President's Message (continued)
This semester, I have been fortunate to attend all of the Tampa Bay Area Coalition meetings, which affords me the opportunity to stay abreast on all legislative matters and issues that affect us in Tallahassee. Sincere applause goes out to HASA’s Executive Director John Miliziano, Hillsborough district’s Chief Government Relations Officer Connie Milito, FASA’s Executive Director Jim Warford, and HASA’s legislative committee Chairman Kenneth Allen for their leadership and contributions at these meetings. The legislative agenda outlined in the Fall newsletter is a top priority for 2010. A HASA delegation will attend Legislative Days in Tallahassee during the month of January. Stay tuned for a follow-up report.
The Hillsborough school district has been honored to receive the Gates grant. Our Empowering Effective Teachers Grant will not only help to raise student achievement but will also open new doors to educational opportunity. HASA will continue to work hard for you and assist in providing up-to-date information on any new initiatives.
As of November 30, our membership had grown to a peak of 857 members; our goal is to reach 900 by 2012. Just as I continue to recruit for HASA membership, as a member of the FAPA board I also continue to focus on building FASA’s membership. FASA’s membership is more affordable now than ever before. Please find enclosed an application and instructions form to facilitate submitting your application. Remember: FASA is our voice in Tallahassee.
Last but not least, our business partners have zealously supported HASA in 2009. HASA members are encouraged to take advantage of their various services. Each month, a business partner visits our board meetings and does a brief presentation. Local councils are encouraged to invite them also to your meetings. A list of business partners can be found in the newsletter as well as at HASAonline.com.
As you prepare for mid-term exams, FCAT, a new semester, and your day-to-day missions as administrators, I wish you the assurance of attainment and the confidence of undeniable future success. Service is my signature!
“With every deed you are sowing a seed, though the harvest you may not see.”
Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Tee Solomon
HASA President
2009-2010
HASA SEEKING SCHOLARSHIP APPLICANTS (continued)
| Scholarship applications - administrator/teacher student |
One of the HASA scholarships for a HASA member or teacher has been named the Tom Rao Leadership Scholarship in honor of Mr. Tom Rao, former principal of Hillsborough High School and HASA representative board member for many years. HASA’s Business Partner, Herff Jones, sponsored and funded this year’s Tom Rao Leadership Scholarship. HASA would like to thank Lynn Zirkle and Herff Jones for their support.
HASA also offers a second $1000 college scholarship to current HASA members and teachers to use to further their education. This scholarship is named for Patricia Z. Smith, former HASA President and retired Director of Guidance Services for Hillsborough County Schools.
Through the generosity of Nova Southeastern University (NSU), another of HASA's Business Partners, two $1000 tuition vouchers are available for attendance at that institution.
All four of the above $1000 scholarships are awarded in order to reward HASA members for their outstanding contributions to our public schools and to promote educational leadership in our district. Administrators who are current HASA members are eligible to apply if they enroll in post-graduate work at NSU or any other accredited college or university. Teachers are also eligible to apply if they are working towards certification in Educational Leadership or Vocational Director.
Another of HASA’s business partners, the Hillsborough Education Foundation, has also contributed scholarship funds. Consequently, HASA is able to offer two $1000 HCC (Hillsborough Community College) scholarships to high school seniors or first-year HCC students. Scholarship applications for 2010 are available now online at www.hasaonline.com! Scholarship recipients will be announced at the HASA Spring Social.
Tampa Bay Area Coalition Met to Plan Strategy for 2010 Legislative Priorities (continued)
1. campaign necessary to get the job done. Having a rally in Tallahassee by school administrators is one possible consideration for bringing attention to the Class Size Amendment issue. In order for this to succeed we will need the support of superintendents. It would also be helpful if administrators could take paid leave to attend the rally. A date when school is not in session is being searched so it will be more workable for administrators to travel to Tallahassee.
2. Last year Senator Stephen Wise sponsored the Class Size Modification Amendment but it failed to get any traction in the House. This was because Mr. Wise had attached a sales tax increase to the amendment. This year, Senator John Thrasher may co-sponsor Weatherford’s amendment in the Senate.
