BLOOMINGTON FEDERATION OF TEACHERS

During my visits to sites across the district, I began by asking, "How are you doing?" I quickly learned that the question that REALLY needs to be asked is, "What do you need right now?" Things are rough. We hear this from all the members and we're trying to bring those needs to the forefront. Each site is unique so we don't all need the same thing. However, there are general themes that we are communicating with the leadership at the district level.

• More subs is a need consistent across districts in Minnesota. The district has hired "permanent" subs with the agreement they work only for Bloomington in exchange for benefits. We also know there are not enough people out there that want to work in schools. Nevertheless, we have to find more options.
• The other need is TIME! This year has made the issue of time more of a crisis as teachers' mental and physical health suffer. The union has pushed hard on postponing PD and initiatives until there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Everyone wants a piece of our staff members. New curriculum, technology, higher student academics and social/emotional needs. It isn't just one thing--it is all of it--and something HAS to change. We have to make a decision to say "no" and support each other. We have met with leadership and explained that every small thing that teachers are asked to do turns into big things when multiple departments are asking for their time and energy. Teachers continue to say they want to focus on the students in their room and not all the extra duties. Yes, some things can make our lives "better" but it is the learning and implementation time that is too much for most. Teachers need choices. Teachers need to be able to say "no" when they can't do one more thing.

So what are next steps? Departments have been asked to give a list of what can be postponed or removed from the teachers' responsibilities. That includes technology, research, learning and teaching and SEL. Principals have been asked to cut down on meetings. The district is discussing ways to utilize staff to help with subbing at the sites. They are really trying to find ways to help. Only time will tell if there is a reduction. But we can't just wait. How can we collaborate more efficiently and free up some time? I am willing to take any of your ideas to the district. Please share your ideas with your building stewards or me directly.

The BFT and the district will hold Meet and Confer meetings on a scheduled basis this year. Meet and Confer meetings will be new to Bloomington, but it is not a new concept. Meet and Confer is actually part of the Public Employment Labor Relations Act (PELRA).

Meet and Confer is common practice in Minnesota school districts. The purpose is to provide a formal exchange of views and concerns between employers and their employees while fostering a constructive relationship. It is a chance to discuss policies and other matters relating to employment that are not terms and conditions of employment. There are many issues teachers' face that are not addressed in our contract. The same goes for the district.

Both the district and the union are committed to using Meet and Confer as an avenue to improve our working conditions and promote a positive climate. Possible topics could be learning environment conditions, staff morale, workload, snow days and the calendar. Both sides bring issues to tackle together.

Were you rejected for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program sometime after 2007? If so, this settlement could apply to you. The infamously obstructive system of student debt relief called Public Service Loan Forgiveness is changing, and half a million borrowers finally have a clear path to discharging their loans. Education Minnesota and the AFT will help you navigate the process. You can read about next steps below. Please stay tuned for more information.

https://www.aft.org/pslf

The district team will be lead by Jenna Mitchler, Assistant Superintendent. Other members of the team include Brian Ingemann, Rod Zikovich, Mary Burroughs, legal representative and a school board member. The BFT team is Jeff Bunkert, Lead Negotiator, along with Jennie Huss, Josh Coval, Chris Tollefson, Wendy Marczak and Eric Herrmann. Both team leaders met last week to set a schedule and discuss our climate goals. Also, Rod Zikovich met with union members to share the costing model and discuss financials of the district.

Other metro districts have shared their settlement packages with union leaders. While the average metro settlement is 2.15% and 2.12% on the salary schedule, the terms differ vastly depending on whether a district is going for an operating referendum and enrollment numbers. The range has been a soft freeze to a 2.75% on the schedule. We use data of the districts' surrounding us and in competition for our students to guide our bargaining targets.

In an effort to provide relevant programs and communicate effectively to meet the needs of all Education Minnesota/BFT members, ESI is working with Prime46 to reach out to members to see if they want to participate in some focus groups taking place in November. Members who participate will be paid $200 to participate in a 90 minute focus group.

Email invitations will go out to members over the next few days. This is legitimate!

ESI is the member benefit arm of Education Minnesota, offering a variety of programs and services designed to help members save money, plan for the future and protect their loved ones.

If you are exposed to Covid at work and must use sick days, please reach out to me. I would like to help navigate sick time documentation and advocate for members during the experience. The information can remain confidential.

The district is exploring the option for online learning during inclement weather days this year. The main purpose for these days would be to meet the MDE instructional minutes requirement, if we have the traditional snow day. Overall, BPS has a cushion of 1 snow day before we would have to add days to the end of our calendar in June. Jenna Mitchler, Assistant Superintendent, is collecting feedback from all the stakeholders. She is hoping to present the plan to the school board for review soon. Carole Bennett and I sat on the committee when we were discussing how snow days play out with different ages of students. While secondary seemed comfortable with the plan, elementary had more questions at our DIT monthly meeting. We will continue to share your thoughts.

Tuesday election results are in. All three incumbents maintained their seats for another four year term to begin January 1, 2022. Matt Dymoke will replace Jim Sorum whom did not seek re-election. Matt was born and raised in Bloomington. He attended our public schools and graduated from Kennedy in 2010. Matt has an undergraduate education degree and earned a Masters of Science in Leadership in 2019. Matt is still active in our music programs at Kennedy. His current job is with Lutheran World Relief and previously he worked at Concordia College. Matt is an educator, coach, advisor and advocate for our students and community.