This is a busy time of year – we are preparing our initial proposal for negotiations, we are preparing to conduct elections for our state and local delegates to the NEA Representative Assembly and the RESPA Executive Board, we are looking forward to the RESPA Member Dinner on March 16^th, we are looking forward to holding our first Rep Council meeting in our new office, and so much more.  With all of this on the horizon, there’s a lot going on in my personal life – my second grandson, Gabriel Benjamin Cox, was born on January 22^nd, my youngest daughter, Kerry, is getting married at Walt Disney World on April 27^th and then there’s my campaign for the NEA Executive Committee.  On the state level, the transition to include Education Support Professionals in the California Teachers Association as full, active members continues to progress – there are some challenges but there are so many more rewards that we have to look forward to as members of CTA.

Just a few comments as this newsletter goes to print – the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Redlands Education Support Professionals and Redlands Unified School District is a document that, I believe, both the Association and District are proud of.  We have all worked hard to make sure member and district rights are protected and honored.  Sometimes there are things that happen and we are not sure if they are okay or not.  If that happens to you, please contact me at the office (909-793-1526), contact any member of the RESPA Executive Board or contact your Site Rep and ask about it.  The contract is there to protect both members and the district and we all have a responsibility to make sure that it is followed.  Having spent 8 years as your President and numerous years before that involved in negotiations and local leadership, I am committed to making sure all member rights are protected and am more than happy to answer questions you might have about how the contract is applied or interpreted.  Even if the issue is not something we can deal with, I will tell you that as well.  The point is, please pick up the phone and call.  It never hurts to ask a question and it may be something that we can help with.  Take a few minutes to fill out the survey you received and indicate how you think we can improve our contract.  We base our proposal on your responses.

The RESPA Member Dinner is March 16^th.  It sounds like it is going to be so much fun!  I am excited to honor all of our retirees and share an evening of good food and fun with all of you.  Thank you in advance to Debbie Martin for coordinating this event one more time!

On a personal note – I would like to thank everyone who is helping with the fundraising for my national campaign.  I so appreciate the support and encouragement of everyone who is helping!