News

January 5, 2016 As you are aware, last month President Obama signed into law the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).  Congress overwhelmingly passed the legislation with the House voting 359-64, and Senate voting 85-12.  This is the legislation to replace the No Child Left Behind

January 5, 2016  In a last ditch effort to get much needed budget funds to schools and other public agencies, Governor Wolf approved the budget bill sent to him by the Legislature, HB 1460, but he utilized his line-item veto privilege, which cut much needed funding for specific programs that he felt were not funded

Criminal Background Checks and Child Abuse Clearances 12/17/2014 11:37:00 AM   Criminal Background Checks and Child Abuse Clearances Act 153 of 2014 On December 12, the PA General Assembly amended the Child Protective Services Law to require all prospective employees, current employees, independent contractors and volunteers to get and renew criminal background checks and child

KEYTA Members Donate Over $30,000 Each Year to Local and National Charities 12/1/2014 9:33:00 AM   KEYTA members, through their generosity, donate over thousands of dollars each year to worthwhile charities that are meaningful to them. These contributions have made a positive impact on their local communities, school students and the needy in their neighborhoods…and

KEYTA Freezes Dues for the 2014-2015 School Year 4/1/2014 12:25:00 PM   The KEYTA Board of Directors has approved a dues freeze for the upcoming school year. At its meeting in March, the KEYTA Board determined that the Association’s commitment to maintaining an affordable option for educators warranted the freeze. The Board also understands the

KEYTA Launches New Membership Category 4/1/2014 12:24:00 PM   Beginning the 2014-2015 school year, the Keystone Teachers Association will be offering a new membership category for those educators who wish to be a part of the KEYTA community, but do not need our insurance benefits and legal assistance. For $20 annually, our new category will

Legislation Allows for Saturday School Days to Make Up for Weather Closings 3/28/2014 12:29:00 PM   The State Senate unanimously approved legislation that allows school entities to have the option of rescheduling instructional days on Saturday, but for not more than one Saturday per month, in efforts to make up instructional days lost from school

General Assembly Advancing Youth Suicide Professional Development Plan 3/24/2014 12:28:00 PM   Last month the Pennsylvania Senate amended and approved House Bill 1559, which would require school entities to develop a plan that includes four hours of training in youth suicide and awareness and prevention every five years for professional educators in school buildings serving

The Keystone Teachers Association Supports Paycheck Protection Legislation 3/5/2014 12:21:00 PM   Paycheck protection legislation, which would end the right of unions to have their dues deducted directly from employee paychecks is garnering increased attention in the Pennsylvania General Assembly. House Bill 1507 and Senate Bill 1034 allow government entities such as school districts and

Right-to-Work…What Does it Mean? 1/24/2014 10:51:00 AM   Right-to-work means that you have a right to work at an establishment without being forced to join or financially support the labor union. Pennsylvania is not a right-to-work state. Therefore, if a collective bargaining unit (or union) forges an “agency shop” (better known as union shop) agreement