By Mike Antonucci
EIAonline

ATLANTA – The National Education Association dues for the 2013-14 school year will be $182, thanks to delegates approving a special assessment at the union’s convention July 5 “allocated to a Special Fund to help NEA affiliates advance the goal of great public schools for all students.”

That wasn’t a surprise, but the margin was a little thin by NEA standards – 55.6% to 44.4%.

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NEA’s officers described their plan for the special fund, but the delegates punted to the union’s board of directors when it came to approving specifics. The text simply states, “The Executive Committee shall develop guidelines to implement this Bylaw. These guidelines shall be submitted to the Board of Directors, and shall become effective when approved by the Board of Directors.”

I’m not suggesting anything nefarious, but I’ve never heard of a majority of the Board defying the Executive Committee on any issue. Also, I’ve never heard NEA admit that any of its actions did not “advance the goal of great public schools for all students.” By strict interpretation of the text and as a practical matter, the delegates gave the Executive Committee the power to dispense that estimated $6 million annually any way it wishes.