Lamphere Federation of Teachers
MFT&SRP #1614
January/February 2004

NCLB--Staff meetings have been taking place to fill out the worksheets required by the Federal Government and State to determine compliance with the law in regards to teacher quality. The LFT in principle supports the goals of high standards for students and teacher quality. With that said, we also believe that NCLB needs some amendments. We will do everything possible to support bargaining unit members.

Presidential Primary Voting--There will be no Republican Primary this year because George W. Bush is running unopposed. The Democratic Party is holding a caucus vote for the nomination. The caucus will take place on February 7th. You do not have to be a member of the Democratic Party in order to vote. However at the caucus sites, on the mail ballot and on the internet ballot, everyone must publicly declare him or herself as a Democrat for purposes of voting in the Presidential Caucus. It will not be like the Iowa Caucus, but will resemble our typical voting method at the caucus sites. You will also have the opportunity to vote via mail or internet. In order to vote using those methods you must be a registered voter and submit an application by either mail or via the internet at www.mi-democrats.com. The request must be received by January 31st at 6 p.m. If you need an application go to the website or e-mail MIDEMPARTY@MI-DEMOCRATS.COM. Individuals not yet eighteen years old, but who will be eighteen on election day may vote at the caucus sites. They will need to bring identification. Non-citizens may also vote at the caucus sites, but will need to be a citizen by the election date in order to vote. They will also need to bring identification.

Caucus Sites--There are over 400 caucus sites. A list of caucus sites can be found at www.mi-democrats.com

Transfer Requests--If you are interested in tranferring to another building you must make a written request by February 1st to the Human Resources Office to Dr. Pando. Refer to Article VII in your contract. Make certain that you also send a copy of your request to Dave Wrobel, LFT President. If you are an elementary teacher who desires a change in grade and/or subject assignment within the same building for the following school year you  must make your request in writing by March 1st to the Human Resources Office to Dr. Pando with a copy to your principal and Dave Wrobel, LFT President. Refer to Article V in your contract.

Contract Changes--The changes in this year's contract are located on the LFT webpage in the contract Q&A section. Since a new contract has not been printed it is suggested that you print that page and attach it to your current contract. A copy of the salary schedule was made to everyone when the contract was settled. If you need an additional copy contact your building rep.

Borders Strike Settled--The Borders workers at the Ann Arbor store have settled their first union contract. They are grateful to all of you who did not do your Christmas shopping at area stores in support of the workers in Ann Arbor. Let the managers at your local store why you are now a returning customer.

LFT Social--Don't miss the LFT Social on Friday. Secretaries and para's have been invited to join us. Besides good pizza and comaraderie there will be some excellent door prizes. Hope to see you there.

Legislative News--Two important items came out of the Revenue Estimating Conference earlier in January. The per-pupil reduction is now down to $79 from over $100. It is still a real loss to K-12 school districts but is less of a loss. The revenue problems we have been experiencing will continue into the 2004-05 school year for all education budgets.

Lobby Day--Mark your calendar for the MFT&SRP Lobby Day in Lansing on March 16th. Given all that is happening in Lansing we need to be out in  full force. If you are interested in attending contact your building rep.

  Respectfully submitted,

Judy Schram, LFT Vice-President

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