Welcome to the New Year, at least in terms of CCBD and the fiscal year. As President I would first like to acknowledge the leadership and service of Antonis Katsyiannis as our Past President. He challenged the board to be fiscally conservative and to serve as good stewards of the resources within CCBD. During his time as President he convened a budget subcommittee to review our long term revenue and expenditures. I feel we are moving forward with an emphasis on providing services that first and foremost serve the members of CCBD. We are exploring more dynamic tools for professional development such as webinars, the role of electronic journals to meet 21^st century user models of access and simultaneously exploring strategies that will reduce the cost of the EC Board. Unlike the fights we see around the country, in which partisan politics interfere with sound fiscal decision making, Antonis led us through this process with few bruises or gridlock. Thank you Antonis!

Unfortunately, I cannot say this year lends itself to anything other than feelings of acrimony on the national and state level. In the 30 years I have been in the field I cannot say I have ever felt more under attack for serving in the profession of education.  In the recent months there have been attacks on so many fronts it can seem daunting to prioritize and respond to all of the challenges we currently face. As depressing as it may seem, there are a few fronts in which is seems are having some bipartisan support and movement. As educators we must reinforce our representatives for any positive actions no matter how small they may seem.

First there is bipartisan support for a bill to promote evidence based social emotional learning programming. This has been sponsored by Representatives Biggert and Ryan. This act would require teachers and principals to be trained in practices that enhance the social emotional needs of children in the schools. Some of the skills specified include systematic instruction in conflict resolution, identifying feelings, impulse control and self-management. This emphasis would help all children, included those at risk or already identified as EBD. We have also heard rumblings that the restraint and seclusion bill will resurface. There may not be agreement on how to reauthorize ESEA or IDEA at this time but some of our issues are still in front of the legislative agenda.

But we are still faced with defending long held practices in education including teacher tenure, fair wages and benefits, authentic measures for assessment- this list goes on. Consider joining fellow educators at the Save Our Schools March on July 30 in on the mall in Washington D.C. This rally is in response to the destructive reform efforts currently happening across our nation. Educators must maintain a high profile and make our voices heard. This will begin at the Ellipse at 12:00 with a march to the White House at 1:30. Speakers for this event include: Diane Ravitch and Jonathon Kozol as well as others.  For more information visit http://www.saveourschoolsmarch.org/event_info/the-march/.

It is a challenging time. The CCBD board is committed to supporting its members and advocating for best practice within the field. Let us know what you are doing to keep your spirits up in these challenging times. We will do the same.