The Schools Our Students Need: How can you help?

Update on SB 451 from AFT-WV President Fred Albert (2-14-19)

Update on SB 451, what happens next in the process, and our next steps (2-14-19)

SB 451 passed the House today overwhelmingly in a 71-29 vote. The version that the House amended and passed is drastically different from the version passed by the Senate. Before we go any further, let me assure you that I am mindful of the direction given to us by the county leadership of the three organizations in terms of what would trigger a strike. That option to strike continue to be on the table.

That said, below is a quick outline of the major components or changes in the House bill:

• 5 % pay increase

2019 AFT-WV Summer School Information and Registration

It's time for the best week of the summer! Join us June 24-28, 2019!

AFT-West Virginia is conducting its 24th annual weeklong educational summer program. This program is offered through the joint efforts of AFT-West Virginia, the Union Leadership Institute of the American Federation of Teachers, and the Institute for Labor Studies and Research of West Virginia University. The program is offered in the belief that training for union activists is essential to the development of a strong, pro-active union, and that active union members

A Day in your Shoes: AFT-WV'S op-ed campaign

AFT-WV is coordinating an op-ed campaign featuring member stories and their ideas on what our students need.

Tell the public or legislators what it’s like to walk a day in your shoes.

These op-eds will be part of a media blitz strategically timed around the special session.

Click here to learn more or submit an op-ed.

A message from AFT-WV President Fred Albert

Dear Member,

Spring is a very busy time for educators, and I know everyone is also feeling anxious about the upcoming special legislative session. I wanted to take the opportunity to tell you what we know, what it is still uncertain and some of the strategic activities and actions that will be taking place in the coming weeks.

What we know:
Overwhelmingly, the results of the public education forums called for wraparound services to address the physical, mental and emotional needs of students. The public support for charter schools and ESAs was so minuscule that several legislators who had once

OMNIBUS 2.0: UPDATE And ACTION NEEDED

Senate Session Update:

On Monday, the West Virginia Senate passed another omnibus education bill that would, among many other things, legalize charter schools, prohibit county superintendents from closing schools in anticipation of strikes and implement punitive measures toward striking teachers and service personnel.

The measure passed on a 18-15 vote, with all Democrats present voting no, and Sens. Bill Hamilton, R-Upshur, and Kenny Mann, R-Monroe, also voting no. Sen. Robert Plymale, D-Wayne, was absent.

Additionally, a bill to permit education savings accounts passed the Senate by the same

Omnibus 2.0 Update

On Monday, the Senate passed SB 1039, titled the “Student Success Act” but more commonly known as Omnibus 2.0. The omnibus bill, similar to its predecessor SB 451 that was defeated earlier this year, contains a wide variety of helpful and harmful provisions for public schools.

Major provisions of Omnibus 2.0 include:

· Allows for an unlimited number of charter schools, subject to authorization by local boards of education, or the state board for counties that choose to not be an authorizer. Charter boards authorized to contract with “any third party” for “any service, activity, or undertaking”

Ride sharing options for Special Session

Planning to travel to the Capitol during the upcoming special session? Use this tool to announce carpools or bus plans set up in your area or search for travel options from your local area.

AFT Telephone Town Hall

Start: Wednesday, October 16, 2019 • 8:00 PM • Eastern Time (US & Canada)

Join AFT President Randi Weingarten on Wednesday, Oct. 16, at 8 p.m. Eastern timeto learn more about how educators in Chicago are fighting for what their students need to make Chicago public schools places where parents want to send their kids, teachers want to teach, and students can learn. Listen to their stories and learn what you can do to support our courageous brothers and sisters.

Click here to RSVP to the town hall.

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Update on SB 451 from AFT-WV President Fred Albert (2-14-19)