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The Allegany County Board of Education voted four to one at its emergency meeting in December to petition the Maryland State Board of Education for the removal of Board member Wayne Foote. ACEA leadership has no opinion on the merits of the charges against Mr. Foote, though we certainly understand and appreciate the serious nature of them.
Though Mr. Foote chose not to participate in ACEA’s candidate recommendation process and therefore could not receive our recommendation, the voters of Allegany County voted overwhelmingly to elect Mr. Foote for another term. ACEA is an organization that deeply values the democratic process in our own operations and as part of the voting constituencies of Allegany County. To that end, we have serious concerns with the nature and timing of these charges. We understand clearly that the members of the previous Board felt morally compelled to bring the charges against Mr. Foote and we respect that they felt compelled to act. ACEA has no intention of being involved in Mr. Foote’s situation beyond that which we may be compelled by law to do. We must, as an organization, respect the process that is now underway. However, ACEA must be and is committed to working with the current Board to achieve the best possible outcomes for our educators, students and schools. In as much as Mr. Foote is a duly elected member of the Board, we are committed to working with him individually toward the same goals. |
The decision of the Kirwan Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education to delay recommendations on new school funding formulas to the Maryland General Assembly for another year is extremely disappointing and unfortunate. Put simply, OUR KIDS CAN’T WAIT.
As has been stated by many, the work of the Commission is a once in a generation opportunity to make a positive impact on public education in the state of Maryland. As evidenced by the recent overwhelming passage of Constitution Question 1- Fix the Fund, Maryland voters are solidly in favor of more support (financial and otherwise) for our schools. Comments have been made by local elected officials, Commissioner Bill Valentine specifically, that the price tag for the Kirwan recommendations is too high. Commissioner Valentine also seems to have stated, inaccurately, that he’s gotten no input from Education Associations as a part of his role as a member of the Commission. To set the record straight:
It is truly baffling to think that Commissioner Valentine would say that the Education Associations of this area and state have not given feedback or been involved with the work of the Kirwan Commission. He should know better. Beyond that, it is counterproductive. ACEA and MSEA have been active partners with the Commission from the beginning and intend to keep advocating for the best possible changes in public education funding and policy needed to support our students, educators, and schools. In fact, ACEA and MSEA members will be joining together with members of the community to MARCH FOR OUR SCHOOLS on March 11, 2019 in Annapolis. All who are concerned about the future of public education in our community and across the state are welcome to join us there. OUR KIDS CAN’T WAIT! |
John P. Reuschlein Scholarship
Click the button below to download a donation form.
ACEA is heartbroken at the sudden passing of our former President John Reuschlein. We extend our love and sympathy to his wife and family. John was an exemplary teacher, a tireless advocate for educators, a staunch union man and a wonderful friend.
We will miss him dearly, but we also know that John would want his legacy to live on through the work that we do. John cared deeply about that work and we will continue to fight for public education the way he would want us to. |
ACEA is profoundly saddened to learn of the passing of Lou Petronella and of the serious injury of his wife, Becky. Lou was a colleague and friend to so many in our community from Cumberland to Mt. Savage to Frankfort. He was a longtime educator and advocate for educators, especially Education Support Professionals through his work with the Allegany County Educational Support Council. He will be deeply missed.
Our love and prayers go out to Becky for a full recovery and to Lou’s family that they might find peace.
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Think You Know How to Navigate Social Media?
Think Again.
Social Media is the blessing and curse of the era we live in. It can be an incredibly useful tool for educators, but can also be one of the easiest ways to slip up and face discipline.
Click on the tab below for the latest advice from MSEA's Legal Department on how to avoid the pitfalls of social media.
Click on the tab below for the latest advice from MSEA's Legal Department on how to avoid the pitfalls of social media.
Know Your Rights!!!
The following are your Weingarten Rights:
If you are accused of child abuse, assault, or any other criminal charge:
1. Don't talk to anyone about the case. Tell the principal, parent, police officer, or social services worker that you will be happy to answer questions as soon as you have an attorney present. They must respect your right to have an attorney present during the questioning- even if it means postponing the meeting.
2. Call ACEA at 301-729-8280 or Evan West at 240-405-9652 immediately. Advise the person who answers that you are being accused of a crime and need an attorney. If for any reason you are unable to reach someone at the ACEA office, call headquarters in Annapolis at 1-800-448-6782 and ask to speak to an attorney.
3. If you are unable to reach the Uniserv Director at ACEA or an MSEA attorney, advise the principal, administrator, or officer that the questioning will have to be rescheduled when you have an attorney present and that you will advise them as soon as you have arranged for representation. They can contact your attorney by contacting MSEA.
4. Do not allow yourself to be manipulated into discussing the case without legal counsel. The vast majority of complaints are false, but your response can easily be twisted or misconstrued. Promises like "just answer a few questions and we can close the book and go home" or insinuations like "you wouldn't mind talking to us if you were "not guilty"" are designed to help the investigators and the accusers, not you. Expedience is never a good reason to sacrifice your legal rights.
If you are accused by your supervisor of misconduct, incompetence, insubordination, or impropriety:
1. Advise the supervisor that the charge is one for which you could be reprimanded or suffer other disciplinary action and that you have a right to have a representative attend any meetings held to discuss the charge.
2. Contact your building ACEA rep or call the ACEA office at 301-729-8280. The building rep can accompany you to the meeting or we can arrange other representation as the situation requires.
3. If you are unable to reach the ACEA office, advise your supervisor that you wish to postpone the meeting until you can have a representative present. If the supervisor insists that the meeting proceed, you must attend in order not to be insubordinate. But, don't discuss the charge. Your best bet is to repeat, "I'll be happy to respond to that when I have a representative present."
ACEA Office Facelift
Many thanks to the volunteers who worked hard to give our sign and office a facelift, the final product looks amazing!
