May 21, 2025
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As we close out the school year, I want to sincerely thank each of you for your hard work, perseverance, and dedication to our students and community. This year hasn’t been easy — with flat funding, fiscal uncertainty at the state level, and constant pressure on public education, your commitment has made all the difference.
To those heading into a well-deserved summer break: rest, recharge, and take pride in the work you’ve done. We’ll see you in July, ready to face what’s ahead.
To our members working through the summer months: thank you. Your work often goes unseen but never unappreciated. CEA is here for you year-round.
Looking ahead, we’ll begin preparing for contract negotiations next year. With ongoing state fiscal challenges, it’s more important than ever that we stand united to protect our wages, benefits, and the respect you've earned. We’ll keep you updated throughout the process.
A few important updates:

• Members voted to extend executive board terms from two years to three, providing more stability and continuity in leadership.
  
• We also read a motion to expand the board to seven at-large seats — a move aimed at better representing our growing and diverse membership.
  
• Watch for our newsletters over the summer — we’ll be sharing important updates and training opportunities, including sessions for building representatives and a health insurance training before school starts.
  

Have a safe, restful summer — and thank you for everything you do for our schools, our students, and each other.

Reduction in Force Language:

📝 Article VI, Section J, Subsection 4 – Reduction in Force
🔹 Layoff Authorization & Notice
The Superintendent can authorize layoffs if positions are cut due to lack of funds or work. Employees must receive at least 14 calendar days’ notice.
🔹 Order of Layoff
Layoffs are based on seniority within classification. The least senior employee is laid off first.
🔹 Reassignment Options

• If your position is eliminated, you may be reassigned to a vacant position in the same classification and status (FT/PT) in another building.
• If no vacancy exists, you may bump the least senior employee in that classification and status.
• You can refuse reassignment if the new job is more than 20 miles away or significantly changes your hours, days, or pay level.
• You may also opt to stay in your current building with reduced hours, if available.

🔹 Bumping Rights
You can bump into a position you previously held (if successful) if you have greater seniority than the current employee in that role.
🔹 Recall
Laid-off employees are placed on a 24-month recall list, recalled by seniority. Refusing a comparable job (same days, hours, classification, pay, and within 20 miles) removes you from the list.
🔹 Insurance
You may choose to pay your own insurance premiums during layoff. The District may cover summer insurance if there’s a chance of rehire by fall.

We’ll keep you updated every step of the way. Keep an eye on your email and don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns. We’re here—and we’re not backing down.

May Highlights:

• 21: Last Day of School
  
  June Highlights
  
• 2-3: NEA-Alaska Board Meeting and Retreat, Talkeetna
  
• 7-8: NAACP Education Alaska Action Summit 
  

July Highlights

• 2-7: NEA Representative Assembly
  
• 26: Building Representative Training and Barbeque
  

August Highlights

• 12: MSCEA Board Meeting
  
• 14: First Day of School!
  

Follow our social media: Facebook page, Instagram, X (formally twitter) Youtube 

https://join.nea.org/alaska/

Rick Morgan, President
Classified Employees’ Association
6177 E. Mountain Heather Rd Suite 6
Palmer, Alaska  99645-8442
Office (907) 373-0800 |  Cell (907) 355-6478

What are you waiting for??

Join CEA today!

Every voice is important and every education support professional (ESP) in our bargaining unit is needed. Whether you are a custodian, a paraprofessional, a nutrition service worker, clerical, or facility worker YOU will make a difference.  I hope you will consider standing united with your fellow ESP's in the Mat-Su!
​No other professional organization does more for Alaskan educators. With your support we can protect our profession today, and for the next generation of educators!
​​Join Now!

  We have a great partnership with Grand Canyon University! Below is our contact who lives in Anchorage, give her a call!

Hannah Meneses (is our IN STATE contact!)
University Development Counselor
Grand Canyon University
907-201-1965
[email protected]

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