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Get Involved
Current Issues
Collective Bargaining
Collective bargaining has been an elusive goal, just beyond the reach of VEA members for more than 40 years. Since 1977's ruling by the Supreme Court of Virginia banning the practice of local school boards negotiating contracts with local educators, our Union has created 10-year plans, legislative campaigns, and numerous other strategies in an ongoing effort to regain those rights.
As VEA members who helped make bargaining a reality at last in 2020 and who remain in the fight to implement it can tell you, there are lots of very important reasons why collective bargaining matters.
“Our students, our schools, and our school employees all win with collective bargaining,” says VEA President James J. Fedderman. “It's a benefit for both kids and educators, and a way to identify and solve problems for the betterment of all.”
Learn more about collective bargaining here and by watching the video below.
School Budget
Every year, the Arlington Education Association advocates strongly on behalf of all Arlington County Public Schools employees for better wages, working conditions and benefits.
This happens through meetings with state legislators as well as advocacy at the local level, speaking at school board meetings and helping make it easy for AEA members to contact their local representatives.
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See the latest APS budget documents here.
Learn about the AEA Budget Committee.
Committees
One of the best ways to get involved and is by joining an VEA Committee, which focus on specific issues or member concerns!
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We are always looking for more members to participate so that our committees remain vibrant and active. See below to find one which appeals to you and contact president.arlington@leavea.org to let us know that you're interested in joining! Our office is happy to give you all the details.
Chair: Josh Redhelm
This committee keeps members informed regarding local and state elections. This committee also conducts interviews for candidate endorsements. All PAC funds are separate from AEA dues.
Budget & Audit Committee
Chair: Belinda Folb
Responsible for maintaining current budget, providing feedback/input in regard to priorities for AEA spending, and oversight of independent audit of AEA spending.
Bylaws Committee
Chair: Jaim Foster
Creation of AEA Constitution and bylaws, subsequent amendments and revisions.
Contract Action Team/
Negotiating Team
Co-chairs: Rosa Navas and Dani Jones
This six-member team plus two alternates will include a chief negotiator. This team will be appointed by the AEA President. Anyone wishing to participate should contact the AEA Office.
Elections Committee
Chair: Vacant
Runs VEA elections, including enforcing campaign rules, counting ballots, and certifying election results.
Educational Support Professionals (ESP) Council
Chair: Ivis Castillo
Focuses on education support employee concerns and issues.
Membership Committee
Chair: Danielle Jones, AEA Vice-President
Plans and designs the membership plan, from new employee orientations to promotions and programs throughout the year. Also coordinates social events for members to network and have fun.
Transportation Committee
Chair: Teddy Williams
Focuses on issues specifically facing our transportation members.
Be a Building Representative
Every work location needs a representative, and most of the current representatives would welcome some co-rep help. People who step up to be a representative are the lifeblood of the association.
They make up the Representative Assembly, which meets monthly, and makes many of the decisions regarding where VEA is headed. Building reps communicate with members in their building and advocate for those members when appropriate. Let us know if you might want to become a building rep by emailing admin@aeava.org.
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We are happy to answer any questions you may have and to support you in any way possible.