Kansas NEA

June is National Hunger Awareness Month. We know over the summer brings a lot of uncertainty for some of those in our community. If you know anyone in need, you can direct them to https://ksde.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=c59a8dfe7b5046aa893d32296c946f53&fbclid=IwY2xjawSGh9hleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFvTTk1TjFRa1NkMXpETGNHc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlQhemPNKv6Y8jpIA3w8TrBUkKqIyzebrII4cHglcUgc_VnAHIowN2m5GKPa_aem_fqvPNAgWNlqsvAS8Mwd-xA.

At KNEA, our core values help guide our work. Two of those core values are equitable opportunity and a just society. We believe all students have the human and civil right to a quality public education that develops their potential, independence and character. We also believe education is vital to building respect for the worth, dignity and belonging of every individual in our diverse and multicultural society.

Discrimination against anyone, including those who are LGBTQ+, violates our values. Educators, parents, students and communities are uniting across race, genders and place to demand safe and affirming schools where all students can learn, grow and thrive.

Join us in celebrating Pride Month during the month of June to celebrate the culture, achievements and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community. It serves as a celebration of equality and a continuation of taking action for marginalized people.

Pride Month also honors the 1969 Stonewall Riots in Manhattan, a pivotal turning point for the modern gay rights movement. On June 28, 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village, Manhattan. Patrons and locals didn’t quietly disperse. Instead, the protested, sparking a multi-day uprising against harassment.

The first Prade pride took place on June 28, 1970, one year after the Stonewall Riots. It went from Greenwich Village to Central Park.

Check out these resources and tools:
NEA EdJustice - LGBTQ+ Support and Education: https://www.nea.org/advocating-for-change/racial-social-justice/tools-justice/lgbtq-support-protection
NEA Action Center - LGBTQ+ Rights: https://www.nea.org/advocating-for-change/racial-social-justice/tools-justice/lgbtq-support-protection

Members of the Kansas Legislature's Education Funding Task Force spent a day and a half at the Statehouse on May 27-28 examining student outcomes and accountability measures and marking a clear shift in focus from earlier meetings that centered on the mechanics of the school finance formula.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4x3kqMs

Student outcomes, accountability take center stage at Education Funding Task Force hearings — Kansas NEA | Under The Dome Members of the Kansas Legislature's Education Funding Task Force spent a day and a half at the Statehouse on May 27-28 examining student outcomes and accountability measures and marking a clear shift in focus from earlier meetings that centered on the mechanics of the school finance formula.

Join educators from across Kansas to gain tools and knowledge for safer, more supportive classrooms and healthier working environments. Register today for the KNEA Educator Safety and Rights Summer Summit. You have two options - July 20-21 in Topeka or July 27-28 in McPherson. Registration: bit.ly/kneasummersummit26. See flyer for more details.

KNEA members in the news! Lawrence Education Association celebrated Tuesday after the Lawrence USD 497 School Board voted unanimously to approve starting pay for education support professionals (ESPs) of $20 per hour.

Lawrence school board approves contracts with raises for teachers, district staff Lawrence school board members voted unanimously Tuesday night to approve new contracts with raises for the district’s certified staff and education support professionals.

Today marks the 72nd anniversary of Brown v Board. Want to learn more and dive deeper into the history? Check out https://knea.org/professional-excellence/leadership-development/member-spotlight/may-17-marks-72nd-anniversary-brown.