Richmond Education Association

Building Union Power in RPS since 1971!

Adopted by the REA’s Rep Assembly on May 12, 2025.

Preamble

We, the education workers of Richmond Public Schools, recognizing the collective power inherent in our labor, and united as members of our union, the Richmond Education Association, do hereby declare our adherence to the following principles and aims:

  1. To defend and improve public education as a social agency that serves the people, focusing on the integral development of people’s capacities and the promotion of critical thinking, civic virtue, and lifelong learning.
  2. To promote political and economic democracy in all areas of social life and at all levels of society, and to establish and maintain democratic processes in the governance of Richmond Public Schools.
  3. To act as the exclusive collective bargaining agent for all members of bargaining units represented by the union, and to secure not only fair wages and dignified working conditions, but professional autonomy and meaningful decision-making power for educators, students, and communities in the governance of Richmond Public Schools.
  4. To promote, build, and maintain relations of mutual aid and solidarity with organized labor locally, nationally, and internationally.
  5. To promote, defend, and advance the interests of the working class and the democratic rights of all working people, especially the right to organize and join a trade union, and to support the independent political and economic organization of all working people.
  6. To uphold and defend the human and civil rights of all people.
  7. To promote a cooperative commonwealth of, by, and for the people.

So that orderly and fair procedures for seeking these ends may be established, we, the members of Richmond Education Association, do hereby establish these Bylaws and pledge ourselves to carry out the provisions thereof.


Article I. Name, Incorporation, and Affiliation

Section 1. Name

The name of the organization shall be the Richmond Education Association, hereafter referred to as “the REA” or “the Union.”

Section 2. Incorporation

The REA shall be a Virginia nonstock, nonprofit corporation.

Section 3. Affiliation

The REA shall be a chartered affiliate of the Virginia Education Association (VEA) and National Education Association (NEA). It shall comply with the governing documents of the VEA and NEA. If there are conflicts or inconsistencies between these Bylaws and the governing documents of the VEA or NEA, the provisions of the VEA or NEA shall prevail.

Article II. Membership

Section 1. Rights and Privileges

Active members of the REA shall have full membership rights and privileges, including the right to vote, hold union office, serve on union committees, attend Representative Assemblies, inspect or receive copies of financial and other records as required by Virginia Code (Sections 13.1-933, 13.1-934, et seq.), and participate in fringe benefits provided by the union, in accordance with the provisions outlined in these Bylaws.

Section 2. State and National Affiliations

As a local union affiliated with the VEA and NEA, all members of the REA shall also be members of the VEA and NEA, and shall abide by the governing documents of both the VEA and NEA, as well as the NEA Code of Ethics for Educators.

Section 3. Categories of Membership

There shall be three categories of REA membership:

  • (a) Active Members: All individuals who are (i) currently employed full-time or part-time by Richmond Public Schools, including individuals who are on a leave of absence from education employment; (ii) are serving as an executive officer of the REA, VEA, or NEA; or (iii) were discharged from employment and are engaged in legal action to challenge the discharge are eligible for Active Membership in the Union. All Active Members shall be in one of three bargaining units, as defined in the Richmond Public Schools Collective Bargaining Resolution:
    • Administrative Personnel
    • Licensed Personnel
    • School Support Professionals
  • (b) Retired Members: All retired employees of Richmond Public Schools are eligible for REA-Retired membership. Members of REA-Retired are not eligible to vote on ratification of any Collective Bargaining Agreement. Voting rights of REA-Retired members shall be limited to selecting one voting representative to the Executive Board and the Representative Assembly, and to selecting committee members as permitted by these Bylaws.
  • (c) Community Supporters. Any individual who is not a current or retired employee of Richmond Public Schools who is in agreement with the aims and principles of the REA shall be eligible to join the REA as a Community Supporter. Community Supporters shall not have the right to vote on Union affairs. Community Supporters shall not have the right to nominate or vote for candidates for Executive Office, the Executive Board, or the Representative Assembly. Community Supporters may be appointed by the REA President to serve as non-voting members of a committee on a case-by-case basis. Participation in such a committee shall require the prior approval of their appointment by a vote of the REA Executive Board.

