SDEA Means Leadership
by Jim Groth, CTA Director, District P, & Chula Vista Elementary School District

As I begin my fifth month as your elected CTA board member, I could
not be more proud of the SDEA educators I represent! Here are some
examples:

* The outstanding efforts of SDEA leadership to coordinate
teachers from around San Diego County to help
students at the firestorm evacuation centers is a
prime example of how SDEA does things right!
SDEA, once again, has shown its commitment to the
community and students of San Diego.

* The recent SDEA bargaining agreement continues to pro-
vide a county-wide standard for health benefits. The
restructuring of the salary schedule will increase
pressure on other districts to follow suit or
lose teachers.

* The over 200 participants at the SDEA Fall Leadership
Conference on Saturday, October 20 reaffirmed the
solidarity of teacher leaders to protecting
the SDEA contract and making new teachers
aware of their rights.

* SDEA and all District P representatives actively participated
at the October CTA State Council in the discussion of
alter- native teacher compensation. This active
participation has lead to a new draft proposal being
sent back for further refinement.

* The foresight of SDEA leadership in the calling for approval
of electronic voting has lead to CTA approval for
SDEA to move forward in this area. Electronic voting
will save SDEA several thousand dollars.

* SDEA leadership and local site leaders at the Quality Edu-
cation Investment Act (QEIA) schools are committed to
make this seven year program a success.

Thank you for this unique opportunity to represent SDEA and to have
the opportunity to share these great successes with all of California.

(Jim can be contacted at Jgroth@cta.org or through the SDEA office.)