Welcome From St. Francis Local 1977
Recent Letter from the President of EdMn-1977 Deb Parson
Those of you who know me, know the dread I was feeling about giving this speech-
Now that we’re clear on that… I would like to thank everyone who has shown me support since gaining this position!
AS WELL AS thank everyone for all of the advice on what to say and do for my speech. I am pretty sure I have enough material for the next 3 elections!
HOWEVER: the most common recommendation was to KEEP IT SHORT.
Therefore, I have decided to focus on 2 items- 1st: what I have learned in the past year and 2nd : what I know to be true.
First, What I learned:
1. I learned that the lower elementary teachers sing, A LOT, for EVERYTHING!!
2. I learned there is MUCH more going on behind the scenes than I could have ever imagined- with a promise of more to come
3. I have learned that I have a lot more questions than I thought and am learning where to get the answers for the questions. “I know what I don’t know!”
4. I have learned the amazing speed at which my home and cell phone number can spread throughout the district
5. I have learned how few members actually know about all of the opportunities that the Union supports for training and networking and how few members take advantage of those.
6. I have learned that there is a huge of the lack of awareness and understanding regarding the make up and uniqueness of local 1977.
I have asked Ryan to assist in putting a face to local 1977
VIDEO-RYAN (point of clarification- this is NOT a Kiss Cam!)
Our local has the unique opportunity to work as a whole given 4 units. I am going to call out your unit and ask that you Please stand and give a quick wave around when I call your unit…
*This unit has been making me look good for the past 17 years, please stand and wave, ESP/EAs
*This unit provides our students with the fuel they need to focus in class and sometimes the only meal they get for the day, please stand and wave, Nutrition
*This unit has the members that are the first and last face our students see each school day, please stand and wave, Transportation
*These members spend more time with the students then most of their parents, please stand and wave, Teachers
This is the face of Local 1977 St. Francis.
Second item: What I Know to be True:
Our district is head and shoulders above other districts- I will tell you right now that this is something that I am very passionate about.
This is largely due to the collaborative relationship between the union, school board, and administration.
This is a rare and awesomely powerful relationship that I am looking forward to continuing.
If you doubt this in any way, please take advantage of my invitation to you to participate in some of the opportunities that are available to you. Because, when you attend any type of event with people from out of our district and sit at a table with them, you had better be prepared for questions! People want what we have-BAD!
IN CLOSING
You are looking at the luckiest person in this room. Not only do I get the privilege of working for the best district in the state of MN; I also get to work FOR the best group of people in the state of MN.
Thank you!