    Section 4. Dues

    All Members shall pay dues to the REA, VEA, and NEA. The amount of REA dues shall be recommended annually by the Executive Board and approved by the Representative Assembly. Annual dues for full-time School Support Professionals shall be half the amount of annual dues assessed for full-time Licensed Personnel. Part-time dues shall be prorated based on the number of hours worked. Annual dues may be prorated and paid on a monthly basis. Members of REA-Retired are assessed dues on an annual basis. The amount of these local dues shall be as specified on the REA-Retired Membership Form.

    Section 5. Censure and Discipline

    Members shall not be censured or disciplined by the Union without due process. Grounds and procedures for censure and discipline, up to and including suspension or expulsion, shall be governed by policies established by the VEA Professional Rights and Responsibilities Commission.

    Section 6. Membership Year, Term and Revocation

    The membership year shall be from September 1 through August 31. Individuals eligible for membership may join the REA at any time and the annual dues may be prorated. Membership shall continue from year to year, unless canceled in writing to the REA or VEA.

    Section 7. Non-Discrimination

    REA shall not deny membership, or any rights or privileges therein, based on race, color, nationality, ethnicity, gender, biological sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, socioeconomic status, military service, political, social, religious, or economic views, or any other category protected by federal or state law.

    Article III. Union Governance

    Section 1. Representative Assembly

    • (a) Duties and Responsibilities of Building Representatives: Building Representatives, also known as Union Stewards, are building-level union leaders elected by the REA members concentrated in a given worksite. At their worksite, Building Representatives shall be responsible for recruiting members, engaging new members, organizing their fellow workers for collective actions, distributing REA literature, promoting REA campaigns and programs and may represent members in discussions or grievances with administration and management.
    • (b) Duties and Responsibilities of the Representative Assembly: The Representative Assembly shall serve as the central democratic decision-making body of the REA. It shall establish Union policies, programs, and strategic objectives; approve the Union’s annual budget; approve the sale of Union real property; advocate for members’ workplace rights; promote an active and informed membership; approve the establishment or dissolution of standing committees; establish membership dues; approve collective bargaining priorities; and review collective bargaining proposals before ratification.
    • (c) Composition: The Representative Assembly shall be composed of all Building Representatives elected or appointed throughout the school division, with at least one elected Building Representative from each division worksite; the members of the Executive Board; and one REA-Retired member. Within each worksite, Active Members of the REA shall elect one Building Representative for every fifteen (15) members or major fraction thereof.
    • (d) Building Councils: Wherever more than one Building Representative is elected, a Building Council shall be formed. The Building Council shall meet regularly to convene general membership meetings and coordinate union activities in their worksite. Members of the Building Council shall designate one Building Representative to serve as their worksite’s Chief Representative, who shall be responsible for ensuring worksite representation at Representative Assemblies and support other Building Representatives in their day-to-day work as union leaders.
    • (e) Eligibility: Active and Retired REA members in good standing are eligible to run for election or be appointed by the President to serve as delegates to the Representative Assembly. Building Representatives shall be elected by REA members to serve a term of two years. Members of the Representative Assembly shall assume their position on the first day of the month following their election.
    • (e) Meetings and Quorum: The Representative Assembly shall meet once per month during the school term. A quorum shall consist of those members present, provided all members have been notified of said meetings in advance.

    Section 2. Executive Board

    • (a) Duties and Responsibilities: The Executive Board shall serve as the central executive body of the REA between sessions of the Representative Assembly, and shall be responsible for implementing the policies, programs, and strategic objectives of the Union, as determined by its Representative Assembly. The responsibilities of the Executive Board shall be to: approve expenditures necessary and reasonable for the operation of the Union; recommend an annual budget to the Representative Assembly; execute or terminate contracts of Union employees and contractors; maintain corporate records; vote on whether to approve at-large appointments to the Executive Board members and committees made by the President; receive reports from all committees; and develop member engagement initiatives.
    • (b) Composition: The Executive Board shall be composed of: (i) at least ten (10) Active Members in good standing elected at-large from among the general membership for two-year staggered terms by a process of open nomination and secret ballot, in accordance with the procedures outlined in these Bylaws; (ii) the Executive Officers of the Union, including the President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer, elected by a process of open nomination and secret ballot, in accordance with the procedures outlined in these Bylaws; (iii) one of two co-chairs of REA-Retired who shall serve as a voting member of the Executive Board; and (iv) the remaining co-chair of REA-Retired, and the UniServ Director of the REA, both of whom shall serve as a non-voting members of the Executive Board.
    • (c) Term Limit: Members of the Executive Board, including Executive Officers, shall serve a term of two (2) years, and shall serve for no more than two (2) terms consecutively, unless by a vote of acclimation.
    • (d) Parliamentarian: The President may appoint a Parliamentarian subject to the approval of the Executive Board who shall serve as a consultant to the President on Parliamentary Law and serve as a non-voting member of the Executive Board. If appointed and approved, the Parliamentarian shall serve as a non-voting member of the Executive Board.

