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Working Together Tour
The Lake County Education Association (LCEA) and the Lake County Service Employees International Union (SEIU) are joining together to ensure our collective bargaining rights are maintained. All LCS employees (instructional and non-instructional), and community allies are welcome to participate. Let’s work together for a better future!
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We have a ratified contract!
Teachers Ratify the 2023-2043 Teacher Contract. Whole book Contract 2022-2025
The teachers of Lake County held a Contract Ratification vote for the 2023-2024 instructional contract on Wednesday, September 6th from 7:30a.m. – 5:00p.m. During this time, a paper Contract Ratification of 1,623 ballots were cast. “I am pleased to announce that 95% of the votes were in favor of our new contract.” Kathy Smith, LCEA President
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Membership Update
LCEA exists because of our due paying members. If you have not paid dues and/or have 2 or more “not sufficient funds” you may not be eligible for representation or member benefits. Please take a few minutes to complete your eDues if you wish to stay a member of LCEA. Please contact the LCEA office at 352-787-2050 to verify your membership status due to cancellation of membership for nonpayment of membership dues. Call 352-787-2050 to check your membership status.
We could tell you dozens of stories from just the past two years of teachers who never signed up for their union or they thought they were members. They would ask for help because they were in a situation where their certificate was at risk. It happens way more than you would think, and with all the new state laws don't put membership off.
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Insurance
The Lake County School Board voted on some changes to our insurance plans. One of the changes means a new plan with NO deductible and NO coinsurance which will mean savings for you and your family. Educators have expressed concerns over the cost of insurance. It has been a priority expressed by educators in our bargaining survey and by our bargaining committee.
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LCEA has strengthened language for the insurance committee so that insurance concerns can be addressed.
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There are 5 LCEA members and 5 SEIU members on the insurance committee as well as School District representatives.
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We have spent hours meeting this year to try to address the fund balance deficits while also producing solutions that also reduce costs for educators.
Become a Sponsor
We are looking for local business interested in becoming a sponsor of LCEA. Our educators have the drive and skills to change the lives of their students. They are involved locally and throughout the state to impact public education in a positive way. To continue the momentum, we want to provide our educators with everything they need to be successful as well as to celebrate them. We are looking for financial support and/or sponsorship to help cover the costs of T-shirts for our members.. Become a sponsor before August 1st!
Collective Bargaining
Collective Bargaining with LCS has begun. Our THIRD bargaining meeting went well. We have begun discussions about compensation. Read the full press release on our bargaining page.
Important Bargaining Dates:
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Wednesday, May 24th - Collective Bargaining from 3:30 – 5:30PM at LCEA
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Wednesday, June 21st - Subcommittee meeting
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Thursday, June 22nd - Collective Bargaining at 9 AM
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Thursday, July 13th - Collective Bargaining at 10 AM
eDues
We are switching to eDues! HB 1445/SB 256, the bill to silence the voices of union members passed and is on the Governor’s desk. This means we must transfer all members payroll deductions to FEA’s new system called “eDues“ before JULY 1, 2023, to meet the requirement set by this new law. Our goal is to transfer everyone to eDues by June 30th. Right now about 60% of our membership has converted to eDues.
Insurance
The Lake County School Board voted on some changes to our insurance plans. One of the changes means a new plan with NO deductible and NO coinsurance which will mean savings for you and your family. Educators have expressed concerns over the cost of insurance. It has been a priority expressed by educators in our bargaining survey and by our bargaining committee.
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LCEA has strengthened language for the insurance committee so that insurance concerns can be addressed.
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There are 5 LCEA members and 5 SEIU members on the insurance committee as well as School District representatives.
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We have spent hours meeting this year to try to address the fund balance deficits while also producing solutions that also reduce costs for educators.
New & Early Career Educators
2023 FYRE CADRE 10
LCEA is excited to begin Cadre 10 of Florida’s Young Remarkable Educators (FYRE) for the 2023 -2024 school year. FYRE is a great way to build activism, network with younger teachers, support staff, grad assistants and professors — and develop lifelong union relationships. If you would like to apply for Cadre 10, please click the link below to complete the LCEA application. Applications must be submitted by MONDAY, September 4th.
Member Organizing
We are looking for members interested in earning some $ while helping build LCEA. LCEA is launching a organizing program to develop activist and leadership skills among our members and build the power to win the schools our students and educators deserve. You don’t have to be an activist or union officer to participate - you just have to have the desire to be a part of creating change in your workplace and community. Apply by May 30th!
Congratulations Teachers of the Year!
Three of the four finalists for 2022 Lake County’s Teacher of the Year are pictured here: Patrick Kelly, Danielle Newton, and Courtney Stokes.
