NEA-NM Retired
Report on the 3/7/22 Board Meeting
The following is a synopsis of discussions and actions taken by the NEA-NM Board of Directors at its 3/7/22 virtual meeting:
MEMBERSHIP- Active state dues were set for membership year 22-23 at $402- $2 lower than last year. Numbers are still of concern as education employees continue to leave the profession. Legislative victories in the recent 30 day session will hopefully stem the tide as raises are implemented. To that end, NEA-NM sent out over 10,000 texts to school employees alerting them of NEA-NM’s legislative wins and urging them to join.
READ ACROSS New Mexico- VP Bethany Jarrell reported that all locals are urged to celebrate on April 28 with a special emphasis on early childhood education as RAA is our kick-off to helping pass the Constitutional Amendment on the November ballot which will help fund ECE and regular Ed programs. For more RAA information, please visit the NEA-NM.org website.
ELECTION RESULTS– All active positions were uncontested leaving the Retired Board member, By-Law amendment, and RA delegates as the only issues left for a vote. Active members overwhelmingly passed (95%) the By-Law amendment creating a Retired Dues category for ESP members at 60% of the cost of regular membership. This will hopefully grow our retired ranks as our ESP colleagues can take advantage of the new pricing level.
Retired members elected Eduardo Holguin and Rosalinda Carreon Altamirano to the one-year positions on the NEA-NM Board representing Retired. They also elected Eduardo Holguin and Mary Lou Cameron as Retired Delegates to the NEA Representative Assembly this summer. RA Alternates are Carol Teweleit, Rosalinda Carreon Altamirano, David Rockstraw and Randy Van Auken. 113(10%) Retired members voted-making Retired the highest participating group in our state elections.
OTHER– NEA-NM will utilize the services of a retired NEA staff person to review our Constitution/By-Laws.
The NEA Representative Assembly is scheduled for Chicago this summer. It will be hybrid accommodating in person and virtual participation. Everyone on site must be fully vaccinated and tested at the convention site.
A Governance/Staff work group was formed to review our Resolution Arbitration Expense Policy. It is made up of 3 Board members and 2 staff with the President and Exec as Ex-Officio members. Eloy Gonzales, Retired Board member, will serve on the work group.
MILESTONES- Sadly, we report the passing of Stephen Reynolds, Retired member, and President of NEA-Clovis. He became quite involved in his local and NEA-NM Retired upon his retirement.
Also, Debbie Hanson passed away in Florida after an extended illness. She was President of NEA-Las Cruces, served as its chief negotiator when they bargained their first Collective Bargaining contract and served as a Uniserv Director for the Las Cruces locals until her retirement a few years ago.
Submitted by
Eduardo Holguin
NEA-NM Board Representing Retired
Please send any questions or concerns to eholguin749@gmail.com
Thank you for all you do for public Education!
Carol Teweleit, president
NEA-NM Retired