3. Senator Mike Heridopolos and Senator Don Gates, two very important and powerful senators, appear to be in favor of modifying the Class Size Amendment. Their support will go a long way in getting Representative Weatherford and senator Thrasher’s amendment on the ballot.
4. Senator Michael Bennett has filed an amendment to repeal the Class Size Amendment all together. This will probably get little support.
5. The Florida PTA has not yet taken a position on the Class Size Amendment initiative but has set March 25, 2010 as a date to have a Rally in Tally to promote school funding.
It was reported that a very important step has been taken that will be needed to advance any legislation on DROP. Senator Jerry Ring has authorized an actuarial study to be done to determine the cost of allowing everyone in the Florida Retirement System (FRS) to be able to DROP under the same rules that teachers are allowed to DROP. This study would also evaluate the actuarial cost of giving FRS employees who die on the job with no dependents, a sum of money that would go into their estate.
Regarding the graduation requirements issue, Representative Erick Fresen and Senator John Trasher have agreed to file a Bill that would give schools three to four years to get caught up with all the mandates now on the books before additional reforms are legislated. Senator Nancy Detor is also planning to file a standards Bill.
As for the school starting time, nothing has been done so far but some legislators will probably bring this issue up again during the 2010 session.
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Mr. Larry Carmichael Provides FRS News for the Coalition Mr. Larry Carmichael, the legislative liaison for the Florida Retired Educators association (FREA), attended the Tampa Bay Area Coalition meeting of December 2, 2009 to update its members of what is happening with the Florida Retirement System (FRS). The following are his comments: |
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The Florida Retirement Trust fund is actuarially sound. At one point the fund’s value had dropped to $79 billion, but in recent days the fund has recouped much of its losses and is now fully vested with over $112 billion.
Sydney P. Freedberg, St. Pete Times reporter, has written various negative articles intimating that there is fraud in the Florida State Board of Administration (FSBA), the Board that manages the FRS Trust Fund. Larry said this is absolutely not true and that this reporter and the St. Pete Times may be motivated by their desire to bring change in the FSBA. Mr. Carmichael shared the following interesting points about the FRS Trust Fund:
1. The FSBA is expected to achieve annual investment return of 7.5 % overall in investing assets of the Retirement System Trust Fund.
2. In order to achieve this kind of return, the SBA must invest in some high yield/ high risk ventures. By policy mandate, 5 % of the assets are to be invested in "strategic" or "high yield" activities.
3. Throughout the country, 68% of all benefits received by retirees in state pension plans is derived from trust fund investment earnings.
4. The remaining 32 % comes from employer/employee contributions.
5. Fourteen percent of FRS members have elected to participate in the optional plan called defined contribution.
Mr. Carmichael said that Representative Fasano is still trying to pass legislation that would mandate that all new FRS employees would have to join the defined contribution plan after January 1, 2011. Even though it appears that Fasano is picking up some support for his proposal, Carmichael believes that this bill will not pass any time in the near future.
HASA’s Recognizes and Honors its Past Presidents at the Annual Christmas Representative Board Meeting (Continued)
HASA Board of Directors and alternates introduced themselves. Dr. Miliziano introduced the 16 Past Presidents in attendance. Dr. Miliziano gave a brief history of the association from 1975 to the present:
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Dr. John Sessums, third president of HASA (1975), made comments about the very beginnings of HASA.
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Ken Adum (1985) commented on his days as a “dean” at Madison. He took Dr. Miliziano’s advice and joined HASA in 1976.
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Dr. Susan Houx (1986) commended HASA on its growth since she was President and the positive support at the district level.
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Lois Bowers (1991) also recalled days served with Dr. Miliziano at Madison Junior High a dean of boys and dean of girls.
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Susan Miller (1992) commended HASA on its status as the premier administrators’ association throughout the state.
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Claudia Davidson (1994) remembered the upheaval in the Legislature (the attempt to elimination of Terminal Pay) when she served as HASA President.
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Dan Bonilla (1996) expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve with such an outstanding group of people during his term.
