Wyoming  Education Association

115 E 22nd. St.
Cheyenne, WY 82001

Contact: Ron Sniffin
Communications Director
(307) 214-3389 cell
rsniffin@nea.org  

April 14, 2009

Media Invitation

NEA President in Wyoming for DA

Press Release, Cheyenne – The president of the 3.2 million-member National Education Association (NEA) will be in Laramie attending the 77^th annual Wyoming Education Association Delegate Assembly April 16-18. This will be Dennis’ first appearance in Wyoming as President of the NEA. He will be the keynote speaker and is expected to talk about “change,” and how NEA members are adjusting in the changing world of public education.

WEA President Kathryn Valido will also address the delegation, providing her perspective on the state of Wyoming public education and the issue of school reform in our state.

Wyoming Teacher of the Year and WEA member Alice King will provide the keynote address during the Awards and Recognition Banquet Friday evening, April 17th.

Delegate Assembly is much more than speeches. When convened, the assembly is one of Wyoming’s largest democratic deliberative and decision-making bodies. Nearly 200 delegates representing WEA’s 6000 members will discuss issues affecting Wyoming education and propose policy to deal with these issues.

The Assembly will be held at the Hilton Garden Plaza in Laramie.

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We're here to provide background information and research on a variety of issues affecting public education in Wyoming. For assistance or to schedule an interview, contact:

Ron Sniffin, communications director
307-634-7991 x 113
307-214-3389 (cell)
rsniffin@nea.org

For education news at the national level, visit the online press center of the National Education Association (NEA).

K2 TV News Director Mick Birge has agreed to air a regular education segment produced by the Wyoming Education Association. The segments will air Wednesdays during the 5 PM Newscast, and often repeated in later newscasts.

You can view WEA produced video by visiting www.youtube.com/weamedia

Eileen Johnson is the 2008 Wyoming Teacher of the Year.

John Barry is the 2007 Education Support Professional of the Year.

The NEA and WEA sponsored a Community Conversation on the Wind River Indian Reservation.

Joel Kuper was nominated for the NEA Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence.

Wyoming Education Association

Media Release

November 29, 2007

Contact: Ron Sniffin
Communications Director
115 E 22nd. St.
Cheyenne  , WY  82001
(307) 634-7991 ext. 113
rsniffin@nea.org
(307) 214-3389 cell

WEA Reaction to Governor’s Education Budget

Cheyenne  – “We are glad to see the continued support for Wyoming  public education,” said Kathryn Valido, President of the Wyoming Education Association, in response to a press release from Governor Dave Freudenthal’s office announcing his recommended budget for Wyoming public education. “It is critical that Wyoming not lose ground in education funding, which has happened in the past,” she added.

In the Governor’s press release, he is endorsing a 4.3 percent External Cost Adjustment approved by the Legislature’s Joint Appropriations Committee earlier this fall. “We will have a better opportunity to endorse the Governor’s recommendation once we see his total budget tomorrow and can review his recommendations line by line. But based on these initial reports, we’re optimistic the Governor and the Legislature will fund education to the level necessary to provide Wyoming students the best education possible.”

The Governor is also recommending $458.4 million for Wyoming ’s school capital construction. “There remain critical needs for quality school buildings. The Governor’s recommendation will help alleviate some of the problems many school districts have been facing with overcrowded classrooms and outdated infrastructure,” said Valido. “We’re cautiously optimistic that the Governor’s budget will continue to reflect his support for public education,” Valido added.

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Read the Governor's Press Release by clicking here.

This is a placeholder for a Press Release

2009/2010 Production Schedule

Membership in WEA includes the subscription to WEA NEWS. Nonmember rate is $10 a year. Contact Ron Sniffin @ rsniffin@nea.org for additional information.

For information about advertising in the WEA NEWS, contact Sue Clark: sclark@nea.org, (800) 442-2395 ext. 100

COPY REGULATIONS

Advertising should conform to standards of good design. Publisher reserves the right to screen back large reverse areas to 50% tone value and to remove or replace borders.

• Advertisements bearing a post office box number as an address must also indicate the business address of the advertiser.
• All advertisements must be paid for in advance except when approved. All accounts payable in U.S. dollars.
• No cancellations or alterations will be accepted after the stated closing date. Cancellations must be submitted in writing.
• Publisher assumes no responsibility for correcting errors in copy or for the addition of key numbers.

Publisher assumes no responsibility should it become necessary to backup coupons.

• Publisher may elect to rerun prior copy or release space if new copy is not received by closing date.
• Contracts are not accepted for a period of more than one publishing year.
• Rates are subject to change without notice.
• Advertiser on contract shall have the option to cancel within ten (10) days of the ad reservation deadline if rates are changed.

