HELENA EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

Programs are over, parties are done, and now it's time for the real fun to begin! I hope everyone enjoys this nice long break--whether you are traveling to see family, hosting a dinner with friends and neighbors, or just putting your feet up and reading your new book--I wish you a joyous and restful Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Boxing Day, and New Years! (I hope I didn't forget any celebrations!) Relax, make merry, and I'll see you back refreshed and ready to go in 2020!

Happy Monday! The ongoing bargaining team met on Wednesday. Some key points: --We are considering lowering the number of years that we will grant new hires for teaching experience, from 10 years to five years. This will help save costs from the general fund. --Hard to fill positions may have to be considered on a case-by-case basis. --We looked at leave time taken: 70 fewer sick leaves day and 111 more professional days taken for the same period, first quarter, 2018 and 201