July 2007

Dear Denver Teachers and DFT Members:

 As we end this school year and begin to plan for the 2007-2008 year, I would like to reflect on our successes and challenges.  On the political front, AFT was successful in getting candidates friendly to public education elected to the State Legislature and the Governor’s Office.  In addition your work was invaluable in the defeat of Amendment 39, the so-called 65% solution.  The citizens of Colorado rallied to our message and soundly defeated this dangerous legislation.  Thank you to those members who walked precincts, called our members, and donated to this cause.

2008 will also be a huge political year for teachers.  In addition to our continued work in the legislature, we will have national elections.  AFT will hold its national convention in Chicago in July.  Many candidates will be on the agenda and the resolutions passed will shape the direction of the AFT.  It will be extremely important for DFT to participate in this important convention.  The Democratic National Convention is coming to Colorado in August, and AFT will be looking for volunteers to help with hospitality duties and receptions for the delegates.  AFT mount a full-scale political mobilization campaign for the fall elections, working to support candidates who support working families.  Colorado is a targeted state, and your work and support will be more important than ever.

At the district level the Superintendent and School Board will be moving forward with the redesign of DPS.  We will be working to shape that vision to what we see as important for students and teachers.  DFT will begin this process by creating a phone bank to give all our members input into the positions we take on school redesign. We need help with this project:

·         The Executive Board would appreciate your input as to what questions should be asked.

·         If you can volunteer to help make calls, please let us know.

·         Lastly, I hope you will be open to sharing your opinions when a member calls to get your input.

With the information from the phone bank we will develop position papers for DFT in the areas of school redesign that we feel are essential.

Again, thank you for your support during this past year and enjoy your summer.

Eugene Summers, DFT President

ps:  I believe this webpage is a great resource for keeping our members informed, for recruiting new members and promoting good public policy for DPS.  Of course, a web page is only as good as the information we put on it.  I look forward to contributions from members in terms of articles they write and links they would like to seen on the site.  This is a great volunteer opportunity for our writers and editors.