Since the start of the school year, our members have experienced some signficant losses and challenges outside of the workplace. This is not unique to the NTU or this school year, but something we face with each passing year. When some of these major events happen, the NTU is there to support the member(s) by reviewing contract language, assisting with contact Central Office, assisting with FMLA and sick bank paperwork, advocating for the member, and answering their many questions. We also want to be there to support our colleagues financially. Each school is awesome with how the rally around one of their own when something happens. The NTU has tried to contribute as well, but this can be a strain on the operating budget, where these types of donations come from. We have reallocated funding from one account to another at times, but with the frequency and need we are seeing, we cannot but the NTU at financial risk, so I will be be bringing a formal proposal forward to the Board of Directors tomorrow.
On Tuesday, with the approval of the Executive Board, I will recommend to the Board of Directors that we form the NTU Relief Fund (working name), a new 501(c)3 non-profit overseen by the NTU. The purpose of the fund would be to help support NTU members who face a significant loss or challenge outside of the workplace. AFT currently has the AFT Disaster Relief Fund with full bylaws and guidelines; the NTU will be doing something similar in line with requirements for 501(c)3 non-profits and rules set by the State of New Hampshire. Mike Apfelberg, the President of the United Way of Greater Nashua, is going to help us with this process. The relief fund would set the bylaws with what is and isn't eligible, and would be open to NTU members only. Money in this fund would not come from dues after the initial establishment, but through fundraising and donations. Having a donation come out of your paycheck will also be an option! I am really excited about this new benefit for NTU members. As we move through this process, I will keep you updated.
All paraeducators who members of the NTU are invited to attend the ratification meeting.
When: Monday, December 19th at 4:00pm
Where: Nashua High School North Auditorium
If you have any questions, please contact Adam (president@nashuatu.org).
This is a tentative schedule for the ratification process:
December 19th - NTU Ratification Meeting
December 19th - Board of Education Vote
January 2023 - Board of Aldermen 1st Reading
January 2023 - Budget Review Committee
January 2023 - Board of Aldermen Vote
February 2023 - Retro pay, steps, and new pay rates
Once there are finalized dates for the meetings mentioned above, I will share them with you.
Less Leg More Heart works with families and Veterans in the greater Nashua who are amputees. This raffle will support their efforts to continue to help families and Veterans.
Have an idea for the Just for Fun section? Send it to Adam (president@nashuatu.org).
...in maple syrup, but a landslide. I wonder if it has to be New Hampshire maple syrup, Vermont, or is store bought ok, too?