It was an inspiring day in our nation’s capital, as classified employees finally received nationwide recognition for the incredible services and dedication they provide to our nation’s students every day.

The White House recognized and celebrated outstanding school support professionals as “Champions of Change”— leaders who are “doing extraordinary things to make a difference” in their communities.

School Support Champions of Change Doris Hominda and Edward Ammons with the PSE Board of Directors at The White House.

During two panel discussions, stories were shared of the crucial work that classified employees contribute to students’ success in and out of the classroom, especially for our most vulnerable kids with special needs.

“Technology is moving forward; we must keep moving kids forward with it. Students with disabilities, who may not be able to hear, now have the option of using an iPad or laptop and hear by touch,” said Ed Ammons, who makes sure every kid has a great day in the classroom by providing them with the unique AV tools and technology they need to be successful.

“I took welding, culinary arts, sewing, nutrition fitness. I knew I needed to learn their curriculum to help my special needs kids be successful,” said Doris Hominda, who has dedicated her career to helping students take advantage of everything their school has to offer, to be involved, and to give back through community service.

ISSUE 13 - JUNE 2016

Among the twelve school support professionals honored at the May 11th White House ceremony were two classified employees from Washington State: our own PSE members Edward Ammons and Doris Hominda.

“Congratulations to Edward and Doris on being selected for this incredible honor,” said PSE President Reen Doser. “Your commitment to tirelessly serving the students in your district reflects the outstanding work that Washington State’s 50,000+ classified school employees do every day. Classified employees are dedicated professionals who advocate for education and work hard to create smarter and safer schools for the children in our communities.”

Like Us on Facebook and you could win tickets to Wild Waves Theme Park or Silverwood Theme Park

CLASSIFIED SCHOOL EMPLOYEES HONORED IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

“Classified employees are the heart and soul of every school.” - Senator Patty Murray to the Champions of Change from Washington State

Dear Classy, What is this TEAM training that I keep hearing my coworkers talking about? – Curious About Training

Dear Curious, If you’re looking for training opportunities, look no further than the TEAM (Together Everyone Achieves More) Conference! It’s an outstanding weekend that will energize you as a union leader and help teach ways to strengthen your chapter. The workshop will be held in Kennewick on June 24th, 25th and the 26th.

We will be offering classes on negotiations, conducting productive meetings, round table conversations with leaders, union benefits and creative ways of communicating with your chapters, SPED laws, non-crises interventions and core comps and their importance.

For more information, and to register, visit PSEClassified.org.

If you have a question you’d like answered in a future issue, drop me a line at classy@pseofwa.org.

WHALE TALES...

THE PULSEAs you’re pursuing family fun this summer, remember to stay safe and use your union benefits to save some money. PSE members get discounts to theme parks:

• Disneyland and California Adventure: Head to PSEClassified.org and click on “Membership benefits.” Scroll down and click the link under “Discount Disneyland Tickets” and use the password DisneyPSE to access the page.

• Wild Waves Theme Park: On the “Membership benefits” page at PSEClassified.org, find the Wild Waves ticket store link. Use the user name PSEofWA and password summer2016 to get access.

• Silverwood Theme Park: enter the code SilverwoodPSE2016 when buying tickets at SilverwoodThemePark.com.

CLASSIFIED SCHOOL EMPLOYEES HONORED IN WASHINGTON, D.C. CONTINUED...Some students may be difficult to reach. They may act out due to an unsafe home environment, or have behavioral issues. To them, simply finding a path to success in the classroom, and eventually graduation, seems impossible. But it is employees like Doris and Edward who make the difference and help their kids see a brighter future forward.

“We are preparing students to head out into the world of work. It is so rewarding to go to graduation every year. Every single one is on their way to change the world,” said Hominda.

Classified employees understand that you don’t have to be a teacher to be a mentor, and being an educator means that you are dedicated to every student’s success. That one employee who pays attention may make all the difference, and that’s why we do what we do.

With stories of students’ success being shared, the Champions also reflected on what their union membership means.

