Spring, 2009

Members,

Change.

March is the time of year that promises change, the promise of change to warmer weather, the promise of better things to come.  This has caused me to reflect on this time of momentous change and to look towards next year.

By the end of the 2009-2010 school year there will be many things that will have to be accomplished in a continuously changing world.  The rules we have lived by in our professional lives will be different.  The atmosphere in which we negotiate the new contract will be different.  The relationships by which we are able to do our work will be new.  We must look forward with a vision that will carry us through these changing times.

By the end of the 2009-2010 school year we will have a new agreement that determines our working environment for the next decade to come.  This will be realized with a new superintendent, a new IEA UniServ Director, a new negotiations team, and a new school board.  The economic crisis presents the Association with real challenges which have never existed before.

Change presents challenges.  This means we have work to do.

The four presidents and representatives of the IEA locals that make up the Council of Naperville Education Employees, NUEA, NUMA, NESPA, and NTA are currently meeting, reviewing resumes, and planning for interviews in an effort to find the best possible candidate to be our UniServ Director.  We anticipate one to be named and in place by July 1st. 

We will be meeting as quickly as possible to establish positive working relationships with our new superintendent.  We must develop a clear understanding of each other and our respective visions for the future of our district.

The NUEA Representative Assembly has approved funds to properly train our next generation of negotiators.  These members must have a vision for our future, so we may best chart the next contract through changing times.  Members of the team will have to commit to the time required for a successful outcome of negotiations.

Lastly, we all must focus on and work the school board elections.  The school board’s vision for the children and school is a critical piece in our puzzle of challenges.  It is with the members of the school board that we determine the future direction of our profession in Naperville.  The importance of electing four new board members cannot be understated.  The members of all the locals are working with NUPACE, our political action committee, interviewing all of the candidates.  All candidates responded to our invitations.  After we have listened to them, we will deliberate and recommend the four we believe to be best qualified to lead us into the future.  We seek to recommend candidates who have the interests of children and the quality of education in Naperville as their primary interest.  Then it is your turn.  It is critical for you to help get out the vote and support the recommended candidates.

There is much work to be done.  It is a huge job.  To be successful, all of us must do our part.  If we all pull together, meet the challenges and work the change, by June of 2010, we may see a good agreement that takes us successfully into the future.

Then I can retire.

Changes and Challenges

David Griffith
President