AEA President Umstead, Exec. Board Pen Letter To Associates On Pay   Low Moor, VA (Nov. 27, 2018) - Alleghany Education Association President, Robert (Bob) Umstead has, on numerous occasions, addressed the Alleghany County School Board on the topic of area teacher pay. Umstead's position is that teachers in the Alleghany County School System are paid far less than their counterparts in eastern Virginia and as well as school systems like those in Covington. Here is the full text of a letter he and the executive board of the Alleghany Education Association recently sent to state-wide VEA presidents: "To All VEA Local Presidents, "As we look around our school system we see that many of our fellow employees have moved on to other jobs or gotten second or third jobs, just to make ends meet.  We believe that it is time our state values us by showing support for us and giving us needed funding. Let’s follow the lead of states such as West Virginia, Arizona, Oklahoma, and Texas and stand up for ourselves by committing to the following actions:      â€¢      December 7, 2018:  send a brief email to the governor and local representatives summarizing your financial needs and your concerns, which may include your frustrations, concerns, irritations, issues of anger and lack of respect. Make it personal to your situation.   Make a hard copy of this email and send it by US Postal service to the same people.      â€¢     January 7, 2019:  follow up with another email and snail mail letter to all your representatives.        â€¢     January 28, 2019:  VEA Lobby Day in Richmond.  Make plans to bring as many people as possible by caravan to lobby for our schools and employees. "We feel that we deserve a significant pay raise and would like to band together with members, non-members, family members, PTO members and anyone who feels that a quality education is worth fighting for.   "Please respond if you are interested in getting your school system involved in getting a 10% pay increase next year! "Watch for further information."   Robert Umstead Sammie Brookman Monty Bowman Lori Dressler Becky Johnson (Alleghany Education Association Executive Board)

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