“If we can improve our quality of life, we will have better employees who can put their best foot forward at work for the goal of providing our students the necessary tools they will need to graduate and go forth in life to be productive citizens in our society,” said Edward Ammons.

“You are the individuals that help students dream, discover, and believe,” said Dr. Monique Chism from the Department of Education in her closing remarks to all twelve champions.

“Thank you for shining a light on classified school staff,” said Hominda. “They deserve a big light shining on them.”

Doris Hominda and Edward Ammons were recognized by the Obama Administration for their dedication to students and advocacy of public education.

SEIU IS ALL ABOUT YOU! Classified and higher education employees from PSE joined hundreds of member leaders

from locals throughout Washington, Oregon, and northern California for the SEIU IGNITE Conference in SeaTac.

The conference is an action-packed two-day experience that focuses on leadership development, organizing skills, and sharing knowledge and networking with other SEIU members throughout the region.

“Individually, we’re a spark. But together, we’re a fireball.” - PSE President Reen Doser

UNION POWER: VICTORY FOR WSU EMPLOYEES The Public Employment Relations Commission just ruled in PSE’s favor on a crucial case involving PSE’s chapter at Washington State University!

Immediately after PSE organized a group of custodians at WSU-Pullman in October 2014, WSU unilaterally decided to reduce the wages of 34 of those custodians from Step M to Step L on the salary schedule, resulting in a significant loss of money for each employee. WSU did not give PSE notice or an opportunity to bargain the reduction in wages.

PSE promptly filed an unfair labor practice against WSU with PERC. The Hearing Examiner who first heard the case sided with WSU. On appeal, however, PERC overturned that decision and ruled in favor of PSE.

In doing so, PERC ordered that WSU must give back pay to each of the 34 custodians who were affected, with interest, to make them whole. WSU must also post notices around campus stating that it violated the law. A full copy of PERC’s decision is attached.

“This is a great day for not only our members at WSU, but for all employees who choose to join a union,” said Jason MacKay, Higher Education Administrator. “This decision is so important because it preserves the rights of employees to collectively bargain over their wages, hours, and working conditions.”

This is a big victory for PSE and the rights of employees to collectively bargain their wages, hours, and working conditions!

Belong and Be Strong,

Reen DoserState PresidentPSE/SEIU Local 1948

P.O. Box 798Auburn, WA 98071-0798

UPCOMING EVENTS

GET CONNECTED...

Board of Directors Meeting June 23rd In Kennewick, WA

TEAM II ConferenceJune 24th-26thIn Kennewick, WA

PSE ConventionAugust 5th-7thIn Kennewick, WA

facebook.com/PSEClassified

@PSEClassified

instagram.com/pseclassified

www.pseclassified.org

866-820-5652

Text “PSE” to 787753 for text alertsStay up-to-date with your union today!

where Paraeducators fit in many areas of ESSA. By recognizing Paraeducators nationally it will impact thousands of students in Washington and millions of students nationwide.

I am also proud of our lobbying efforts for the Classified School Employee of the Year award. All ten of our Congressmen and both of our Senators have signed on to this bill.

PSE is working hard on this national level to make a difference in our lives and the lives of our students.

FROM THE PEN OF THE PRESIDENTPSE is a member of the NCCESEU, a multi-state coalition of classified school employee unions which includes Minnesota, California, Washington, Ohio and the NEA.

Together, we lobbied in Washington, D.C. this spring. We encouraged our Congressmen and Congresswomen to maintain priority funding for Federal Education programs such as ESSA/Title I, IDEA, Pell Grants and Head Start. ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act) has replaced the No Child Left Behind Act and is now in the implementation guidance stage.

PSE has drafted a letter to the Secretary of Education and made several recommendations for consideration. Our recommendations included requiring that all states provide data on hours of instruction delivered by Paraeducators, professional development opportunities specifically for paras, and minimum employment standards. We have asked the Department to clarify

Coalition representatives from across the country joined us for an exciting week in Washington, D.C.