Day 2 @ the RA-Calls, calls and more calls

Each day at the RA is always unique. We heard from 2 more candidates for President, Congressman Dennis Kucinich and Governor Bill Richardson. The Congressman was enthusisatic throughout his address and really got the crowd going.

Governor Richardson highlighted his relationship with the NEA at both the state and national levels. He has a tremendous record of supporting education which he shared with us. You can see clips of the two at http://www.nea.org/annualmeeting/raaction/07candidates.html.

At one time during the day, President Weaver had the phone numbers of Speaker Pelosi, Senator Kennedy, Congressman Miller, and Senator Harry Reid. Thousands of delegates flooded the phone lines and left messages emploring our elected leaders to support NEA's positive agenda for reauthorization for ESEA.

After one hour, Reg told us Congressman Miller's office said "If you're calling from NEA, we've already heard from everyone there." Later the office sent a message that the RA delegate's voices were being heard. Even later, Speaker Pelosi's office called and said they were getting the message. Reg replied, "Your action is being noticed, but I say, keep on calling.

Pictured making calls are some of the 100 OEA delegates to the RA.

Day 1 at the RA

What a first day. My wife Katherine and I just returned from the convention center after one of the most exciting days we both have ever experienced at a Representative Assembly. Attired in white, Oklahoma Centennial shirts with an RA logo on the sleeve, delegates Sabra Tucker, Shawnee and Judy Chaffin, Seminole, enjoyed the festivities.

The first day was highlighted by remarks from President Reg Weaver and appearances by three of the 2008 presidential candidates--Senator Hillary Clinton, former Senator John Edwards and Senator Chris Dodd. All three candidates are extremely supportive of public education and NEA's positive agenda for change to the No Child Left Behind Law.

The atmosphere was electric to say the least. Hearing positive comments about our public schools and our Association had delegates and guests on their feet cheering. For video clips, you can go to http://www.nea.org/annualmeeting/raaction/index.html. This is a great start as we bring in the leading contenders from both parities to showcase their educational platform and for the delegates to learn about those stances so they can take it back to their members back home.

Human & Civil Rights Banquet

The Human and Civil Rights Banquet takes place the night before the RA. This year, Kayln Free, from Tulsa, Oklahoma, was awarded the Leo Reano Memorial Award. The Reano award is presented for leadership in resolving social problems, particularly as they relate to individuals of American Indian/Alaska Native heritage. Ms. Free's vision is to change our histories by electing Indians to public office to best represent the diversity of America.

Free was one of several award winners honored that included the Rutger's women's basketball team, author Pam Munoz Ryan, Miss "Sweet" Alice Harris, and Barbara Kerr, past president of the California Teacher's Association.

Some of the attendees included OEA Vice-President Becky Felts, my wife Katherine from Putnam City, and NEA Director Linda Hampton and Associate Executive Director Charles McCauley.

2007 RA-Philadelphia

The 2007 Oklahoma Delegates have started to arrive in Philadelphia for the Representative Assembly. Some of them have been involved in pre-RA meetings while others are just getting checked into the hotel. Our delegates are looking forward to the 150th RA.

Not only will we be dealing with the general business of the Assembly, but we will also have a great opportunity to see and hear presidential candidates give us their views on education.

I will be blogging from the RA daily, so feel free to check in for the latest information or check the web at http://www.nea.org/annualmeeting/index.html.

OKC Metro Leadership Training

On Friday, the OKC Metro held its Leadership Training meeting at the Oklahoma History Museum. It will be the first of six regional meetings to be held across the state. After a legislative review, pariticipants plan for the summer and the next school year. This group had the honor of hearing special guest speaker Frosty Troy give his take on the legislative session and an education commetary update as well.

Taking a break from the work at hand are Jim Effinger and Kari Taggert from Mid-Del. Also from Mid-Del, and hard work, are Kelly Fry, Lori Burris, and Lori Effinger.

Planning for the Western Region Leadership Conference

Earlier this week, members of the NEA's Western Region met to plan the 2008 Western Region Leader's Conference. The conference will be in Austin, Texas during January.

Two members from each state were there to help put the conference together. Along with Linda Hampton, I get to represent Oklahoma on the committee. The committee will continue to meet throughout the year as we finalize preparations.

Also at the meeting was Liz Picone, our NEA Member Benefits representative.

Where's the Beef?

In 2005, the Oklahoma Legislature commissioned a study to see where our state was in reference to funding. The study was never released to the public because the Oklahoma legislature doesn't fall under the "Open Records Act".

A few days ago, Channel 9 reporter Rosa Flores showed me a copy of the study. Until actually seeing it, I'd only heard of its existence. It showed Oklahoma schools are underfunded by more $800 million.

The figure doesn't come as a shock to Oklahoma educators, superintendents, school boards, and patrons. They've known all along our schools are underfunded. I have to wonder if the legislature will do anything to solve the problem.

For the News 9 story go to http://newsok.com/video/181462.

Education??

Two hours of a Presidential debate and not one word regarding education.

http://www.nea.org/newsreleases/2007/nr070603.html.

Students Denied Diplomas

I've been to graduation ceremonies that were solemn and dignified. I've also been to one where it was like a circus atmosphere and it was difficult to hear the names of students called out as they crossed the stage. I guess it all comes down to what kind of decorum is best for a particular community.

You can read about the students at http://news.aol.com/topnews/articles/_a/illinois-students-lose-diplomas-over/20070601155509990001?ncid=NWS00010000000001.

OEA Night with the Redhawks

Last night was the 2nd Oklahoma Education Association night with the Redhawks. The Redhawks played host to the Salt Lake Bees, and with no rain in the forecast, it was a beautiful and pleasant evening for baseball as Katherine, and my niece Ally, can attest.

Our members did have to endure having me throw out the first pitch. The pitch was a little inside but it was caught by Tug Hulett. Tug is an infielder in the Rangers organization from Auburn University.

While the Redhawks lost this game 7-4, it was a very entertaining and enjoyable evening. If your interested in a great time and good baseball check out the Redhawks at http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/index.jsp?sid=t238.