If, within a given publishing year, an advertiser does not use the amount of space on which billings are based, the advertiser will be billed for the difference between the billings and the rate earned. If the advertiser uses more space than originally contracted for, a rebate at the earned rate will be issued.

CONTRACT REGULATIONS

Note: WEA NEWS limits the amount of advertising per issue—orders should be placed well ahead of copy closing date since available space is frequently filled prior to stated closing.

Only specific sizes of ads are accepted. Please read dimensions carefully.

Advertisers may request special positioning for their insertion. Final placement is left up to the discretion of the editor.

Multiple ads run in one issue qualify for frequency discounts.

ADVERTISING POLICY

All advertising copy is subject to approval by the Wyoming Education Association.

WEA NEWS reserves the right not to publish any advertising copy submitted within its sole and absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever. WEA/NEA products and services have first priority for advertising space.

WEA NEWS will not print:

Any advertising that is deemed misleading or offensive to members, inconsistent with programs and purposes of the Association, in conflict with the Association sponsored programs or services, or in conflict with WEA Board Policy.

Advertising simulating editorial content.

Advertising for tobacco or alcoholic beverages.

These rules are subject to change at any time. WEA NEWS will attempt to notify advertisers that advertising copy is nonconforming as soon as possible. Nonetheless, if conforming copy is not received by closing date, the nonconforming copy will not be published, no cancellations will be accepted and no refunds will be made.

Obama Addresses Nation's Students

On Sept. 8, President Obama delivered a national address to students on the importance of education, challenging them to work hard, set educational goals and take responsibility for their learning. 

Photo: Students at Whiting High School in Laramie watch the live broadcast of President Obama as he stresses to students the importance of a quality education.

Public Education Loses Friend With Passing of Sen. Edward Kennedy

August 26, 2009 – The National Education Association joined Americans everywhere today in mourning the passing of Senator Edward Kennedy, the “lion of the Senate” and a staunch advocate for public education and health care. He was 77.   Click here for to read more.

Education Summit held in Cheyenne

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) ― Lowering Wyoming's dropout rate will require looking beyond the state's vastly increased funding for classroom education, Gov. Dave Freudenthal told a state education summit August 6.
Documents from the Education Summit can be found on the WDE website by clicking here.

Education Department announces "Race to the Top" guidelines

Volunteers collate WEA Membership Materials

Members of the Specialist in Education Association (SIEA), an affiliate of the Wyoming Education Association in Cheyenne, spent the week of July 13th helping to collate membership materials for the nearly 7000 WEA members. The SIEA members earned money that will go to their scholarship fund. WEA members will receive their materials in mid-August.

THANKS to SIEA for their support!

Education Secretary Duncan hears from NEA members on education reform

Wyoming delegates among more than 9,000 NEA members at Annual Meeting

Education Secretary Arne Duncan told NEA members that educators must be at the table for any discussions about transforming America’s public schools. Duncan addressed more than 7,000 educators as part of a town hall exchange at the NEA’s Annual Meeting in San Diego, and heard their views on how to best ensure that every student has access to a quality public education.

An NEA member from every state joined Secretary Duncan on the stage, including Wyoming teacher Chassi Baumstarck who teaches first grade in Arapaho,  "It was a great experience to be so close to the Secretary, and to look at the thousands of people watching," Said Chassi.

More about Secretary Duncan's town hall exchange at RA.

Click here for more RA coverage!

WEA members attend Representative Assembly, 2009

Over 40 Wyoming Education Association members and staff have joined over 9,000 NEA delegates from around the country July 1 through July 6 in San Diego, CA for the Association's 147th Annual Meeting and 88th Representative Assembly.

Wyoming students part of San Diego Outreach to Teach

At this year's "Outreach to Teach," more than 400 NEA volunteers - mostly Student and Retired members – descended on Balboa Elementary school in San Diego. Among them, Student Wyoming Education Association members Sara Simpson, Jennifer Smith, Trent Agee, Michaela Uhling, Daniele Boggs and Aaron Merkin. WEA Communications Director Ron Sniffin also joined the crew as the WEA Student Coordinator.

Fresh coats of paint and charming murals on interior and exterior walls are just part of the work that NEA, with the help of corporate sponsor Target, did to transform the school on Saturday, June 27.

Read more about the Outreach to Teach.

Ken Decaria Hired as GR Director

Wyoming Education Association President Kathryn Valido today announced that Ken Decaria has been chosen as the WEA Government Relations Director. Decaria is a middle school teacher in Evanston and is currently a Wyoming State Senator. "We are very excited that Ken has accepted this position," said Valido. "Not only does Ken bring to the position his first-hand knowledge of Wyoming public education, but his invaluable experience as a Wyoming Legislator," she added.

