LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

 

 

 

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

 

School year 2009-2010 has ended and I am hopeful that teachers and other school employees will have an opportunity to enjoy some rest and relaxation during the summer months.  This has been a challenging year in so many ways.  We have had budget shortfalls at the state and local level that have impacted programs for children, class sizes and of course for the third straight year we have no salary increases.  In addition to all of this, we had testing irregularities, our superintendent resigned and four of our school board seats are up for grabs.

 

On a brighter note, the Norfolk School Board has hired

Dr. Richard Bentley, currently an associate superintendent in El Paso, Texas, as the new Superintendent of Norfolk Public Schools.  In the public forum for the Superintendent candidates, Dr. Bentley said that he liked to get things done through consensus, collaboration and team building.  He mentioned that trust building was important with students, parents, teachers, employees and the community. He stated that you must show trust to get trust.  He said he is a good listener and he values the opinions of others.  He wants to get to know the culture of Norfolk before he suggests any sweeping changes.  As he begins this new chapter in his life, we want him to know we are anxious to work with him and support NPS efforts to raise student achievement and close achievement gaps.  All of us want the very best education possible for our children and the Federation will continue to work collaboratively with the school district to accomplish this goal.

 

Just a reminder, the Federation’s summer office hours will be Monday through Thursday, 8:30 am until 5 pm.  Please don’t hesitate to call if you need assistance or information.

 

The Federation is also offering several courses through Cambridge College during the summer. The Federation trains the instructors and pays the instructors and through a partnership with Cambridge College each of these courses are offered for 3 graduate credits.  The tuition is $255.00 .  If you are a non-member, you can also take these courses, but you must pay a $300.00 service fee in addition to your tuition.  Call the Federation office for more information.

 

Once again, I wish each of you a happy and restful summer.  Thank you so much for the support you have given the Federation this year.  Working together, we are making a difference.

 

In Unity,

Marian Flickinger
President

 

 

 

NFT OFFICE SUMMER SCHEDULE: Monday-Thursday 8:30am to 5:00pm. Closed on Friday.**Summer schedule is from

July 1, 2010 -

August 13, 2010

 

 

 

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