In a recent inspirational speech, NEA Vice President, Lily Eskelson urged educators to challenge the status quo of “Factory School Reform” with its unworkable reliance on standardized testing and “competition.” Ms. Eskelson is a former school cafeteria worker, a former teaching assistant, and a former State Teacher of the Year. Drawing on her experiences with the Heifer project, Ms. Eskelson aptly describes the shortcomings of the so-called “reforms” that are hurting our students, and cajoles everyone to educate the “Whole Child.” I strongly encourage our members to read this speech. I know it inspired me, and I hope it will do the same for each of you.  NEA Vice President’s Speech

On January 24, 2011, Leaders from Blue Ridge attended VEA’s annual lobby day to speak with senators and delegates about educational funding and reform. Eighteen BRU leaders and members left well-before dawn, and returned late, so that we would have the opportunity to meet with our elected leaders and share our concerns. We spoke to Delegates Bell, Toscano, Janis, Abbitt, and Scott, and to Senators Houck, Ruff, Hangar and Deeds. We expressed to each of them our consternation at the diminishing State funding for k-12 education, and the unprecedented unfunded State and Federal mandates that are draining away our districts’ abilities to function. We spoke passionately in defense of VRS, and asked that the State honor its retirements obligations, and we asked that the State considere alternatives to the Governor’s demand that localities require educators to take an effective 2% salary reduction. Please consider joining our efforts in advocating for better funding and less regulation by becoming a cyber-lobbyist; it’s quick and easy, and has a huge impact on our schools. To become a cyber-lobbyist, and to recieve periodic updates on political issues affecting education, please follow this link: http://www.veanea.org/legislative/cyberlobbyist.html

Virginia Attorney General Cuccinelli issued a ruling this week stating that educators are legally entitled to search students’ phones and computers at school when they have suspicion that the student is using the device to violate school rules or the law. However, BRU urges our members to be very cautious in conducting such a search. If illegal photographs or material (especially “sext messages”) are discovered on the device, then the educator may be subject to criminal prosecution for possession or distribution of the confiscated materials. For instance, if a member finds a sexually explicit photograph of an underage student on a phone, the act of showing that photograph to an administrator could be construed as distribution of child pornography. If such a circumstance occurs, BRU recommends that you immediately contact local law enforcement, and report that you need to provide them with the device, and then immediately thereafter, without providing them with the device, notify your administrator and your UniServ Director of what you found, and the actions that you are taking. A better solution adopted by some local school divisions, is to require that any confiscated devices be turned over (unsearched) to the school administration, who can then conduct any necessary search of the device; however, administrators should also use caution in regards to any such search, and follow the advice set forth above if unlawful materials are discovered. The Daily Progress wrote an interesting article regarding this matter. The article can be found at the following link: http://www2.dailyprogress.com/news/2010/nov/30/school-leaders-see-cuccinelli-opinion-affirmation-ar-684015

On Tuesday, August 3, 2010, Princess Moss gave the key-note speech for the Louisa County Public Schools Convocation ceremony at the new Moss-Nuckols Elementary School. A cousin of the school’s name-sake, Princess Moss is a former President of the Louisa County Education Association, the immediate Past-President of the Virginia Education Association, and currently serves on the Executive Committee of the National Education Association in Washington, D.C. A former Music Teacher in Louisa County, Ms. Moss emphasized the importance of building a community of supportive colleagues to assist you in your career, and the absolute importance of becoming a life-long learner, who remains up-to-date on new technologies and educational tools. She praised the new Moss-Nuckols school as evidence that Louisa County is continuing to grow and thrive, and that the citizens, leaders, and employees of Louisa County are committed to their children’s future.

At the 2010 VEA Annual Convention in Virginia Beach, President Kitty Boitnott presented the President’s Award for Excellence in Organizing to the Orange County Education Association for the Rally in Richmond, which is credited with turning the tide in the fight for K-12 funding, and saving countless educational jobs. OCEA was represented at the awards ceremony by President Wanda Jones, Vice President Lori Guess, and Representative Kyle Wormuth. Leaders from the other BRU locals and the UniServ Director were on hand to cheer the award. Congratulations to OCEA and all of BRU!!!! WE MADE A DIFFERENCE!!! LET’S DO IT AGAIN!!!!!

Channel 8 in Richmond, had a very good video of the Rally.  Congratulations to all of our members and leaders!

Channel 8 in Richmond Coverage of Rally

Leaders and members from each of the BRU Locals joined leaders and members from around the State at the OCEA Rally in Richmond to protest proposed cuts to K-12 Education spending.  Speakers included parents, teachers, students, and administrators.  Hundreds of people brought home-made signs and slogans.  The Rally finished with the crowd of hundreds singing the Twisted Sister song “We’re not gonna take it” to the General Assembly and to the Governor.

NBC 29 — Video of Rally in Richmond

BRU officers and members joined our colleagues from around the State to demand funding for schools and stating loud and clear: “We’re not gonna take it anymore!” In addition to the OCEA leaders, speakers included Dr. Kitty Boitnott (VEA President); Robley Jones, VEA Director of Government Relations; Kathy Burcher the PTA legislative director; Dr. Robert Grimmesy, Orange Superintendent; and Senator Ed Houck. Kyle Wormuth (OCEA) spoke eloquently about how the cuts to K-12 wll personally affect him; and several students gave heart-felt pleas to the General Assembly not to dismantle their schools. Our Rally is just the beginning! I hope the Governor and the General Assembly heard us LOUD AND CLEAR: WE ARE NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMORE!!!!!!

Check out these sites for more information:
http://www.nbc29.com/global/Category.asp?C=175568&autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=4580677&flvUri=&partnerclipid=

http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/EDUCGAT27_20100227-150001/327238/

VEA needs your help lobbying the General Assembly to fund the public schools. Sign-up at the following link to be a cyber-lobbyist! VEA will send you updates on events in Richmond, and will assist you in sending emails to your delegates and senators. It couldn’t be simpler: http://www.veanea.org/legislative/cyberlobbyist.html