Decaria has taught 25 years in Evanston schools, primarily teaching middle school. He has served in the Legislature for 13 years, first elected to the House in 1998, then elected to the Senate in 2000.

Decaria says he looks forward to using his life experiences when communicating with policy makers. "I think it will be good to have someone who understands the day to day challenges of being in the classroom, as well as the challenges that face legislators," said Decaria.

Decaria will officially begin his new position July 13th. He will resign his position as Wyoming Senator representing Senate District 15 the end of June.Ken Decaria Hired as GR Director

Governor Reduces Budget by $231.6 million

Following is an excerpt from the Governor's letter to the Wyoming Legislature's Joint Appropriations Committee regarding education funding.

I have followed Superintendent McBride's recommendations for a relatively small reduction in the foundation program.  The School Facilities Commission faces a more substantial cut of $18.4 million. These reductions are only a first step, as forecasts suggest a shortfall of nearly $100 million in the foundation program next biennium, a figure which does not factor in an additional shortfall of approximately $230 million were we to attempt to maintain our current level of school construction spending.  Clearly, changes to the makeup of the foundation formula and our school facilities construction targets will have to be considered. 

The state will seek additional Federal school funding via the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, but it is important that the state be given the flexibility to time the distribution of ARRA education dollars to offset reduced state revenues, beginning in the next biennium.

Click here to view the Governor's Press release and letter to the Wyoming Legislature's Joint Appropriations Committee.

New WEA leaders are elected

The results of the Wyoming Education Association 2009 elections were tabulated May 13th in the WEA Headquarters building in Cheyenne. Over a dozen WEA retired members volunteered to count the nearly three-thousand ballots that were cast. The most contested race was for Northwest District Representative to the WEA Board where Lander member Carrie Johnson edged out Greybull member Joel Kuper. The elections not only determined positions on the WEA Board of the Directors, but delegates to the National Education Association Representative Assembly, which will be held in San Diego July 1-7. Click here for all of the election results.

SPARKS fly during WEA workshop

WEA's Southeast district provided over 20 young educators the highly acclaimed
professional growth workshop SPARKS, May 4-6. The participants from Cheyenne, Laramie, Torrington and other southeast Wyoming communities, were offered valuable tools to help them in their classrooms, as well as in their personal lives. The topics discussed ranged from "Conflict Resolution," to "Financial Management." To request a SPARKS training in your area, contact your UniServ Director.

WEA and Arch Coal team up

to honor outstanding teachers

The Wyoming Education Association helped to recognize ten outstanding classroom teachers today who received the coveted Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Award during a ceremony at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School in Cheyenne. Representing WEA was Vice President Craig Williams (pictured at right) who was joined by Governor Freudenthal and his wife Nancy. Click here to read more. 

Governor signs supplemental budget bill and session ends!

The gavel fell on the 2009 session of the Wyoming Legislature on March 5. With a total of 486 bills filed, WEA was actively involved in 89 which related directly or indirectly to children and public education. Click here for a complete wrap-up of education-related legislative action.

WEA election results May, 2009

WEA Board of Directors
WEA Treasurer: Jon VanOverbeke (two-year term)
NEA Director: Kathy Vetter (three-year term)
Central District President: Debbie Bovee (two-year term)
Northeast District Representative: Jennifer Fowler (two-year term)
Northwest District Representative: Carrie Johnson (two-year term)
Southeast District Representative: Amy Simpson (two-year term)
Southwest District President: Tyler Ruby (two-year term)
Southwest District Representative: Don Mende (two-year term)
Southwest District Representative: Kay Freudenberg (two-year term)

District positions not on the WEA Board
Central District Vice President: Dee Wood (two-year term)
Northwest District Vice President: Jennifer D'Alessandro (two-year term)
Southwest District Vice President: Bonnie Matlock (two-year term)

Delegates to the NEA Representative Assembly
NEA RA State Delegate (Category 1), 7 delegates -- for a two year term:
Don Mack
Sally Mack
Amy Simpson
Carole Palmer
Susan Cochran
Shawn Wiggins
Anne Howe
Alternates
Doreen McGlade
Patti Krakow

NEA RA State Delegate (Category 2)  1 delegate for a one year term:
Bob McCarty

Central/Southeast District Cluster Delegate to NEA RA (2 delegates)  for a one year term: 
Tresa Bandalos
Jane Niemitalo

Northeast District Cluster Delegate to NEA RA (2 delegates) for a one-year term:
Kelly Derryberry

Northwest District Cluster Delegate to NEA RA (4 delegates) for a one year term: 
Cassie Baumstarck 
Carol Harper
Joel Kuper 
Wendy Kuper

Southwest District Cluster Delegate to NEA RA (2 delegates) for a one year term:
Bonnie Matlock
Pamela McCormick

