President’s Message
Well, March is here, and certainly came in like a Lion! Nothing like a Colorado Low to remind us what winter storms are really like in Manitoba!
The Provincial government has not let up since the funding announcement, and while we await legislation to be tabled, there are some developments that have occurred that do impact our Association.
First, the Board held their annual public budget consultation meeting on February 26, at 2:00 p.m. Unfortunately, only 3 RMs were in attendance, along with myself and the Board. No media – No parents. Due to government cuts and declining enrolment in some buildings the Board is looking at a shortfall of $500,000.00, if they are to maintain current programs in the Division. The Chair stated they are looking at reducing staff, accessing a portion of the reserve fund, a slight increase to taxes (but remaining under the 2% limit imposed, but not enforceable, by the Government), and running a deficit budget again. This is disheartening because 3 positions have been cut from our FTE of 98, dropping us to 95 – without changes to programming. I did speak to the group assembled, and made an impassioned plea to ignore the 2% cap, even getting a couple of the Reeves on board, but I fear it fell on deaf ears. Until the Board passes the new Budget, we will not know for certain what our precise position, but if it means there are 3 less teachers in Lakeshore, there will be more work for those of us who remain, so we must be vigilant and support each other!
Another item, are the “Let’s Talk Teaching” sessions taking place around the Province over the next few weeks. These sessions are being put on by MTS in an effort to get a real picture of what teaching and learning looks like in Manitoba in response to the “Education Summit” of the Province in January. This is an opportunity for your voice to be heard! I am attending the session in Lakewood (our region) on March 19, at 4:45 p.m. at Stonewall Collegiate. MTS is covering mileage and providing a meal for all those who attend. If you wish to learn more, or register, click here.
Teachers in Manitoba are under attack. Our pay, our ability to bargain, our pensions, and our autonomy in the classroom are all being challenged by this Government. However, your LTA is working hard to keep you informed – and needs you to support each other and keep us informed of how these changes are impacting you.
Alone we are strong, united we are stronger!
Gail Glanfield
President - Lakeshore Teachers’ Association
LTA MINUTES:
January 18, 2018 – LTA met at 5:30 p.m. at Eriksdale School – Regrets: S. Northcott, J. Kon, and K. Carmichael.
- Correspondence was sent to the Board regarding Article 7.
- Correspondence to the Board requesting a budget consultation meeting – Glanfield to attend on January 26, 2018.
- Acting Principal Job Description/Expectations – tabled to next Leadership Council.
- Bargaining survey forwarded via email to membership.
- Member request for PD funds approved.
- PR and Executive Training Grants approved by MTS.
- Executive Training with Darren Hardy, MTS Staff Officer
- Reports: Bargaining Committee to be struck at February meeting; Ed Finance – serious concerns about cuts and impact in Lakeshore
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