    Section 3. Executive Officers

    • (a) The Executive Officers of REA shall include the President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Executive Officers must be licensed or school support professionals and current employees of, or on leave from, Richmond Public Schools. Executive Officers must be elected and may serve up to two successive two-year terms. Executive Officers shall assume their position on July 1 following an election.
    • (b) President: The President shall be the spokesperson of the Union and shall advocate for the mission, values, and policies of REA, VEA, and NEA. The President shall, subject to the provisions of these Bylaws:
      • (1) Preside over and create an agenda for all meetings of the REA Representative Assembly, Executive Board, and Executive Officers;
      • (2) Nominate members to standing and ad hoc committees, subject to the approval of the Executive Board, unless these Bylaws provide for the direct election of committee members;
      • (3) Serve as a delegate to the VEA Delegate Assembly and NEA Representative Assembly;
      • (4) Perform other duties to operate and ensure the efficient administration and governance of the Union.
      • (c) Vice President: The Vice President shall serve as assistant to the President in all duties of the President and shall assume the duties of the President in the event of absence, inability to serve, or vacancy.
      • (d) Secretary: The Secretary shall record and maintain minutes of all REA meetings; distribute meeting notices, agendas and minutes; maintain an accurate roster of members; and correspond on REA’s behalf, as directed by the President.
      • (e) Treasurer: The Treasurer shall receive all Union funds and ensure their safekeeping; maintain accurate accounting records; disburse funds as directed; provide a written financial report at each Executive Board and Representative Assembly meeting; collaborate with the President and Vice President on the development of an annual operating budget; and make financial records available for inspection upon the request of a member.

      Section 4. Composition of Governing Bodies

      The Representative Assembly and Executive Board shall reflect the racial, ethnic, and occupational diversity of the REA membership. If necessary, each of the aforementioned governing bodies shall create additional seats to achieve this goal. Such additional at-large seats shall be nominated by the President and confirmed by a vote of the Executive Board.

      Section 5. Meeting Frequency and Quorum

      The Representative Assembly and Executive Board shall each meet once per month during the school term. Additional special meetings may be called by the President. Every Active and Retired Member of the REA shall have the right to inspect, copy, and receive copies of any recordings and approved minutes of all Executive Board and Representative Assembly meetings as well as accounting records.

      Article IV. Elections, Challenges, Vacancies, Recall

      Section 1. Elections

      REA shall follow the one member one vote principle for all elections. The Elections Committee shall oversee and facilitate all elections set forth in these Bylaws and shall develop a procedure and timeline for nominations and elections. No member running for office may serve on the Elections Committee during an election cycle. All elections will be by secret ballot and may be electronic, except that elections for delegates to the VEA Delegate Assembly and NEA Representative Assembly must follow the procedures established by the VEA and NEA. The Elections Committee will send to all members reasonable notice of the time, place, and method for submitting nominations for elected positions, and reasonable notice of the time, place, and method for an election. All nominees and voters must be members in good standing.

      Section 2. Challenges

      Any member may challenge the conduct of an election in which they were eligible to vote. Challenges shall be in writing to the Elections Committee and shall provide a description of the conduct calling into question the validity of the election. The Elections Committee shall investigate the challenge and submit a report and recommendation to the Executive Board. The Executive Board shall determine whether the challenged conduct impacted the outcome of the election and, if so, order a new election.

      Section 3. Vacancies

      Should a vacancy arise for any elected position other than President, it will be filled by a special election if the remainder of the term is six months or more. If the remainder of the term is less than six months, the position will be filled by Presidential appointment and final confirmation by the Executive Board.

