OAPSE has joined a coalition of labor and community groups to oppose Issue 1 and urge a NO vote on August 8. Details about Issue 1, the special election, and informational meetings across the state will be available from now until Election Day.

OAPSE members in Northeast Ohio are urged to attend an urgent meeting on Thursday, June 22. Details below. And other meetings are planned around the state.

But for now, just know that Issue 1 is designed to make it MUCH harder to change Ohio’s constitution. If Issue 1 had been on the books in 2011, we never would have been able to defeat Senate Bill 5 because it never would have made the ballot. Issue 1 is a power play by legislators who want to change majority rule in Ohio. Let’s keep majority rule. Let’s keep one person/one vote. Let’s make sure every voter’s voice is heard. Keep checking here and the OAPSE Facebook page for details on steps you can take to help ensure Issue 1 fails in August.

You can also keep up to date by clicking here.

https://oapse.org/uncategorized/3875/

Members of the Columbus School Employees Association (CSEA) voted overwhelmingly to approve a new tentative three-year contract that CSEA President Lois Carson called “a huge win for the workers who really make our school district run – the critical support staff who impact our students every single day in so many ways.”

CSEA represents nearly 3,000 members in Columbus City Schools. The members voted Saturday. The Board of Education will vote June 20.

The agreement includes wage increases of 4 percent in each of the first two years with a wage reopener in the final year.

The agreement also includes a $500 signing bonus in December and another $500 bonus in June 2024. The new contract makes one-time adjustments to the step system, which will accommodate those who were impacted by the step freeze from September 2011 to August 2014. Those who have been with the district for more than 30 years will receive an additional 2 percent step increase.

The contract provides for district-paid background checks; $50 monthly bonuses for perfect attendance; a streamlined promotion process which will result in most employees receiving an average of a 7 percent wage increase when promoted; and up-front tuition reimbursement assistance that eliminates upfront out-of-pocket costs to employees. This tuition reimbursement can be used in conjunction with the union’s free and reduced-cost college program.

Food service managers received an additional hour and will now be 8-hour employees. Mechanics will get a $400 tool-replacement stipend. And, Intervention Aides and Special Needs Intervention Aides are moving up in the step ranges – over and above the improved step language that impacts other workers. That could mean anywhere from 50 cents per hour to $1.50 per hour for the aides.

“This is a really good contract that provides solid wage increases and other financial improvements that will make a real difference for our members. Our team came together with management to craft an agreement that shows we are valued and supported for the critical work we do and the impact we have on the education of our students.”

Carson added that local unions across the state are negotiating with employers throughout the summer and encouraged them to share their new agreements with OAPSE by contacting the public affairs department at [email protected].

“We need to spread the good news about what it’s worth it to Stick With Your Union and show management that you are strong and united!”

The 11 winners of the 2023 OAPSE/AFSCME Memorial Scholarship have been announced by the scholarship committee chair, Stephanie Wiley. “This year’s winners are so deserving, and we are thrilled to award them each $2,500 to start their higher education journeys,” Wiley said. She thanked the committee members for all the hard work in evaluating each application and selecting the winners. “We all take this responsibility very seriously, and we spend a lot of time reading the applications and essays and discussing our thoughts about each student. It’s hours of work, and I want to commend all the committee members for their dedication and hard work.” Members of the scholarship committee are: Wiley; Julie Langanke; Kecia Sindeldecker; Bev Payne: Susan Graham; Karen Jones; James Haller; Robin Warren; Tish Jones; and Kathy Chamberlain. See the winners above!

Woo Hoo! Bev Payne Recognized by U.S. Department of Education!

OAPSE Local 416 Leader and North Central District Executive Board Member Bev Payne has been selected as one of four finalists for the RISE Award – the Recognizing Inspiring School Employees national award established by the U.S. Department of Education to “shine a light on the staff who have been designed to have such impact within the school walls. These staff are often not highlighted nor recognized nearly enough.”

The top award went to a paraprofessional from Nevada who works with the Native American and Alaskan natives. Bev and two others finished as runners up! She was named one of two finalists for the award in December.

“We know how amazing Bev is and what an incredible contribution she makes to Crestline Schools every day. It’s so deserving that she has been selected from nominees across the country. We are very proud of Bev and so glad she has been recognized for her dedication to students and families in Crestline,” said OAPSE State President Lois Carson.

Bev joined Crestline Village Local Schools nearly 39 years ago and is THE go-to person in the school district to find answers, assistance and direction.

A leader in OAPSE, Bev was nominated by President Carson. She is North Central District treasurer, has served the members of Local 416 in many roles, and is often the person union members rely on for expertise and information.

Bev received letters of recommendation from the district superintendent, her elementary principal and Crestline’s mayor. In addition, many village leaders offered testimonials on Bev’s work in the community.

She began her career substituting as an aide and a bus driver. She followed that with time as a study hall monitor and an in-school suspension aide. But, for most of her nearly four decades in service to Crestline children and families, she has worked as a secretary. Currently, Bev works as an elementary school secretary, where she also is responsible for the preschool and the transportation secretarial duties.

Bev really is the “center of the wheel” in her school and district. “Mama Payne” is the one her co-workers come to for help, advice and direction. She assists parents who call with questions about bus routes, teachers, schedules and everything related to Crestline Schools. And her experience with all facets of the school system – including relationships built over a lifetime of living and working in Crestline – makes her an exceptional team member who administrators rely on to make the district the best it can be.

When Bev sees a need or a challenge, she takes charge and meets it. Her no-nonsense approach to problem solving earned her the title of “Sergeant Payne” in Crestline, where she helps lead the annual Harvest Festival and where she serves as an elected member of Village Council. Bev partners with community leaders of all political persuasions to make life better for families in the village she has called home all her life. She doesn’t believe in complaining. She believes in taking action toward improvement. And she unites people to get the job done!

Bev is beloved in Crestline because she is a kind, compassionate, tireless giver of her time, energy and love to students, families and neighbors. She is simply the best.

Way to go, Bev!

Did you know Ohio has a primary/special election on May 2? Make your voice heard! Register or make changes to your voter registration information by Monday, April 3! Election details below!

Military & Overseas Absentee Voting: Begins March 17

Deadline to Register to Vote: April 3

Early In-Person Voting: Begins April 4 and includes the Saturday and Sunday before Election Day.

Absentee Voting By Mail: Begins April 4

Election Day: May 2 (Polls Open 6:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.)