The Advocate
February 2016
State Rep Assembly in April
You are invited to be a delegate at our NDU state rep assembly on April 15-16 in Bismarck. It starts on Friday evening and continues on Saturday at Bismarck State College. West Fargo will be able to send about 15 delegates. It’s a great way to get a glimpse into the inner workings of our organization, and you will have a say in some important decisions. During the assembly this year, offices such as president will be up for election. New business may include discussing and voting on term limits for our state officers (right now we do not have term limits) and returning to the practice of giving each member a vote in decisions such as who represents us at our national convention. If you are interested, contact Lisa K. Dullum. Expenses are paid for this event.
If you want to attend, please follow this link to fill out the form. http://goo.gl/forms/sbXOFN2ysj
Progress of Legal Fee Resolution
Last summer at our national convention, West Fargo introduced a resolution proposing that reimbursement for legal fees be raised. Here’s the update we have received on the progress of that resolution:
Reimbursement of Attorney Fees
NEA continues to explore raising the defense cost reimbursement for employment-related criminal defense. Currently, the Educators Employment Liability (ELL) policy covers the first $35,000 of defense costs with no deductible if the member is fully exonerated. With the assistance of our broker, we are exploring the cost and potential value to members of possible changes to the structure of the policy, including higher limits of reimbursement, deductibles, and lower member out-of-pocket exposure. Following receipt of the quotes, we will prepare a report summarizing our exploration of this issue.
Upcoming Awards and Scholarship Opportunities
If you go to http://wfea.nd.aft.org/member-benefits you will find information about the annual WFEA awards and the WFEA Scholarship. Scholarships may be given to a son or daughter of a member to further his/her education. Send a hard copy or electronic copy to Stacy Adamson at Harwood Elementary by April 29, 2016.
WFEA awards are given annually in these categories:
· Outstanding Education Support Professional Award
· Outstanding Administrator Award
· Golden Torch Award
· Contributor to Youth Award
A hard copy or electronic copy can be sent to Lisa K. Dullum at Freedom Elementary by April 1. Awards and scholarships will be presented at our May retirement/award reception.
Executive Board Nominations
Nominations are now being accepted for open seats on the Executive Board for next year. If you are interested in running or wish to nominate someone, please follow this link to do so. Nominations will be accepted through March 22. http://goo.gl/forms/oVu75S4Ptu
Open seats on the Exec Board:
i. President
ii. Vice President
iii. Elementary Rep (2 spots)
Filled seats on the Exec Board:
i. Secretary (Kaila Margheim; serving year 1 of 2 year term)
ii. Treasurer (Deb Beeler; serving unlimited term)
iii. HS Rep (Christopher Strand; serving year 1 of 2 year term)
iv. Middle Level Rep (Jordan Willgohs; serving year 1 of 2 year term)
v. Elementary Rep (Jolene Sand; serving year 1 of 2 year term)
vi. Elementary Rep (Kjiesta Moch; serving year 1 of 2 year term)
vii. ESP Rep (Karen Kraft;serving year 1 of 2 year term)