      Section 4. Recall

      Elected individuals may be recalled for just cause only and only after a due process hearing before the Executive Board. To initiate a recall of an Executive Officer, member of the Executive Board, Building Representative, or member of an REA committee, a petition must be presented to the Executive Board stating cause for the recall and signed by at least 20 percent of an elected individual’s constituents. Due process for recall shall consist of not less than reasonable advance notice of a copy of the recall petition presented to the Executive Board, the opportunity to review evidence supporting the petition, the opportunity to appear before the Executive Board to respond to the petition, the opportunity to present witness testimony or statements and the opportunity to confront and cross-examine any witnesses.

      Article V. Committees

      Section 1. Types of Committees

      The REA shall establish two types of committees: standing (i.e. permanent) and ad hoc (i.e. temporary). Once constituted, both standing and ad hoc committees shall be free to establish subcommittees for the accomplishment of specific tasks as they see fit. Unless otherwise specified in these Bylaws, the members of all REA committees shall be appointed by the president and confirmed by a vote of the Executive Board.

      Section 2. Standing Committees

      Standing committees shall be established by a vote of the Representative Assembly, or by an amendment to these Bylaws. Members of a standing committee may be removed for just cause only by a majority vote of the Executive Board, and only after a due process hearing consistent with the procedure for the recall of elected officials.

      The standing committees of the REA shall be as follows:

      • (a) Elections Committee: The Elections Committee shall be responsible for overseeing and administering all REA elections, ensuring they are conducted in a fair, transparent, and democratic fashion consistent with these Bylaws. All REA members are eligible to serve on the Elections Committee. The duties of the Elections Committee shall be to:
        • (1) Develop a timeline and requirements for nomination and election that are consistent with these Bylaws, and ensure all elections provide for open nominations and a secret ballot;
        • (2) Produce and send notices to the membership regarding nominations for elected office and produce and distribute to the membership information on all candidates running for office;
        • (3) Review candidate nominations and verify eligibility for office;
        • (4) Prepare and send ballots;
        • (5) Tabulate and announce election results;
        • (6) Review options for third-party election vendors and recommend vendors to the Executive Board;
        • (7) Conduct a run-off election for any position where a candidate has not received a majority vote between the two individuals receiving the highest number of votes (the run-off election shall be consistent with the process established for the original election); and
        • (8) Conduct additional duties as necessary to facilitate and oversee REA elections, including elections for ratification of a collective bargaining agreement, and elections for delegates to the VEA Delegate Assembly and NEA Representative Assembly.
        • (b) Organizing Committee: The REA Organizing Committee shall be responsible for leading struggles to advance the vision, program, and strategic objectives of the REA by organizing to build the collective power of education workers as a contingent of the labor movement. The Organizing Committee shall be composed of representatives of every REA bargaining unit, and shall strive to reflect the composition of each bargaining unit in terms of job title, worksite, and diversity. Eligibility for participation in the Organizing Committee shall be limited to Active Members in good standing. The duties of the Organizing Committee are:
          • (1) Build a popular base of support for the REA’s campaigns, initiatives, and collective bargaining priorities among RPS employees by organizing member-to-member outreach and education;
          • (2) Build coalitions with REA allies by organizing community outreach and education;
          • (3) Work with the REA Communications Committee to produce and distribute literature relevant to REA campaigns and initiatives;
          • (4) Plan and coordinate workplace actions in support of the REA’s campaigns, initiatives, and collective bargaining goals;
          • (5) Track issues regarding the working and living conditions of members and any collective bargaining agreement in effect;
          • (6) Survey bargaining unit members in general, and REA members in particular, regarding their unit’s bargaining priorities and other issues related to working and living conditions;
          • (7) Develop bargaining priorities consistent with the REA’s program and member feedback, and submit bargaining priorities to the membership of each bargaining unit and the Representative Assembly for approval;
          • (8) Share approved bargaining priorities with all bargaining unit members and the general membership; and
          • (9) Communicate with the Negotiation Team members throughout negotiations to share regular and timely bargaining updates with the general membership;
        • (c) Grievance Committee: The Grievance Committee shall be responsible for assisting members with filing and resolving workplace grievances, ensuring the enforcement of Collective Bargaining Agreements and democratic rights. There shall be one Grievance Committee for each bargaining unit represented by REA. Members of the Grievance Committee must be members of the respective bargaining unit and members in good standing of REA. The President shall appoint all Grievance Committee members, with confirmation by the Executive Board. The duties of the Grievance Committee may include assisting and advising REA members considering whether to file a grievance under a collectively bargained grievance procedure. The Grievance Committee shall also determine whether a grievance can be filed or appealed in the name of the Union.
        • (d) Membership Committee: The Membership Committee shall be responsible for planning and coordinating annual campaigns for the recruitment, enrollment, welcoming, orientation, engagement, and retention of members, and for maintaining accurate membership data. All REA members in good standing are eligible to serve on the Membership Committee.
        • (e) Legislative Committee: The Legislative Committee shall be responsible for monitoring, researching, and advocating for policies and laws that impact public education and the labor movement. The Legislative Committee shall lobby school board members and other local elected officials regarding REA priorities, engage with candidates for office within the Union’s jurisdiction to communicate REA priorities, seek to involve members in lobbying and other policy efforts, and work with the VEA Government Relations staff and Legislative Committee. The members of the Legislative Committee shall be elected. All REA members in good standing are eligible to vote for candidates and serve as members of the Legislative Committee.
        • (f) Communications Committee: The Communications Committee shall be responsible for the production and distribution of all REA media, both printed and digital, including the REA’s official newsletter, Actionline, as well as the writing, editing, and revising of press releases and all other official statements for release to either members or the general public. The Communications Committee shall develop a cooperative working relationship with both the Membership Committee and Organizing Committee by assisting the production and distribution of relevant materials for specific programs, projects, campaigns, or actions.