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Dr. Ron Parlett (1998) remembered just over 500 members when he served as President and applauded HASA on its growth.
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Brenda Kearse (2000) expressed gratitude for positive influences from HASA presidents.
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Charlotte Valenti, (2003) commented on HASA’s growth and positive influence in the state.
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Dr. Ken Allen (2004) lauded HASA and Dr. Miliziano on beginning the Tampa Bay Area Coalition, a 14-member conglomerate of administrator associations, making a difference in the State of Florida.
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Pat Smith (2005) noted that she was touched when HASA named a scholarship after her.
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Lou Cerreta (2006) appreciated what he learned from time served on the HASA board and from his presidential predecessors. He enjoys his current role on the Board working with Business Partners.
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Mary Cunningham (2007) was instrumental in establishing the HASA Strategic Goals and has implemented similar plans with two faculties since.
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Elsa Tuggle (2008) remarked on how humbling it is to be included in the history of HASA
Tee Solomon (2009) commented on the swift progress HASA is experiencing and enjoying.
Mrs. Solomon introduced and thanked Mr. Ross Larson, area sales manager from Life-Touch/Bryn-Alan for sponsoring HASA’s Christmas dinner for the past three years. Mr. Lawson noted that the combined histories of both LifeTouch and Bryn Alan’s companies have resulted in 146 years of experience in school photography. He thanked HASA members for their leadership. Eddie Ocasio spoke about the positive communication between HASA, its members, business partners and district staff.
FLORIDA’S TEACHER OF THE YEAR IN THE RUNNING FOR NATIONAL HONOR (continued)“It’s been a joy to see first hand how Megan’s infectious enthusiasm and ingenuity can inspire both teachers and students alike, and I’m so proud that she can carry her message to the national stage,” said Education Commissioner Dr. Eric J. Smith. “Her passion to challenge and mentor students is truly uplifting and, if chosen, she will serve as an incredible ambassador for her colleagues throughout the country.”
"I’m so humbled and honored to be chosen as a finalist! It’s meant so much to me to represent all of Florida’s amazing teachers, hard-working students, and those involved in education,” said Megan Allen. “I’ve already been so inspired by the classrooms and ideas I’ve seen so far and can’t wait to use this opportunity to keep learning and growing."
As a finalist, Megan will interview in March with a selection committee representing the major national education organizations. If chosen as the National Teacher of the Year, she will serve as the spokesperson for the entire country’s teaching profession, addressing government officials, business communities, parents, teachers, and students at conventions, forums and meetings across the country.
The National Teacher of the Year will be announced in April by the President and honored in a series of events in Washington, DC.
For more information about the National Teacher of the Year program, visit www.ccsso.org.
BUSINESS PARTNER PROGRAM NEWS
by Lou Cerreta - (continued)Baccarella & Baccarella, Attorneys at Law...................................... Dominic and Donna Baccarella
Balfour......................................................................................................................... Greg Fenlon
Herff Jones............................................................................................,........................ Lynn Zirkle
Hillsborough Education Foundation...................... Barbara Dick, Bill Hoffman, Valerie Pennypacker
Karp and Assoicates....................................................................................................... David Karp
Liberty Mutual Insurance............................................................................................ Eileen Cuesta
LifeTouch/Bryn Alan......................................................... Eddie Ocasio, Tim Crandall, Craig Morris
Nova Southeastern University............................................................................. Dr. Deborah Coyle
Suncoast Advisory Group....................................................................................... Doug Mortellaro
Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union....................................................................... Cindy Helton
Suncoast Wealth Services.............................................................................................. Robert Fox
Troy University............................................ Carmen Federico, Carol Walters, Dr. Thomas Peacock
VALIC Investments......................................................................................................... Chris Brown
Westshore Financial Group............................................................ Paul Labarbera/Brian Strickland
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News You Can Use
from FASA FRiday Facts1/15/10
Florida ranks eighth in new education report
Florida public schools rank 8th in the nation — a huge
leap from 31st just three years ago — in Education Week
magazine's annual "Quality Counts" report released today.
