If you want to get Klein TSTA announcements sent directly to your cell phone (meetings, board meeting information, political updates, and other important information), then please text “follow kleintsta” to 40404.

http://twitter.com/kleintsta

Threatened with a reduction in force (RIF), teachers and support staff turned out in force for the Klein ISD board meeting Jan. 10.

Klein TSTA/NEA President David Casillas and Vice President Darlene Sentesi addressed members’ concerns with an agenda item proposing to use evaluations rather than seniority to determine the RIF. Cy-Fair TSTA President and NEA Board of Directors member Frances Smith delivered what Casillas called a “very powerful message” to the Board of Trustees and Dr. Cain.

“Agenda item 14 did not pass last night, and I feel this happened in large part because there were so many teachers present. This is what it is going to take as we move forward,” Casillas said. “Do not think for one moment that this push for evaluations to RIF is over. We need to be very vigilant, because another motion like item 14 will be made at some time down the road.”

As a TSTA member, you are a part of three organizations: the NEA, the state TSTA, and your local TSTA. Klein TSTA/NEA is committed to providing members with quality programs, opportunities, and events. Klein TSTA is your organization and you have the opportunity to get involved and shape what direction Klein TSTA/NEA takes.

The General Meeting is one of those events. At this meeting, we will discuss what new business we have coming up, such as the 2011 TSTA Representative Assembly in El Paso. Other topics will include  our bylaws, PAC contributions, the 2011 elections, and political events that may effect our classroom environment.

If you can attend this meeting, even if it’s only for a half hour, we’d really appreciate your presence and feedback. Even though our motto is “One Vision. One Voice,” it was never meant to be the vision of just a small group of people. Come out and be a part of a movement – be an active part of Klein TSTA

We are looking forward to an active and lively board of trustees election this November. Currently, there are eight (8) people running for two (2) positions.

Information about the Candidates:

Position 6
Paul Lanham
Mark D. Taylor
Larry Allen (incumbent)
Johanna Ramos Dawson

Position 7
Steven E. Smith
W.R. (Rick) Mann (incumbent)
Kevin Weido
James B. Robinson

Important Dates:
July 25 – August 24, 2010
Time period to apply to have name placed on ballot

August 30, 2010, 5:00 pm, Central Office
Drawing for Ballot Placement

September 23, 2010
Candidates’ Workshop

October 18 through October 29, 2010
Early voting at designated Harris County precinct polling locations

October 21, 2010, 7:00 pm, Klein Forest High School
Candidates’ Forum

November 11, 2010, 7:00 pm, Central Office Board Room
Canvass of votes and swearing in of candidates

December 16, 2010, noon to 4:00 pm
New trustees’ orientation

Klein TSTA would like to welcome 25 new members to the association. We hope that you will take full advantage of all socials, general meetings, and workshops!

On that note, two trainings that are coming up next month are a Science Curriculum workshop on on September 18th from 9:00 – 12, and a Member’s rights training on the 28th from 4:30 – 7:00. These workshops are *free* to all TSTA members, but please feel free to invite prospective members. Let’s show them that TSTA is not just a “good” organization, but a “GREAT” organization!

There will be a special meeting of the Klein ISD Board of Trustees at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, July 26, 2010, in the board room of the central office, 7200 Spring Cypress.

The agenda will include a workshop for the trustees regarding the 2010-11 budget, staff compensation plan, and health plan.

These are all issues that directly involve all KISD staff, so please make plans to attend.