EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MESSAGE

Hello everyone! 

The Annual conference was a great success and Region 4 is to be congratulated on putting together a great conference at a fantastic venue.  We heard awesome messages from our keynote speakers and learned much from our breakout presenters.  Thank you all who worked to put on such a great conference and thanks to all who attended. 

Toni Neidhold was recognized at the annual board meeting for the past three years she has spent in her president's role.  Congratulations goes out to Tina Limmer of Puyallup, who was awarded our organizations highest honor being that of the President's Award.  The Region awards were given out to the following members:  Region 1: Jane Stencel, East Valley Spokane, Region 2: LeAnne Ries, West Valley, Region 3: Chelsea Jacobson, ESD 112, Region 4: Janet Hodson, Federal Way, Region 5: Tracy Johnson, Central Kitsap, and Region 6: Grace Arnold, Mount Vernon.  We also recognized the following retirees:  Maureen Stanton, 36 years, Janet Hodson, 50 years, Grace Arnold, 34 years, Anna Winney, 11 years, and Robin Nading, 34 years.  Laura Estey and Aubrie Nettle received their HELP graduate certificates. 

Randy Hathaway Tuition Scholarships were awarded to the following members: Kalin Heath, Ridgefield SD ($500), Cassandra Bunney, Monroe SD ($500), and Amanda Fisher, South Whidbey SD ($500).

Randy Hathaway HELP Fellowships were awarded to the following members: Chrissy Emerson, East Valley Spokane SD ($1,100), Michelle Musso, Moses Lake SD ($1,100), Angela Zwiefelhofer, Snoqualmie Valley SD ($1,100), Dianne Smith, North Shore SD ($1,100), Shelbee Mangum, Federal Way SD ($1,100), Tami Kirkham, Yelm CS ($1,100), Angela Wageman, North Kitsap SD ($1,100), Vivian Jensen, South Kitsap SD ($1,100), Jackie Stewart, South Kitsap SD ($1,100), and Ashleigh Hollmann, Mount Vernon SD ($1,100).

The TWIO Week Eight is here for your reading pleasure! Please continue to pay particular attention to the bills on special education, SB 5311 in the Senate Ways & Means Committee and HB 1436 in the House.  Interested in learning more about our Workers Compensation?  Check out our March Zoom series on Worker's Compensation link below.  Our first of two career fairs is next Tuesday, March 14, in Spokane and the one in Tacoma is March 28.  There is still time to sign up for the Tacoma Career Fair as registration closes at 3:45 on March 17. 

It is that time of the year to think about running for WSPA president.  If you are interested in running or if you want to nominate someone, please do so HERE.  The successful candidate will serve on the board for three years.  Year 1-President Elect, Year 2-President, Year 3-Past President.  The deadline for nominations for President is March 30, 2023. 

Member Request this week:

No member requests this week

Funny for the week: Q: What did the horse say when he fell down?  A: I have fallen and I can't giddyup.....:)

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• March 8, 15, 22, 2023 - Worker's Compensation Series
• March 9, 2023 - Reductions in Force
• March 14, 2023 - Career Fair - Spokane Convention Center (registration is open)
• March 23, 2023 - Bargaining Workshop (registration is open)
• March 28, 2023 - Career Fair - Greater Tacoma Convention Center (registration is open)
• April 11, 2023 - Washington State Retirement System and Plans (ZW)
• April 19, 2023 - Benefits (ZW)
• April 24, 2023 - Spring HELP (ZW)
  
• May 4, 5, 6, 11, & 12, 2023-Conflict Mediation-ZW-4, 5, 6 & IP-Olympia-11 & 12
• May 9, 2023 - Job Descriptions (ZW)
• May 22, 2023 - Legislative Results/Impact on Bargaining (ZW)
• July 10-14, 2023 - HELP & Summer Series-Icicle Village Resort-Leavenworth (IP)

Have a great week everyone!

Darrell Heisler

WSPA Executive Director