Have Your Rights Been Violated?

Did you know that last month the district told principals that we are not allowed to display political materials on school property? Including, in our cars? Better scrape off that Obama or McCain bumper sticker. . . .and what about the Whitmarsh and Eberhart car signs?

The rumors (and truths) are flying on this issue! Please read the Contra Costa Times article below regarding our ability to make our opinion known about November 4th's election. Please make comments on this issue so that we can get an idea of how wide-spread this district policy is being enforced.

http://www.contracostatimes.com/ci_10769276

(I can't figure out how to have a picture of the article on this page--please just click on the link and then come back to this page to comment.)

Thank you!

Taking it to the Streets & Beyond

Taking It To The Streets
On Tuesday, from 3:45 to 5:15, MDUSD teachers and other members from the community took the election to the streets. There were over 100 people at the three intersections, all supporting our endorsed candidates, Sherry Whitmarsh and Gary Eberhart. It was a successful event in that we reached out to the community to let them know who we support and why. At the intersection I was at, there were a few conversations that happened with passing motorists (stopped for red lights, of course) and pedestrians. At the very least, the community was able to connect those abundant orange and blue signs with real people who care about the outcome of our school district. When our community goes to the polls to vote, our actions WILL make a difference.


For those who were able to participate, THANK YOU!



And Beyond

Every Monday through Thursday night we are phone banking at the MDEA office, starting at 5:00. You can come any night and will find familiar faces (phone bank 'captains' who are there on assigned nights) and new friends. I've had as much fun meeting other teachers and putting names to faces as I've had calling voters in the Mt. Diablo School District area. Please call the MDEA office to tell Tanisha that you'll be there (to make sure we have enough pizza). 676-4664.

And don't forget precinct walking, probably one of the most effective ways to get the message out to the community: Vote for Sherry & Gary, the candidates for change. Saturday mornings from 9 to 12; Sundays from 2:30 to 5:30.

Update from Mike--Disability Mistake & Street Corner Action

American Fidelity Insurance

If you received a letter stating that your insurance would be terminated unless you sent the payment due, please send the check. There was a mistake made where the premium on last years checks were adjusted for the ten pay system that went into effect last year because of a recent IRS ruling. The district will make adjustments in future checks. If you have any questions call Dick Nicoll’s office, extension 4006.

Letters to the Editor

Remember to write and send letters to support Gary and Sherry. At the Candidates Forum in Pleasant Hill last week, April Treece said that the distrust between the union and district management doesn’t carry over into the classrooms. She feels there is a tremendous amount of trust between the district and teachers. April also stated in the forum and on her mailings that teacher compensation is her top priority. What do you think? Write a letter to the editor and give your opinion and ask the community to vote for Gary and Sherry. Identify yourself as a teacher in your letter.

Taking it to the Streets--Tuesday, October 14

Remember to participate in our community outreach activity tomorrow from 3:45-5:15. Bring a homemade sign or hold one of ours. The three intersections we’ll be at are:

Ygnacio Valley Rd and Oak Grove

Treat Blvd and Clayton Rd

Contra Costa Blvd and Monument

$833,550 Tax Penalty? Or your Benefits?

Now that the California State Budget has been settled, the School Board is beginning to ready itself for continuing mediations with MDEA (and the other bargaining units). As such, at last week's board meeting, a projected 3-year budget was looked at. On that budget was a line item that read 'IRS Tax Payment' and listed an amount of $833,550.

Gary Eberhart questioned the line item and as we came to find out, the $833,550 was an IRS PENALTY that is being assessed, due to underpayment of taxes, penalties for underpayment, and interest on the monies due. I won't go into the details on this post--the Contra Costa Times, the MDUSD Blog, even Mr. McHenry have all given their explanation and account of these penalties (and who's fault it is or isn't). See below for a list of links to research this topic.

The important issue for teachers to note is that this $833,550 is now off of the negotiating table. In other words, due to either incompetence, accounting errors, papers being lost in the shuffle, or whatever, there is now less available money to settle our contract. Even if it turns out that every single penny of the $833,550 that the IRS says we owe, stays in the MDUSD coffers, at the negotiating table we have to pretend that money does not exist!

How long will it take to work this out with the IRS? The MDUSD has 6 weeks to submit documentation to the IRS. I wonder how long it will take for the IRS to respond? In the mean time, we are still working without a contract. . . . .

For more info:

http://mdusd.blogspot.com/2008/09/83355000-tax-blunder.html (Blog post by Gary Eberhart explaining how this line item was discovered and discussed at the Board meeting)
http://www.ibabuzz.com/aparentlyspeaking/2008/09/30/mt-diablo-incurs-irs-wrath-again/ (aParently Speaking from CC Times)
http://www.contracostatimes.com/education/ci_10594161?nclick_check=1 (Contra Costa Times Article)
http://claycord.blogspot.com/2008/09/message-from-superintendent-mchenry.html (Claycord Blog with a message from Gary McHenry, Superintendent)
http://mdusd.blogspot.com/2008/09/mchenrys-desparate-attempt-to-explain.html (Paul Strange's response to Gary McHenry's memo)