Sensitive Topics and Public School Employees

Last year, I advised members to exercise extreme caution when discussing politics with students. This year, I want to remind everyone that unless it is explicitly part of your curriculum—such as in a social studies course—political discussions should be avoided in the classroom. State law and your contract prohibit electioneering during work hours. Please do not use district email or photocopy machines to distribute political materials. Doing so outside the scope of your curriculum could result in disciplinary action.

I also urge all NTU members to use good judgment when posting on social media, particularly regarding sensitive topics. Recently, several educators in other New Hampshire districts were placed on leave due to their social media activity. In Nashua, all employees are required to follow School Board Policy GBEA, Professional Ethics. While most of the policy addresses conduct in the workplace, section “E” states that “Educators should appreciate the importance of their contribution to society.” In essence, the policy reminds us that the public holds our profession in high regard and expects educators to act accordingly.

You may review the full policy here: NSD POLICY GBEA

AFT-NH Vision Insurance

AFT-NH offers VSP Vision Care as a member-only benefit. Open enrollment begins September 29, 2025, and runs through October 24, 2025.  

Open enrollment is for any AFT-NH member or retiree interested in joining the AFT-NH VSP Vision Care plan. Only new sign-ups need to fill out an enrollment form. *Existing AFT-NH VSP Vision Care members will receive a renewal invoice in the mail.

AFT-NH VSP Vision Care covers:

• an annual eye exam with only a $10 copay

• a $25 copay on eyeglasses

  • an allowance of $120 towards the cost of eyeglass frames/contact lenses

  • savings on the cost of eyeglass lenses

  • discounts on lens coatings and enhancements

  • an average savings of $489 per year - Try the savings calculator to see what you could save on glasses or contacts: VSP Vision Care Savings Calculator

• essential medical eyecare to manage specific medical issues

• a wide network of participating eye doctors

• discounts on online glasses and contacts through Eyeconic: eyeconic.com

For more information on benefits and discounts, please visit the VSP Vision Care website at: vsp.com

2025-2026 Annual AFT-NH Vision Care Rates:

Member:    $180.40

Member + 1:  $257.08

Family:       $452.92

The plan runs from November 1, 2025, through October 31, 2026. AFT-NH bills annually, in one lump sum, for our VSP Vision Care plan. 

Interested in joining AFT-NH VSP Vision Care? 

• Print and complete this open enrollment form: AFT-NH VSP Vision Care Open Enrollment Form 2025

• Send your completed open enrollment form and check made payable to AFT-NH VSP to:
  AFT-NH
  785 Route 3A Unit 102
  Bow, NH 03304

Increased Workload? Let the NTU Know!

The Nashua Teachers' Union regularly meets with management to discuss issues. One common concern that  NTU receives is increasing workloads.  To be clear, in general, NTU contracts do not guarantee equity and oftentimes, even if your workload increased from last year, it isn't an issue that the union can grieve because it is not a contract violation. However, this doesn't mean that the NTU cannot advocate on behalf of its members during our meetings with management. So, if your workload has increased significantly this year over last year, we'd like to know about it. To report a workload issue to the NTU, please fill out this form. We'll keep it open for a few weeks if you would like to complete it later:

Increased Workload Survey

Nurses

For the first time, nurses will receive additional credit on the salary schedule for all years of demonstrated registered nursing experience. To receive this credit, nurses must provide written proof of relevant nursing experience to the Human Resources Director, Michael Bowse (bowsem@nashua.edu) no later than September 30, 2025. Here's a draft cover to send to HR:

Nurses Credit Years Letter

Vacancies on the Board of Directors

Currently, there are sixteen vacancies on the Board of Directors. However,  I have eight nominations to approve at our first Board of Directors meeting that will cut that number in half. If you are interested in serving as a union representative, please reach out to me or one of the other representatives in your building to learn more about the position. Here is a list of the current vacancies:

Board Vacancies Highlighted

Questions? Comments? Need Assistance?  Contact a member of the Executive Board

Trying to email Gary? Make sure to use president@nashuatu.org