End of Year Letter

Dear Colleagues,

YOU ARE AMAZING! Educators have proven this year, more than any time in recent history, that we are professionals, we can adapt to anything, and we will go above and beyond to meet the needs of our students and families. Our public schools are the lifeblood of our communities. We deserve respect, and we deserve a voice.

Your union has been a steadfast advocate in lifting educator voices in KUSD. We know the last decade has been tough for educators in our state. We want to share that there are many hopeful signs ahead in KUSD.

For the first time since Act 10, KEA is finalizing a part-time union president release agreement with the district. This means you will have a representative who can regularly visit schools and gather input from the people on the front lines serving students. In addition, we have secured slots for educators on KUSD strategic planning committees and on each of the fall core planning teams. Our newly seated school board has committed to reviving standing committees and including educator representatives on those committees moving forward. Better days are ahead.

In order to represent our educators well as we prepare for fall, we are asking all of you to please complete the survey linked here: https://bit.ly/2A4vtNv. Your responses will help our committee representatives and union leaders to bring forward your questions and concerns in the days ahead.

We must also come together like never before. Our public schools are funded through a tax base that is suffering. Without significant relief from the federal government, our schools are likely to face cuts and layoffs. That is why it is more important than ever that every KUSD educator invests in union membership today. Your membership includes being part of the NEA (National Education Association), our nation’s largest professional employee organization, WEAC (Wisconsin Education Association Council), our statewide association, and your local union, KEA (Kenosha Education Association). As we move ahead into more unknown territory, it is essential that we have a voice and a seat at the table as educators. Your union provides that voice.

You can complete a membership form by visiting kea.weac.org/join or by replying to this email with a personal email address where we can send an electronic membership form.

Again, we thank you for exemplifying all that is great about our public schools as we wrap up the year. We wish you safety, rest, and rejuvenation. Your union stands with you and for you.

Sincerely,

Your KEA Officers

Tanya, Kathy, and Sam