Welcome to 2019-2020 school year!
I hope you had a great summer break, and are feeling ready for the coming school year.
We have a big year ahead of us. After a major campaign for fully-funded schools, culminating in over 35,000 educators, families, and community allies taking action across the state on May 8th, we won the passage of the Student Success Act.
This legislation will put over a billion dollars into Oregon’s schools.
Unfortunately, we don’t receive any funds this school year, but we will be actively engaged in the process for shaping the District’s recommendations to the state this fall. And, with contract negotiations beginning in January, we’re in a perfect position to make sure additional revenue gets spent on things that matter most to students, educators, and families. This is great news, and we will keep you informed on ways you can get involved as things progress.
We also have a few changes in the PAT office. Marty Pavlik, our longtime Uniserv consultant, has retired this summer, and we’re happy to welcome Peter Brogan on staff. We also are excited to welcome Kelly McKenna as our new administrative assistant replacing Lisa Wilkerson, who also retired. Kelly joins Jennifer Dixon as our second administrative assistant (Jennifer started in January).
In addition to all our staff changes, we are excited to have several PAT members on release. This year, in addition to myself and PAT Vice President Elizabeth Thiel, Nichole Watson joins us on full time release from Rosa Parks Elementary. Thanks to a generous grant from the NEA, our national union, Nichole will be working full-time on racial equity and social justice. We were also able to release our Treasurer and Advocacy Committee Chair Al Rabchuck and our Bargaining Chair Steve Lancaster one period each to assist their committees in accomplishing all the work we are planning for this year.
The role of PAT President has term limits, and I am beginning my final year serving as your President. I am excited to return to the classroom next year, but just as excited about everything we’re poised to accomplish together this year.
When I started my first term, securing additional revenue for our schools was one of my top priorities. It took longer than expected, but I am overjoyed that when I return to teaching full time it will be in a system that is almost fully funded to the Quality Education Model.
I also launched a Racial Equity Taskforce, that over the past 3 years has grown and developed distinct charges for what can be done to fully support PAT members. I’m thrilled to start the year with a member on full time release dedicated to our union’s goals of racial equity and social justice.
I wish you the best as you set up your classrooms and prepare to welcome our students back, and thank you for all your service to public schools.
I also hope to see you at the PAT picnic at Laurelhurst Park September 13th.
In Solidarity,
Suzanne Cohen
PAT President