Congratulations to the 2022 MIP Winning Chapters — You’re Keeping Our Contracts Strong!

The 2022 results for OSEA’s Membership Incentive Program (MIP) are in, with 35 chapters eligible for incentive payments! Chapter leaders, worksite organizers, rank-and-file members and OSEA staff across the state have worked hard to boost membership in their chapters. And it shows — since July 1, 2,300 workers have joined OSEA! MIP allows OSEA to invest in local chapters... Read More

Melinda Torres of OSEA Coos Bay Chapter 33 is 2022 Oregon ESP of the Year!

Please join OSEA in congratulating Melinda Torres, Oregon’s 2022 Education Support Professional of the Year! Melinda is a member of Coos Bay Chapter 33 and the liaison supporting students in foster care or experiencing homelessness for the Coos Bay School District. She manages the ARK (Keeping At Risk Kids Afloat) Project, a school-based program for youth and families experiencing... Read More

BeAnn Smith of Hermiston Chapter 10 Named Zone VII Director

Following the resignation of Zone VII Director Anjee Young-Whitnah, who left her job with La Grande School District earlier this year, the Board of Directors has elected BeAnn Smith of Hermiston Chapter 10 to serve as director of Zone VII until officer elections are held at Conference 2022. She will be installed this weekend. Congratulations, BeAnn!  Read More

Statement from Pres. Gourley on Changes to School Masking Rules

The rules keep changing! While we welcome the feeling of hope behind the state’s lifting of its general masking requirements, a lot of exhausted school employees feel more confused. We’re simply trying to finish a stressful and – for many – traumatic year. We feel cynical about what will happen next and what information to trust. Now, issues about masking will be... Read More

OHA Will Lift Statewide Mandate for Masks in Schools on March 31

On Monday, Feb 7, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) announced upcoming changes to statewide mask requirements, including those for school settings. Predicting that hospitalizations for COVID-19 will fall below pre-Omicron levels by the end of March, OHA is planning to lift the general statewide indoor mask requirements by March 31. School Mask Rules OHA will remove mask requirements... Read More

Get Ready for Classified School Employees Week

Classified School Employees Week (CEW) is March 7-11, 2022! This statewide week of recognition honors the classified staff who go above and beyond for Oregon schools every day. Our theme this year is “Classified… You Make It Work, With Class!”  Read More

Kathy Melzer Mini-Grant Recipients Announced

OSEA’s Kathy Melzer Mini-Grants help members pursue professional development opportunities with grants of approximately $400. Three members in each Zone can receive a grant; the winners are chosen by lottery each winter. Congratulations to our 2022 Kathy Melzer Mini-Grants recipient! Applications for the next round of grants will close Nov. 5, 2022. Zone I Kevanna Doolittle,... Read More

Chapters Learn Organizing Strategies at Leadership Summit IV

Nearly 100 chapter officers and worksite organizers (WSOs) spent last weekend learning new tools and strategies to organize and represent members during OSEA’s fourth annual Leadership Summit. The event focused on new hire orientations, an excellent opportunity for union representatives to educate incoming staff on the role of the union and the importance of membership. Under... Read More

Susan Miller Takes the Helm as OSEA’s Executive Director

After a nationwide search for a new executive director, the OSEA Board of Directors and interview team have chosen a candidate close to home: Susan Miller, OSEA’s director of field operations since 2016. Susan has served as executive director in an interim capacity since Rick Shidaker’s retirement in August 2021. She has a strong labor background with 20 years’... Read More

Statement from Pres. Lisa Gourley on U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on Protecting Youth Mental Health

Earlier this week, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory on the mental health challenges facing America’s young people, which have only worsened during the pandemic. OSEA President Lisa Gourley issued a statement in response, saying, “We applaud the surgeon general’s landmark report on youth mental health. School employees — especially classified, the... Read More