 Melissa DirksArt Teacher Frederick, FCTA  |
We are a democratic organization
10/18/08 - 4:00 p.m.
Once again at the close of convention I feel tired but proud to have been a part of the essential work of our State Association. We passed By-Law amendments, changed some of our Resolutions and re-affirmed many of our current Resolutions, and voted on several New Business Items. We are a democratic organization so all of the things we do here at convention guide and direct the leadership of this organization all year. I am proud to be part of an organization that truly is driven by voices of its membership. I encourage any member that has never been to come be a part of Convention 2009.
United under the banner of MSEA
10/18/08 - 11:45 a.m.
IT PASSED!!!! Starting September 1st 2009 we are now officially the Maryland State Education Association (MSEA). From past experience I thought this would be a hotly debated item on the floor this morning. Last year it was only narrowly defeated. But to my surprise (and the surprise of others around me) not one person came to the microphone to speak in opposition of the amendment. The name change was passed with an overwhelming majority vote!!!! IF anyone had a doubt what this means to our Support Employee members all you had to do was look at their faces when Clara said to the body “you have adopted By-law Amendment number 2”. They were overjoyed to finally feel like they have equal value to our organization. I am proud that I was able to participate in this historic vote. I believe it was the right vote for all our members now really united under the banner of MSEA.
We moved directly to NBI’s where we covered such issues as Retirement, portable classrooms and childhood obesity. The NBI dealing with Pension enhancements was the most controversial (shocking but true). The NBI proposed by a fellow member of my delegation, John Jurchak, calls for an MSTA task force to gather statistics on how many of our member’s pensions fall below the national average and to look at solutions to the problem. It does not call for an expensive campaign to reform pensions at this time, a similar motion by John was defeated last year because it did. Even so people who spoke in opposition of this NBI said in this economic crisis we shouldn’t even be studying pension enhancements. The vote was tight so Pres. Floyd asked for a standing vote. She determined it passed. Division was called and upon taking a second standing vote the chair said it was too close to call and she asked her committee to take a roll call vote. This requires visitors to be ushered out of the hall and the doors to be closed as every delegates vote was counted. The NBI passed.
I better get back onto the floor so I don’t miss all of the information from the High School Dropout Task Force...
I am looking forward to a full day of real business.
10/18/08 - 9 a.m.
The second morning of Convention is always a little rough thanks to the MSTA party at Seacrets the night before. I think the MSTA sponsored event ended at 9:00 pm but my night didn’t end until 1:00 am. Thankfully the West did not caucus this morning so I didn’t have to be here ‘til 9:00 am. I am looking forward to a full day of real business. Yesterday because of all the political speeches, etc.we had to postpone the debate and vote on By-Law Amendments. But we are already conducting business even before the opening gavel. At registration we voted by secret ballot for the minority seat on the Board of Directors. Today we also need to tackle all the New Business items and something dealing with the high school drop-out rate. I’m off to the Convention floor so I don’t miss any important business…
Political activity at all levels
10/17/08 - 1 p.m.
This morning was full of political activity at all levels. Governor Martin O’Malley spoke to the delegation focusing on two topics. First he thanked all the educators for our dedication to the children of Maryland. Then he went on to stump for Sen. Barak Obama he called on us to campaign not only in MD but in VA and PA too.
Earlier in the day we were given a challenge to raise $30,000 dollars for the MSTA Fund for Children and Public Education. O’Malley raised the bar by asking for us to raise another $5,000 specifically for the Obama campaign. If this delegation raises $35,000 in any combination for political action selected delegates will shave MSTA Exec. Director David Helfman’s head right on the convention floor tomorrow!! We also heard from Frank Kratovil, the candidate for the 1st Congressional District.
Dennis Van Roekel, NEA President was our Keynote. He challenged the crowd to get involved and work like we’ve never worked before in this election year. He got the place energized to go work on behalf of education candidates such as Obama.
Our political day didn’t stop with Pres. Van Roekel though…
We need to elect a person to full the Special Ethnic Minority Seat on the MSTA Board of Directors so we hear from those candidates.
Well, I better sign off because my fellow delegates are waiting for me to head to lunch.
Convention Time Again!
10/17/08 - 10 a.m.
I always smile when other teachers at my school say enjoy your day off tomorrow. Little do they know that on the first day of convention my day starts over an hour earlier than my teaching day. Today started with MSTA West caucus at 7:15 where we debated the proposed by-law amendments and New Business items. Our caucus voted to support the by-law amendment that we change our name to Maryland State Education Associate, this issue has been before us in the past and I hope this is the year we finally get it past!!! We need to fully reflect our membership and mission. Well, I better get into the hall the first business meeting is about to begin………
