Arkansas clearly demonstrated its dedication to Race to the Top – 237 school districts and 15 charter schools, which represent 98 percent of students in the state – signed onto the application, according to Dr. Tom Kimbrell, commissioner of the Arkansas Department of Education. AEA’s leaders and staff worked collaboratively with the Department, our local associations, and other stakeholders to ensure that the state's application was consistent with AEA’s mission statement, and to see that it would provide an opportunity for meaningful teacher participation in implementing the plan, if the state had received an RTT award. more>

Pulaski County Special School District Files Complaint for Breach of Contract

Judge Orders PACT and PCSSD to Seek Mediator
The Pulaski Association of Classroom Teachers (PACT) and the Pulaski County Special School District (PCSSD) will enter into mediation upon the order of Pulaski County Judge Timothy Fox.

A hearing regarding the breach of contract suit filed by PACT was held Monday, March 8. Judge Fox declined to make a ruling until both sides mediate. He wants dialog to occur between both parties, with a mediator present, within two weeks.

During the hearing, the PCSSD asked Fox to determine whether a fair treatment walkout, which PACT conducted on Dec. 10, is the same as a strike. Fox said that will be determined by the mediator.  PACT asked Fox for affirmative relief, for the board to restore its recognition of the contract. The judge's decision on this matter will be made after mediation takes place.

PACT filed the lawsuit in January to reinstate contract bargaining rights, after the PCSSD Board of Directors voted during its December meeting to withdraw recognition of both PACT and the Pulaski Association of Support Staff (PASS). The language of the current contract states that the terms of an existing contract remain in effect until a new contract is agreed upon and signed by both parties. However, the board reneged on the terms of the existing contract when they withdrew recognition of PACT and PASS, along with those groups' ability to negotiate with their employer. more>

NEA Foundation Offers Education Grants
Since 1999, the NEA Foundation has awarded over $6 million in grants to help educational professionals improve student achievement. Close to 200 grants are awarded each year.There are two primary grant categories: Learning & Leadership grants and Student Achievement Grants. Application deadlines: February 1, June 1, and October 15. To apply online, or for more information, visit the NEA Foundation's Web site at more>