Why Dan?

The CEA has just crossed an inflection point and I see tremendous opportunity to build a stronger union and professional culture. As I have been listening to educators over the past 18 months with regards to extending the school day, it have become that much more clear that educators need to have more control in the decision making processes at both the school and district levels. While it remains unclear as to whether we will come to an agreement with the district on extending the school day, we have used and will continue to use this opportunity to promote deeper educator engagement in decision making processes and we certainly will include structures to ensure that deeper engagement in any agreement.

We also need to take a firm stand about the incursions which are corroding the quality of our professional lives. We need fair labor agreements that support us in being effective practitioners who can also tend to the responsibilities and relationships in our personal lives. We need to build in structures that give educators more control over how are schools operate. We need evaluation structures that support growth and don’t just add work. We must continue to stand up against the erosion of health care benefits and fight for fair salaries.

My first term has been packed with challenges and accomplishments:

• Social Justice Unionism: A key focus of my first term was the creation of the Educators of Color Committee, Supporting the application and implementation of the Nellie Mae Building Equity Bridges Grant, and revising our CEA Bylaws to include social justice as a third pillar of our mission.

• Settled new Unit C (Clerk), D (Substitute) and E (Paraprofessional) 3-Year Contracts Arguably the best contracts ever!

• Educator Empowerment/School Based Issues

CRLS Listening work and improved Faculty Advisory Committees in numerous schools.

• Educator Empowerment/District Issues

In the Unit A/B Contract, we developed the OSS Advisory, Curriculum and Instruction Advisory, Peer Evaluation Process, and Diversity Committee.

• Pushback on District Policies

I have made progress in a few areas where the district has not done what is the best interests of our educators, including the sick leave bank, elementary behavior action committee and incident reporting and responding.

• Membership Database Improvements

We have and continue to modernize our membership database.

Integrity is a characteristic that I hold to dearly. I tell it like it is, even when it is not what people want to hear. Open and honest communication is a hallmark of my work as an educator and leader. If we are to build trust and work effectively as a professional community, we all need to operate with the deepest integrity.

I have extremely high expectations of my work, as any of my colleagues will attest. I will make sure the work of the CEA is done with high quality and is member-driven. Whether it is analyzing salary and health care costs over time, or creating a comprehensive website that clearly describes the complex educator evaluation process, I have and will continue to put in the time needed to make sure that we are involving and informing our members in order to make the right decisions for our union.

I am building significant momentum and will be able to accomplish even more given another term. I hope I can earn your vote.