relative to the adjustment of member and employer contribution rates in the retirement system.

  • This bill provides that contribution rates for members in the retirement system and employers shall be calculated by assigning one half of the biennial change to the liabilities of the system to each.
  • The House Executive Departments and Administration committee recommended defeating this bill with a vote of 18 to 0. It will go to the full house on March 13th for a full vote. AFT-NH supports this recommendation.


HB 627: requiring unused vacation and sick leave to be converted to service time for purposes of calculating retirement system benefits.

  • This bill provides that at retirement the accrued but unused sick and vacation time of a retirement system member shall be converted to hours and applied as additional creditable service.
  • This bill changes current over 10 years of services and it’s not counted into your earnable comp when you retire.
  • This bill was retained in committee and will be worked on and brought back next session.

SB 132: relative to part-time employment in the retirement system and establishing a committee to study police special details.

  • This bill was amended by the Senate Executive Departments and Administration Committee to establish a committee to study police special details and will move to the full Senate with the recommendation of passage.
  • The committee is tasked with studying the use and efficacy of police special details, and alternatives which may be available to towns, cities, and the state.

As always, if you have any questions, please email me at lhainey@aft-nh.org.

In Solidarity
Laura Hainey
AFT-NH President

UPCOMING HEARINGS FOR NEXT WEEK
Note the ones in red are priority bills for AFT-NH

MONDAY, MARCH 11

FINANCE
White Mountains Regional High School, 127 Regional Road, Whitefield.
5:00 p.m. Public hearing on HB 1-A, making appropriations for the expenses of certain departments ofthe state for fiscal years ending June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2015 and
HB 2-FN-A-LOCAL, relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures.

Nashua Community College, 505 Amherst Street, Nashua.
5:00 p.m. Public hearing on HB 1-A, making appropriations for the expenses of certain departments of the state for fiscal years ending June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2015 and
HB 2-FN-A-LOCAL, relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures.

TUESDAY, MARCH 12

PLEASE SUPPORT FELLOW AFT-NH MEMBERS
Town Election Day is Tuesday, March 12th

We have AFT-NH locals that have contracts coming before the voters on Tuesday March 12th. Your colleagues need your support! We also support our other Union colleagues who have contracts on the ballots in these towns and ask you to support them. For example, in Hudson many of the town employees have been without contracts for several years.  Please review the voting information below and vote on Election Day!
As fellow union members, we know we can make a difference in local elections! We are asking that if you live in one of the towns listed below that you support your fellow union members.
Please pass the word along and encourage others to get out and vote. Our members have negotiated extremely reasonable contracts. Any support you can provide would be great!

Ellis School Support Staff, AFT Local #6223  (Fremont)
Fremont Safety Complex  7am-8pm
Yes on Articles #5 and #6 (Please support the Fremont Teachers as well!)

Hudson Federation of Teachers , AFT Local #2263 and Hudson Federation of Paraprofessionals and School Related Personnel, AFT Local #6245
Lions Hall (Community Center) 7am-8pm
Yes on Articles #2 and #3  (Please also support the town employee contracts!)

Raymond Educational Support Staff  AFT Local #4863
Iber Holmes Gove Middle School Gymnasium 7am-7pm
Yes on Articles #3 and #4

Timberlane Teachers’ Association, AFT Local #4796
(Atkinson, Danville, Plaistow and Sandown)
Atkinson: 7am-8pm: Atkinson Community Center
Danville: 8am-7pm: Danville Fire Association
Plaistow: 7am-8pm: Pollard School
Sandown:  8am-8pm: Sandown Town Hall
Vote Yes on Articles #4 and #5

HEALTH, EDUCATION AND HUMAN SERVICES, Room 103, LOB
9:00 a.m. SB 113-L, relative to a school district’s transportation responsibility for pupils of divorced parents with joint decision making responsibility.

9:15 a.m. HB 160, relative to a school district’s transportation responsibility for pupils of divorced parents with joint decision making responsibility.

THURSDAY, MARCH 14

CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY, Room 204, LOB
10:00 a.m. HB 246, relative to falsity by employer.
10:30 a.m. Or immediately following the hearing, executive session on HB 246, relative to falsity by employer.

FINANCE – (DIVISION I), Room 212, LOB
Budget Work Sessions:
9:30 a.m. Work session on HB 1-A, making appropriations for the expenses of certain departments of the state for fiscal years ending June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2015,
HB 2-FN A-L, relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures.

FRIDAY, MARCH 15

FINANCE – (DIVISION I), Room 212, LOB
Budget Presentations:
11:00 a.m. Work session on HB 1-A, making appropriations for the expenses of certain departments of the state for fiscal years ending June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2015,
HB 2-FN-A-L, relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures.

WAYS AND MEANS, Room 202, LOB
1:00 p.m. Full committee work session on revenue items contained in HB 2 -FN-A-LOCAL, relative to state fees, funds revenues, and expenditures (currently in Finance).

MONDAY, MARCH 18

FINANCE
Sugar River Valley Regional Technical Center, 111 South Street Claremont.
5:00 p.m. Public hearing on HB 1-A, making appropriations for the expenses of certain departments of the state for fiscal years ending June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2015 and HB 2-FN-A-LOCAL, relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures.

Rochester Community Center, 150 Wakefield Street, Rochester.
5:00 p.m. Public hearing on HB 1-A, making appropriations for the expenses of certain departments of the state for fiscal years ending June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2015 and HB 2 FN-A-LOCAL, relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures.

 

“Fighting For Our Future”
www.aft-nh.org

Have you visited the AFT-NH Facebook page and clicked “Like Us”? Please do so today!
Late breaking news appears on Facebook!

Don’t Miss: Your chance to support teachers and town employees

  By New Hampshire Labor News | March 5, 2013 - 4:05 pm | , , ,
Comments
aft sqaure

PLEASE SUPPORT AFT-NH MEMBERS
Town Election Day is Tuesday, March 12th

aft sqaureWe have AFT-NH locals that have contracts coming before the voters on Tuesday March 12th. Your colleagues need your support! We also support our other Union colleagues who have contracts on the ballots in these towns and ask you to support them. For example, in Hudson many of the town employees have been without contracts for several years.  Please review the voting information below and vote on Election Day!

As fellow union members, we know we can make a difference in local elections! We are asking that if you live in one of the towns listed below that you support your fellow union members.

Please pass the word along and encourage others to get out and vote. Our members have negotiated extremely reasonable contracts. Any support you can provide would be great!

Thank you very much.

In Solidarity,

Laura Hainey
AFT-NH President

TUESDAY, MARCH 12TH

Ellis School Support Staff, AFT Local #6223  (Fremont)
Fremont Safety Complex  7am-8pm
Yes on Articles #5 and #6 (Please support the Fremont Teachers as well!)

Hudson Federation of Teachers , AFT Local #2263 and Hudson Federation of Paraprofessionals and School Related Personnel, AFT Local #6245
Lions Hall (Community Center) 7am-8pm
Yes on Articles #2 and #3  (Please also support the town employee contracts!)

Raymond Educational Support Staff  AFT Local #4863
Iber Holmes Gove Middle School Gymnasium 7am-7pm
Yes on Articles #3 and #4  

Timberlane Teachers’ Association, AFT Local #4796
(Atkinson, Danville, Plaistow and Sandown)
Atkinson     7am-8pm         Atkinson Community Center
Danville      8am-7pm         Danville Fire Association
Plaistow     7am-8pm         Pollard School
Sandown    8am-8pm        Sandown Town Hall
Vote Yes on Articles #4 and #5