June 28, 2010

Dear Members,

At the ASASP membership meeting on June 16, the attending members expressed concerns and decided it was time to voice their frustration and concerns rather than just continue to accept the unfair and unjust treatment the Superintendent and the Board of Education have demonstrated.  It was decided that we would represent ourselves at the next School Board meeting, Thursday, June 24, with the voice of members’ frustration and concerns delivered through Doris addressing the Board.  It was also decided that members would be present at the meeting to represent solidarity.  It was further decided that all members present at the ASASP meeting would communicate to non-present members regarding their participation and the members’ show of solidarity.

On June 24, ASASP members represented themselves as Doris addressed the Superintendent and the School Board members. The Board room was packed with ASASP members (witness for yourself) and I want to thank those who were in attendance.  For the first time in the 7 years as your President, the members stood up for themselves.  I was proud to witness this event and believe that the message was delivered.  I can only hope that as members, we continue to show the support as this is the only way we can bring about change.  Those members who came to Sasscer to represent ASASP should be proud of yourselves and know that your support is greatly appreciated.  On the other hand, you should be somewhat, as I am, disappointed by those members who chose not to support you and the membership for this worthwhile occasion.  I hope that those of you who were there reach out to those who were not and remind them we can only survive if we stand together.  Let them know, it is not when an individual’s job security is threatened that you need ASASP, but it is when we all are threatened that ASASP needs individuals’ support.

In closing, let’s not stop here. I hope that as we go forward, June 24 will be the turning point for ASASP to come together and take the lead as we should.  Remember, as I have said many times, we are only as strong as the membership.  Power comes in numbers.  At our next rally, I hope more of you will represent.

Thank you,

James Smallwood

President