HAVE A HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON!!!!

Mark your calendar for January 22, 2006 when we'll have an employee rights training for ARs and building contacts at 3 p.m. It will take the form of a conference call where we'll go over the changes in the collective bargaining contract, address your concerns, and discuss important issues such as planning time and what it means to resolve issues "at the lowest possible level."

We'll need your help with lobbying in the state legislature. Now, more than ever before, NEA-Santa Fe members are positioned (by virtue of our residence in the state capitol) to make our views known as school employees. This is a pivotal year as far as funding is concerned. The state can put money in the places where it really matters. Will they do it without us pushing? Don't count on it. Step forward and help out now!

And don't forget the annual legislative training and reception scheduled on January 18, 2006. ARs: let's get together at the January AR meeting where we'll be planning for the New Year. We'll have some important information and a Power Point to share with you that will make your lobbying at the state capitol easier.

We are continuing to push on the issue of substitutes and are collecting information about how the system is working now that SFPS has taken back the responsibility. Any feedback will be deeply appreciated.

Happy holidays and a great New Year from NEA-Santa Fe.