The CEA Blog

Your Association is a founding member of the Teacher Union Reform Network (TURN). This independent union-led effort strengthens the national unions’ capacity to promote reforms. The ultimate goal is better learning and higher achievement for America’s children. Unions are in a unique position to stimulate change.

At the recent national TURN meeting, members discussed the following question:

How should local unions operate in the public education industry as education systems evolve in the 21st century?

We are interested in your responses. Log in and blog!

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The Columbus Board of Education ratified the one-year extension of the contract with the Columbus Education Association. The one-year deal includes a 2.5% raise, continuation of funding for the Gainsharing and PAS programs and no changes in insurance for bargaining unit members. At a mass meeting on Monday, Association members overwhelmingly ratified the proposed agreement. The Columbus Board of Education’s unanimous vote in favor of the contract extension officially begins the negotiations process to a close.

“It’s an equitable agreement in tough economic times,” said CEA President Rhonda Johnson. We can still maintain progress, maintain teacher quality and move forward.”

The Columbus Board of Education passed a resolution at their most recent meeting that designates Linmoor Middle and Indianola and Medary Elementary schools as swing spaces and leases Kent, Linden Park and Second Avenue elementary schools to third parties which include two charters. The resolution also slates Pinecrest and Scioto Trail elementary schools for demolition and designates Wayne Elementary School for district storage.

Brentnell will be leased to the Charles School at Ohio Dominican University for $62,594.00 per year for a term of ten years. The rent will be capped so that it does not increase more that 13.5% as compared to increases in the consumer price index. Linden Park Elementary will be leased to the Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP) for $55,345.50 per year under the same terms. Both entities are responsible for capital improvements, maintenance and utilities for the properties in addition to the yearly lease amounts.

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“Market forces have changed the employment and education landscape in our community,” said Superintendent Harris, introducing the recommendations made by the Linden Area Task Force’s Feasibility and Implementation Team to the Columbus Board of Education. 

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March 2nd marks what would be the 104th birthday of Theodore Seuss Geisel, known most popularly as Dr. Seuss to children and teachers around the world. Monday, March 3rd marks the National Education Association’s nationwide “Read Across America” day.

Various teachers celebrate this special day differently. NEA-affiliated blogger PREA Prez has his students make “Cat-in-the-hat” hats and read Dr. Seuss’ last book– Diffendoofer Day.

“All schools for miles and miles around
Must take a special test,
To see who’s learning such and such -
To see which school’s the best.
If our small school does not do well,
Then it will be torn down,
And you will have to go to school
In dreary Flobbertown.”