NEA RA State ESP Cluster Delegate (1 delegate) for a one year term:
No write ins, no nominees

NEA RA State Retired Delegate (1 delegate)  for a one year term: 
Jacque Harrod, as per WEA Retired Bylaws

Student WEA Election Results
Sara Simpson, SWEA President
Jennifer Smith, SWEA Vice President
Trent Agee, WEA Secretary/Treasurer

The following Locals did not participate in the election:
Crook County EA
D-4 EA
Eastern WY College EA
Ethete EA
Ft. Washakie EA
Hot Springs County EA
LCCC EA
Meeteetse EA
Newcastle EA
Niobrara Cty EA
Northern WY CC
Pinedale EA
Riverton EA
Sheridan West EA
Star Valley/Cokeville EA
Teton Cty EA
Upton EA
West Big Horn Cty EA
Worland EA

Delegate Assembly a success despite spring storm

While not an official delegate to the 77th WEA Delegate Assembly, Mother Nature arrived bringing with her a harsh spring snowstorm that forced some adjustments to the April 16-18 annual event.

NEA President Dennis Van Roekel was the scheduled keynote speaker. He made it as far as Denver International Airport, but was forced to turn around and go back to Washington because roads were closed and flights canceled to Wyoming.

Teacher of the Year Alice King was the scheduled speaker for the Awards and Recognition Banquet, but she was stranded in Gillette.

Fortunately, most of the delegates made it to Laramie just before the storm hit. While the snow and wind raged outside, the delegates focused on important issues impacting Wyoming public education and discussed the future direction of the WEA.

The assembly is one of Wyoming's largest democratic deliberative and decision-making bodies. Over 100 delegates representing WEA's 6000 members discussed issues affecting Wyoming education and voted on WEA's platforms, ranging from Professional Standards and Practices to Membership.

Several smaller meetings and professional development opportunities were offered to the delegates. A Policy Development Workshop helped delegates who want to institute policy change in their school districts. WEA local presidents spent several hours during the Local Presidents' Council
sharing strategies and networking. Political action fundraising events, including live and silent auctions, raised money to help elect WEA-PACE endorsed candidates.

Although many of the recipients for WEA awards were not able to attend because of the weather, they were still recognized during the awards banquet Friday night.

Awards were also given to locals for increases in membership and other recognition. Many WEA-endorsed products were featured in the vendor area.

NEA President is keynote for Delegate Assembly

While Dennis Van Roekel is no stranger to Wyoming, this will be his first appearance in our state as President of the National Education Association. Van Roekel will be the keynote speaker during the 77th Wyoming Education Association Delegate Assembly that will convene in Laramie April 16-18. Members and the public are invited to hear Dennis April 17th at 10 am. Wyoming Teacher of the Year and WEA member Alice King will provide the keynote address during the Awards and Recognition Banquet Friday evening, April 17th.

Delegate Assembly is much more than speeches. When convened, the assembly is one of Wyoming's largest democratic deliberative and decision-making bodies. Nearly 200 delegates representing WEA's 6000 members will discuss issues affecting Wyoming education and propose policy to deal with these issues.

A full agenda fills the three-day event beginning Thursday, April 16th, with several meetings and professional development opportunities, including a Policy Development workshop from 4-5 pm. This training is designed to help delegates who want to institute policy change in their school districts. WEA local presidents attending DA will attend the Local Presidents' Council beginning with lunch on Thursday. This session allows presidents to share strategies and network to help their member-driven organization.

Political action fundraising events will also occur throughout the three days. During the awards banquet Friday night, Friends of Education will receive awards for their efforts and support of education. Awards will also be given to locals for increases in membership and other recognition. Many WEA-endorsed products will be spotlighted in the vendor area.

All WEA members are invited to observe their Association's biggest event of the year. For more information contact Julie Schwindt, Director of Support Services, jschwindt@nea.org, (800) 442-2395 ext. 103.

Wyoming Educational Leadership Doctoral Program

WEA attorney Pat Hacker speaks to students from the University of Wyoming Educational Leadership Masters and Doctoral Program. Pat provided a review of the Wyoming school funding litigation during a meeting in  the Wyoming Supreme Court building.

WEA Board members help lobby

In conjunction with the WEA Board meeting in Cheyenne January 30-31, many board members helped lobby legislators in the state capitol.

WEA Retired Representative Jacque Harrod and NW District President Brendan O'Conner were invited to the floor of the Senate by Senator Gerold Geis, who happens to be Brendan's uncle.

Northwest District Representative Jennifer D'Alessandro (right) and Southeast District Representative Lisa Esquibel monitor action on the floor of the House on Friday before the start of the WEA Board meeting.