NEARI Blog

Education Jobs Bill Passes US Senate

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 05:00:00 GMT

The Senate today passed the Education Jobs Bill which will bring over $33.7 million to Rhode Island. This money is to be used to rehire educational employees that have been laid off or new staff and will help keep class size down around the nation. Both of Rhode Island's senators, as had our representatives, supported the legislation. NEA led the charge and along with other unions was able to persuade all Democratic and independent senators and the two Republicans from Maine to vote in favor. Nationally NEA members made over 100,000 phone calls and send hundreds of thousands of emails.

EPEA Ratifies Contract

Wed, 26 May 2010 05:00:00 GMT

The East Providence Education Association ratified their contract this afternoon. The school committee is scheduled to vote on Tuesday.

TA in East Providence

Sat, 22 May 2010 05:00:00 GMT

After 13 hours, a TA in East Providence. Membership meeting Monday and NEARI Executive Committee conference call Monday at 5. Committee members need to check emails late tomorrow morning.

East Providence Negotiating Today

Sat, 22 May 2010 05:00:00 GMT

The East Providence Education Association continues their negotiations with the school committee this morning. This is an opportunity for the SC and teachers to reach an agreement and start to move forward and rebuild some trust in EP. The 11,000 members of NEARI remain rock solid in their support of the 515 teachers in East Providence and the membership continues to send the message that it is very difficult to sign on to Race to the Top while EP does not have a contract.

Check back this evening for the latest.

State House Today- Let Your Voice Be Heard

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 05:00:00 GMT

NEARI members will be joining with members from other unions at the State House today to oppose the changes to our COLA passed by the House Finance Committee last Thursday. It is time for your voice to be heard. We are asking NEARI members to come to Providence after work today to lobby against these changes with their state representative. When you arrive we are asking that you call your rep, tell them you are there and ask to meet with them. Follow that up this evening with an email to them. Also, with other members from your local, set up meetings with the reps that represent your place of work.

Ask them to oppose Article 9 as well. This would require school employee contracts to be ratified by both the school committee and city/town council. If this occurs, why do we need school committees?

Race to the Top to Delaware and Tennessee

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT

News outlets are reporting that Rhode Island was not a winner in the RTTT grant application during the first round. Delaware and Tennessee are the two reported winners. The Wall Street Journal is reporting that there was a strong emphasis on states with large union support, which Rhode Island did not have. President Purtill said, " The door is now open for the commissioner to actually work with us in a collaborative manner so we can win the funds in Round 2. She says she wants to involve all the stakeholders, now is the time and her opportunity to do that."

Race to the Top Decision Tomorrow, March 29, 2010

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT

The United States Department of Education will announce tomorrow, Monday, at 1 PM the first round winners for the Race to the Top grant. NEARI President Larry Purtill said that either way he hopes the commissioner understands she must work with us for any program to be successful. Purtill will notify local presidents immediately as well as posting here and on Twitter. You can also check the NEARI Facebook page.

Central Falls Back to the Table

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT

It appears that Central Falls' teachers will be back at the table to bargain contractual items that could pave the way for teachers to be reinstated. Check back here tomorrow for more details.

President Purtill to be on Good Morning America Tomorrow (Tuesday)

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT

President Larry Purtill did a five minute interview this evening that will air on Good Morning America tomorrow. He said teachers were disappointed in President Obama's comments today and he encouraged the President and Secretary to encourage mediation. Purtill added that many on both sides of the issue were comparing this to Ronald Reagan's firing of the air traffic controllers. He also added that he suspected the President did not have all the facts and all the remedies were not exhausted. The solution is never to fire a staff as there is absolutely no research to back up this type of action.

Rally for Fairness- Central Falls- Today

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Rally this afternoon in support of the teachers and against the attack on collective bargaining and public education in Central Falls. Send a message to the three G's that firing all of the district's 74 teachers does not make sense and certainly does not move education forward.(Governor, Gist and Gallo) A press conference is being held at 4 with the rally starting at 5 in Jenks Park on Broad Street. Support your fellow teachers and the students of Central Falls.

Directions: We suggest you Goggle Jenks Park, Central Falls. Rough Directions from 95 North are; Exit 29, Broadway, slight right on Broadway, Left on Central Ave. and on to Cross St., and right on Broad Street.