Dear Colleagues and Unionists:
Our two week strike cost approximately $800k. These include the actual costs of organizing the strike (printing signs and literature, meals for educators, NTA logo hats, etc.), plus $625k in fines--the coercive state fine of $350k and Newton Public School compensatory fine of $275k.
We have received many donations from NTA members, from individuals from across the state and the nation, as well as from many local education associations. All told, we have raised over $200k so far, which of itself is remarkable. However, the number of donations has begun to dwindle as the strike has fallen out of the news.
As you can see, we are still far from the raising the full amount that we spent on the strike. The budget gap caused by these costs will create a short term cash flow issue for us towards the end of this school year. In the long run, we will need to replenish our reserves.
What I would like to ask of you is this: If you received an NTA hat from us, would you consider giving a $25 donation--or more if possible--to the NTA strike to help pay for their purchase? Any donation, large or small, will be welcome. I know that many of you have already donated generously to the NTA, both to offset the costs of our strike and towards a hardship fund for members and may not be able to contribute more. I also understand that many of you cannot afford to do so. But if you can donate, please click here to do so!
Finally, would you consider participating in one of three committees that we are forming to raise funds? These are (1) a fundraising committee, (2) a social committee and (3) a group to organize selling NTA “swag.” If you would like to volunteer for any of these committees, please click here to sign up. These committees all will be doing time sensitive work, so please sign up asap.
Thank you.
In solidarity,
Mike Zilles, President
Newton Teachers Association.