BALDWIN — Being a CSEA member means that someone always has your back. Whether it be at the bargaining table or away from work, our members are there for each other.
Nowhere is that more apparent than in the Baldwin School District Special Education Teacher Aides Unit.
Members recently organized a sick leave bank for a colleague who needed additional leave because her daughter was struck by a car.
“[The member’s] daughter was critically hurt in a car accident and is in rehab in New Jersey,” said Angela Lucas, Baldwin Special Education Teacher Aides Unit president. “We knew she needed time to care for her daughter so, we decided to try to organize a sick bank.”
“We weren’t sure if the school board would approve,” said Lucas. “We were so happy when they approved us to give her 30 days.”
As part of the sick leave bank guidelines, CSEA members working in the district could donate one day of their accrued sick leave to the sick leave bank, specifically created for this particular situation.
“Our members gave without question, even the members who don’t know her,” said Gallagher. “People who didn’t have any sick days to give offered to give money instead.”
The teacher aides also sold candy at Baldwin High School to raise money for the member and her family.
“It was really nice because some of the students volunteered to help sell the candy,” said Lucas. “We were able to raise $250.” In addition to the candy sale, unit members held a fundraiser for the member at the middle school where she works.
“That fundraiser was open to all of Meadow Middle School,” said Gallagher. “We raised $2,000 in donations there.”
The member, who wished not to be identified because of the personal nature of her situation, said she is overwhelmed by the generosity of her CSEA family.
“We’re in an awesome union,” she said. “It was so beautiful of them to do this for me and my family; they’re so kind. I’m also thankful to the district and staff for allowing the Teacher Aides Unit to do this. I am so grateful to everyone that gave so generously.”
— Wendi Bowie
