News Briefs - January 26

NEA, AFT call for school modernization program

The NEA and AFT are proposing a $30 billion, 10-year federal effort to help states and local communities modernize public schools. The groups released a national poll showing strong bipartisan support for federal funding to improve the quality of school buildings. “Modern schools are basic for better learning,” NEA President Bob Chase told a January 20 news conference in Washington, D.C. “Americans understand the impact class size, discipline and learning technology have on the quality of education.”

WCTEA to vote on second bargaining unit

Members of the Waukesha County Technical Educators Association will vote on a plan to redefine and expand the association later this year. Earlier this month, WCTEA/WEAC filed petitions with the Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission to create a “new” WCTEA consisting of faculty who work 50 percent or more; and a second bargaining unit consisting of the college’s 900 part-time faculty. The vote could come as early as this spring.

Read Across America set for March 2

The NEA, state associations and other education groups will introduce a new, nationwide campaign to motivate children to read. “Read Across America” calls for every child in America to be in the company of a book on March 2, which is Dr. Seuss’ birthday. Events are scheduled throughout the country and Wisconsin. WEAC will print and distribute materials for local associations, including stickers, bookmarks and posters.

Posted January 26, 1998