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GFEA Member Chris Evans and CMR Drama are working this summer, despite no class being in session. CMR Drama marched in and sold water at the 4th of July Parade, have been actively selling Truck Rffle Tickets for the GFPS Foundation, and are already working on decorations for CMR's homecoming.
GFEA members are active for kids year round! Read more about Chris on the new "Our Members" page
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Internal Revenue Service – Retirement Distribution Letters
It has come to our attention that a number of our employees are receiving information from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that indicates they received a retirement distribution from Great Falls Public Schools in 2017. The District does not issue retirement distributions, so these letters are clearly incorrect as we do not send out these forms. We are working with the IRS to determine the cause of this problem. Initially, the information was sent to a few people who worked for the District in 2013, but since then, current employees have been receiving the IRS information as well. We have been working with the IRS Fraud Department since April to resolve this matter. We have been directed by the IRS to provide our employees a letter from the District that indicates the employee did not receive a retirement distribution from Great Falls Public Schools. Ideally, the IRS would provide us a list of our employees who will be receiving the letter, but as of yet, they have not released that information. If you have received a letter from the IRS, please contact Katie Allen (6064) in the Payroll Department. She will provide you with a letter from the school district to be sent to the IRS. The letter indicates the school district did not issue the 1099-R forms. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused you and thank you for your consideration as we both work through this situation. Updates will be provided as we learn additional information on this matter. Brian Patrick Director of Business Operations Great Falls Public Schools GFEA members,
It has come to our attention the IRS has sent letters to many people associated with the Great Falls Public Schools indicating that they received a retirement distribution in 2017 (1099-R) from the District. People receiving this letter range from retired, current, and student workers, those contributing to TRS, PERS and those never contributing to a retirement system such as the student workers. The District does not do retirement distributions, so these letters are clearly incorrect. To date the District has been in contact with the IRS fraud department, TRS, PERS, Department of Revenue and their auditors. Unfortunately, at this time, there is not a clear answer as to why these letters were sent. If you received one of these letters, the IRS has asked that you send a letter written on District letterhead stating that you did not receive a retirement distribution from GFPS in 2017. GFPS has a form letter they are sharing for you to send. If you need a copy of this letter you can contact Katie Allen, GFPS lead payroll technician, at either 268-6063 or 268-6064. You can also contact me for assistance. We appreciate your understanding and kindness to those attempting to investigate and resolve this issue. Shelli Lavinder Schwalk NC1 Field Consultant  Below are links to two pieces by GF City Commissioner, former State Senator, former GFPS Trustee, former Deputy Commissioner of Higher Education, former GFCMSU Dean, and former public school teacher Mary Moe. If you have any insights that might help Mary in writing these columns to educate citizens about how bad our school funding situation is, her e-mail address is at the end of each piece.
 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 10, 2019 CONTACT: Bob Funk | bfunk@mfpe.org | 406-461-6787 Western Montana Mental Health CSCT Staff in Missoula Join MFPE “Together, we have a seat at the table” (MISSOULA, MONT.) – July 1, CSCT staff employed by Western Montana Mental Health Missoula-Area voted to join the Montana Federation of Public Employees (MFPE). Joining MFPE means Missoula-area CSCT staff now have representation in the workplace and the right to collectively bargain with their employer. Comprehensive School and Community Treatment (CSCT) is a joint effort between Montana school districts and providers to deliver emotional and behavioral support to students at school. CSCT staff help students with a range issues that affect their ability to be successful in school as well as other areas of life. Support services include individual sessions, group sessions, family support, lunch group, and in-class support. “The decision to form a union was based solely on our desire to improve working conditions for employees and services for our clients,” said Patrick Shourd, Behavior Specialist. “Those who serve in the trenches deserve to have their voices heard as we can guide our programs in the most ethical manner. Collectively we can work with our organization to improve standards and quality of life for all stakeholders.” 72 CSCT staff employed by Western Montana Mental Health Missoula-Area cast ballots in the union election. The results were overwhelmingly in favor of joining MFPE, with 71 staff members voting for representation and collective bargaining rights. “Through our union, we have the strength in numbers to accomplish things we could not do alone,” said MFPE President Eric Feaver. “Together, we have a seat at the table. Together, we have the freedom to advocate for the highest quality services. MFPE members work is every corner of this state and are dedicated to the people and communities they serve. We’re excited to welcome by Western Montana Mental Health Missoula-Area CSCT staff to the family.” The total unit size includes 92 Western Montana Mental Health Missoula-Area CSCT staff. |
