On Saturday, April 18, delegates from across Northeast Ohio, including 5 from EEA: Linda Aguiñaga, Vickie Caldwell, Dan Falk, Maria Friday & Deb Meredith gathered for the NEOEA Representative Assembly. While the agenda was full and, at times, procedural, the work done at this Assembly directly impacts every member of the Elyria Education Association.
This wasn’t just another meeting—it was where decisions were made about our union’s direction, priorities, and resources for the coming year.
A Powerful Moment: Friend of Public Education Award
A highlight of the Assembly—and one that directly connects to the future of public education—was the recognition of Dr. Amy Acton, who attended to accept the NEOEA Friend of Public Education award.
In her remarks, Dr. Acton delivered a compelling and urgent message about what lies ahead for Ohio schools. She emphasized that the upcoming November gubernatorial election will have major implications for public education across the state.
She underscored the importance of:
- Protecting and fully implementing fair school funding
- Electing leaders who are committed to supporting—not undermining—public education
- Ensuring educators have a voice in shaping education policy at the highest levels
Her message was clear:
Who we elect—especially to the governor’s office—will directly impact the resources, respect, and stability of public education in Ohio.
For EEA members, this is a reminder that our role as educators extends beyond our classrooms. Advocacy and engagement—especially in elections—are critical to protecting our profession and our students. Check out OEA’s endorsement of Dr. Amy Acton as the next governor of Ohio and consider contributing to her campaign! Continue reading What Happened at the NEOEA Representative Assembly—and Why It Matters for EEA Members →
The Elyria Education Association is pleased to offer AutoPay as a secure and flexible option for paying union dues. This alternative to payroll deduction helps ensure uninterrupted payments while giving members more control over how and when dues are paid.
Members can choose a one-time payment or spread payments over 20 installments from October through July, with automatic withdrawals occurring twice monthly. Enrollment is completed through the Ohio Education Association (OEA) website using your member ID, and AutoPay will renew annually unless canceled during the August 1–31 window.
OEA is also introducing a new AutoPay Incentive Program, offering a $50 incentive for members who enroll! The enrollment period to qualify is April 13, 2026 through September 30, 2026. Enroll to get your $50!
Members may pay via checking or savings account (EFT) or by credit card. Please note that beginning in the 2027–2028 school year, installment payments by credit card will no longer be available.
For step-by-step instructions, enrollment forms, and frequently asked questions, please visit the Forms & Resources page:
https://elyriaea.ohea.us/forms-resources/forms/
If you need additional support, contact the OEA Membership Department at 1-844-632-4636 or membership@ohea.org.
The Elyria City Schools Board of Education met on April 1, 2026. Below is a summary of key updates and highlights, with a focus on items most relevant to EEA members.
🎉 Recognitions & Celebrations
The Board recognized several outstanding student achievements, including:
- Elyria High School students placing in the Rotary Four-Way Test Speech Competition
- The Elyria High School Chamber Orchestra for earning a Superior Rating at state adjudication
- Middle school athletic achievements, including basketball and wrestling teams
💰 Treasurer’s Report & Financial Update
- Treasurer Colleen Aholt reported that the district received a “clean financial audit report,” indicating strong financial oversight and compliance.
- An “unofficial” updated 5-year forecast will be presented at the May Board of Education meeting.
- This forecast may guide discussions about placing a levy on the November ballot.
🎭 Donation to Performing Arts Center
- The Board accepted a donation of $12,568.20 from the William A. Ely Trust to the Elyria High School Performing Arts Center.
- This donation will be used to purchase a new sound board for the PAC.
🧑🏫 Personnel Updates (Member-Focused Highlights)
The Board approved several personnel items, including:
- Resignations
- Multiple classified staff resignations
- One certified resignation (EHS Orchestra Director effective May 29, 2026)
- New Appointments
- Daily substitute teacher approved at $150/day
- RIF Recall
- One classified staff member recalled from the RIF list, consistent with contract and policy guidelines
- Leaves & Retirement
- Approved unpaid leaves of absence for classified staff
- One classified retirement effective July 1, 2026
- Compensation
- Approval of classified substitute pay rates (Utility and Head Custodian levels)
📌 Other Notable Actions
- Approval of an overnight field trip for a middle school student group
- Scheduling of an expulsion appeal hearing for April 15, 2026
- Standard approval of prior meeting minutes and board items
📣 What This Means for Members
- The clean audit report and upcoming 5-year forecast will be important in shaping future financial discussions, including potential levy considerations.
- Continued staffing changes (resignations, recalls, substitutes) highlight ongoing workforce shifts across the district.
- Investment in the Performing Arts Center reflects continued support for student programs.
📅 Next Board Meeting
The next Elyria Board of Education meeting is scheduled for:
April 22, 2026
If you have questions about any Board actions or how they may impact members, please reach out to EEA leadership.
Stay informed and engaged!
This evening, EEA members came together for our Proposal Reveal Party at the Elyria Elks, marking an important step in our negotiations process. The event brought members into the work of the Negotiations Team, providing an opportunity to review draft proposals, ask questions, and offer valuable feedback ahead of bargaining.
Throughout the evening, members rotated through focused discussion tables led by members of the Bargaining Team and OEA Labor Relations Consultants. These conversations reflected the strength of our association—thoughtful, collaborative, and grounded in a shared commitment to supporting both our educators and our students.
We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who attended and contributed. Your feedback is essential. Over the coming days, the Bargaining
Team will carefully review all input collected during the event. This feedback will directly inform and refine our proposals as we prepare to exchange with the Board’s Bargaining Team on April 13.
We also appreciate those members who expressed interest in serving as observers during the bargaining process. Your willingness to stay engaged and support this work is invaluable.
Events like this demonstrate what is possible when members are actively involved in shaping the direction of our association. Thank you for your professionalism, your insight, and your continued commitment to EEA.
