The Sarasota/Manatee chapter of RC 43 met Jan. 10 at Anna Maria Oyster Bar, located 6906 14th St. Tamiami Trail, Bradenton. Our Speaker was Pat Barber from Manatee Teachers Union. Pat spoke of the plight of Teacher Unions and student education in the state of Florida.
The state Legislature has put a greater burden on School Boards and Teacher Unions. Here are some of the highlights or lowlights of Pat’s talk.
There are 9,000 teacher vacancies in the state.
Unions can no longer collect dues through payroll deductions.
The state has put restrictions on what can be taught in schools.
A trained Media Specialist must approve every book in a classroom library.
A single resident can ask to have a book banned.
If you are interested following legislative developments you may access FEAweb.org . Updates concerning the Florida Legislative session may be found at FEAweb.org/session .
On Tuesday, Feb. 6, (Note change of Date), we will experience the Myakka Elephant Educational Encounter. Twenty tickets have been paid for. The cost is $39 and the Unit will cover $20 leaving $19 for each individual to pay. 16 people have paid for the encounter leaving 4 spaces yet to be filled. Please contact Glenn Simpson at 585-746-1406 or gts144@icloud.com to reserve a space.
We will gather at Skillets 9772 State Road 64 at 11:00 to car pool to the Elephant Ranch. After the Elephant Encounter we will gather at Millers Ale House at 7175 State Route 64 next to Costco. Those of us who carpool will return to Skillets to gather our cars and drive down SR 64 to Miller’s Ale House for lunch at approximately 1:45 Pm
Looking forward to seeing everyone.
Glenn Simpson
585-746-1406