ISEA-PAC Central Committee Meets To Take Next Steps

On Saturday, April 28th the ISEA-PAC Central Committee met at the ISEA Headquarters Building for a day long meeting. It was one of the first days that Iowans have seen the sun after nearly a week of chilly weather and torrential rains. We are grateful for the dedicated members of ISEA PAC Central Committee that gave yet one more day for the association! With the work of the 2007 state Legislature (nearly) complete, PAC members begin planning for their involvement in the 2008 Iowa Caucuses.

Attendance was as follows:
[Each UniServ Unit has appointed (2) Republican and (2) Democratic association members to represent them.]
CWUU 4
DMEA 4
ECUU 3
SCUU 3
Geode 2
GRUU 2
Mid-Iowa 2
NEIEU 2
Siouxland 2
SWUU 2
Unit 9 2
Unit 10 2
Hawkeye 1
JDC 1
Lincolnway 1
MBUU 1
PSUU 1
Northern Pride 0
Unit 2 0

After reviewing PAC Guidelines, Team ISEA Lobbyist gave a review of the 2007 legislative session (the Legislature is expected to adjourn late tonight). Jon Studer (pictured at left) started things off by walking us through SF 277 the new and improved Student Achievement and Teacher Quality Program. PAC Central Committee members received a "draft" of the presentation, knowing a powerpoint presentation will be posted on the ISEA website soon.

At lunch PAC Central Committee members sat together by Congressional Districts to discuss strategies on getting members to both lobby members of Congress and attend forums with presidential candidates to convey our message of making needed changes to the No Child Left Behind Law as its reauthorization comes before Congress later this year.

The afternoon session began with ISEA lobbyist Brad Hudson (at right) sharing results of donations to ISEA PAC. Lists were provided listing UniServ Units with all their local associations in order of those with the highest percentage of PAC participation to lowest percentage of members contributing. Leading UniServ Units with the highest numbers of members participating was CedarWood UniServ Unit with 95% participation! Other UniServ Units that have at least 70% of members participating are: Great River UU 85%; DMEA 84%; Siouxland UU 83%; Hawkeye UU 80%; and MississippiBend UU 72%. The goal was set to work toward at least a 70% participation.
Brad next shared from NEA "An Educator's Guide to Greater Involvement in the Republican Party of Iowa". Included was the platform of the Iowa Republican party as well as a 'how to' guide of the Iowa Caucus process.

Before heading out to enjoy the beautiful Saturday afternoon, Brad and I shared "NEA's Top Legislative Priorities for ESEA". PAC members were given a list of seven points that Team NEA is urging Congress to make needed changes to ESEA. In addition four suggested questions were shared that Team ISEA members could pose to both their member of Congress and to presidential candidates when they attend their candidate forums/events.

Governor Culver and State Legislators Keep Their Promise To Iowa's Teachers

Thursday, April 26th was a historic day for Iowa's teachers. Governor Chet Culver, a former high school government teacher signed into law a landmark bill that will dramatically increase K-12 salaries and give teachers a voice in determing their own professional development needs.

Lt. Governor Patty Judge led off the bill signing ceremony with special recognition to the Iowa State Education Association for making the case with the public over the years for the need to raise teacher salaries.

Governor Culver said “To provide a world-class education requires world-class teachers, and we here in Iowa have been blessed with some of the best teachers in the nation. It is only fair that we pay them as the dedicated professional that they are. Many teachers and parents alike have waited patiently for a day when our state gives educators the pay raise they deserve. I am proud to say that today they have to wait no longer! Our state will finally give our teachers a much deserved raise, and make Iowa once again a place that values our teachers and their service to our children. “

Driving in from Iowa City to be a part of this historic event for all of Iowa's teachers is Sue Dvorsky (on the left) an Iowa City middle school teacher and Iowa City EA Grievance Chair. Sue is married to state Senator Bob Dvorsky, a long-time friend of education. Pictured with us is Representative Mary Mascher (on the right), state Representative from the Iowa City area and an elementary teacher.


Before leaving the celebration at the state Capitol, I caught up with Governor Culver to personally thank him for his leadership on behalf of all Team ISEA.


I wish you all could have been there with us--we know you were there in spirit, as you were back home in your classrooms doing the magic you do every day for Iowa's students !