Race to the Top Tally at 53
At least 53 of Florida's 67 school districts will make a go at the reforms
required under the state's Race to the Top grant application, according to
the latest tally from the Florida Department of Education.
Broward Board Rejects Chance for $34
Million
The Broward County school district on Tuesday forfeited its chance to
get $34 million, voting not to be part of the state's application for a
federal education grant.
Georgia Governor Wants to Change How
Teachers Are Paid
Gov. Sonny Perdue is calling for legislation that would pay Georgia's
teachers based on student performance, not their advanced degrees.
Charter School Advocate to be Next Virginia
School Chief
Virginia's next education secretary is an advocate for school choice
and charter schools, which he said would allow more students to gain a
quality education.
Florida Lawmakers Hope to Boost Fine Arts Education
Northeast Florida lawmakers are offering measures that would change the
course mixture for students at public schools - and how those schools are
graded - in the legislative session this spring.
Fine-Arts Linked With Academics
Eighteen smiling children sit cross legged on the floor, hanging on to
every word opera singer Juan Aguirre sings.
Educators Await Obama's Mark on NCLB
Eight years after President George W. Bush signed the bill that
branded an era of school reform, the education world is wondering when
President Obama will seek to rewrite the No Child Left Behind
HASA Studies School Deadlines and Programs (continued)
HASA is working for YOU! In an effort to reveal times with the most severe overlap, members of your professional association, with the support of our school Superintendent, designed a calendar to analyze district and state deadlines, events, mandates, meetings, and duties. This is especially pertinent given our district's enormous size. In fact, seven divisions, along with numerous departments, set these important meetings and deadlines for the district. That means you might need to be in two or three places at the same time!
Without question, many of these tasks align with
state and federal mandates and cannot change; however, can we adjust some
of those dates? Can the district shift certain responsibilities to avoid
overlap, overflow, and eventual overload? Can certain tasks be removed
altogether? Take a look at your calendar and let HASA know what you think.
Together, we will devise a solution that allows our principals to do
what's most important – effectively lead their schools and put kids first.
15th ANNUAL PRAECEPTOR AWARDS
(continued)
The Human Development Center, Inc. (HDC), together with Hillsborough County Public Schools, are pleased to announce nomination applications for the Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union’s 15th Annual Praeceptor Awards are now available. HDC, a local non-profit, began presenting this award in 1995 to recognize Hillsborough County teachers actively engaged in the teaching of ASD, EH, EMH, TBI, TMH, S/PMH, SED and SLD students.
The award recognizes special education teachers who practices in the classroom are similar to those used at HDC. HDC uses principles of behavior analysis to promote independence and success to their adults clients with developmental disabilities and recognizes the importance of individual teachers who are utilizing many of these same cutting edge techniques in their classrooms. Those principles include: positive reinforcement, integration, normalization, replacement behaviors and goal setting.
"We are honored to be a part of these awards," says Mary Tlachac Executive Director of Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union. "We completely support teachers who are committed to special needs students and the nurturing way they enable students to achieve their educational goals.”
HDC is a private, non-profit state designated behavior intensive organization dedicated to promoting independence in the lives of adults with developmental disabilities and behavioral disorders, founded in 1978. HDC understands both how challenging and rewarding working with special needs population can be which is they started this award in 1996 to recognize the dedication and challenges special needs teachers overcome each day.
At the time of its inception there were no awards in Hillsborough County to recognize special education teachers. Nicole Smith, Development Coordinator at the Human Development Center said,” These teacher’s unique dedication and ability to motivate and captivate their students is worthy of this award and much more.”
Nominations are due to HDC by 04/07/10 and can be downloaded from the HDC website at www.hdcinc.org or by clicking here. Teachers may be nominated by their peers, students, parents or themselves. This award has received written support from Superintendent Elia.
The award ceremony and dinner will be held on Thursday, May 20, 2010 from 6-9PM at the Historic Centro de Asturiano ballroom located at 1913 Nebraska Avenue in Tampa.
This event is proudly sponsored by: Suncoast for Kids Foundation and Publix Super Market Charities. For more information contact Nicole Smith at nsmith@hdcinc.org or 813-872-6250, ext.106.