As a result of several phone calls, the following clarifications are provided to further explain the function and funding of REA-PAC.

Many years ago, the Rialto Education Association formed a political action committee. This committee (REA-PAC) is the vehicle through which REA expresses support for school board candidates.

Why should I care who is on the school board?

The school board members set your salary. They decide whether your health benefits will be capped at a certain level. They decide whether YOU will pay out of pocket for health benefits. They determine your working conditions. They adopt textbooks. They are ultimately responsible for almost every aspect of your employment.

But I was told you send this money to CTA.

False. The REA-PAC dollar stays only with REA and can only be spent to support endorsed candidates for school board or to further their campaigns.

If I opt out, you’re going to send me a dollar, right?

Wrong. The opt out authorization simply means that your single dollar per month will be used for the ordinary bills (general fund expenses) of the Association.

If that is the case, then why did you bother to ask whether I want to opt out or not?

Because since school board elections do not fall under the normal definition of representation (i.e. negotiations, grievances, communication, etc.) you can direct this portion of your local dues dollar to remain in the general fund.

I was told that the PAC is ten dollars a month. Is this true?

No. The transfer amount is one dollar per month out of money already paid in dues, not newly assessed, that only stays in Rialto to support endorsed school board candidates.

How are candidates selected?

PAC committee members interview them. PAC committee members then make a recommendation to the Executive Board. That recommendation is then passed to the Rep Council. If the Rep Council votes to recommend, then and only then is a candidate eligible for support by REA-PAC.

I don’t like Jim Brulte, John Longville, Bill Leonard, Nell Soto, George W. Bush, John Kerry, Bill Jones, Barbara Boxer, I’m pro-choice, pro-life, pro-family, etc., etc., etc. That’s why I don’t want you to transfer my dollar.

REA-PAC funds have not been and cannot be used to support anyone other than an endorsed school board candidate or their election efforts. REA-PAC funds were not even used to oppose California’s voucher initiative because they are only for school board elections.

If you have further questions about REA-PAC, please call Bill Hedrick or Penny Robinson at 562-0850