        Section 8. Ad Hoc Committees

        To accomplish particular tasks that fall beyond the purview of the standing committees of the REA, the Executive Board may establish ad hoc committees. Members of ad hoc committees shall be appointed by the President and confirmed by a vote of the Executive Board. Ad hoc committees of the REA shall be dissolved by a vote of the Executive Board.

        Article VI. Collective Bargaining

        Section 1. Negotiation Teams

        There shall be one (1) Negotiation Team for each bargaining unit represented by the REA. Members of each Negotiation Team must be Active Members in good standing. Negotiation Team members shall be elected by the REA members of their respective bargaining unit.

        Section 2. Duties and Responsibilities of the Negotiation Team

        Each Negotiation Team shall be responsible for meeting with the Employer to negotiate a Tentative Agreement for their respective bargaining unit, in accordance with the processes outlined in the Richmond Public Schools Collective Bargaining Resolution. The duties of the Negotiation Team are:

        1. Negotiate proposals with management during contract negotiations in accordance with the bargaining priorities decided by each bargaining unit and approved by the Representative Assembly.
        2. Present a tentative, complete collective bargaining agreement to all members of the bargaining unit who are also members of the Union, in accordance with the ratification procedures elaborated in these Bylaws.

        Section 3. All-Member Bargaining Unit Meetings

        Meetings of all members in a bargaining unit shall be called for the purpose of electing the Negotiation Team, setting contract priorities, and ratifying a Tentative Agreement. When the Negotiation Team has reached a Tentative Agreement on a collective bargaining agreement, it shall request that the Secretary schedule an All-Member Bargaining Unit Meeting to ratify the contract. The meeting may be virtual. A complete copy of the full Tentative Agreement shall be sent electronically via email to all bargaining unit members at least one week in advance of the All-Member Bargaining Unit Meeting for contract ratification, with sufficient time for members to review the Tentative Agreement. Only Active Members of the REA may attend contract ratification meetings, and only Active Members in the relevant bargaining unit may vote to ratify a collective bargaining agreement. The Organizing Committee will present the Tentative Agreement at the ratification meeting and be available to answer questions. Voting on ratification of a tentative collective bargaining agreement shall be by a voice vote. A Collective Bargaining Agreement shall be ratified by majority vote (50%+1) of the members present at the Contract Ratification Meeting.

        Article VII. All-Member Meetings

        Section 1. Annual All-Member Meetings

        An All-Member Meeting shall be held at least once a year. Annual All-Member Meetings may be held virtually. The Secretary of the REA shall provide reasonable advance notice to all REA members – including Active Members, Retired Members, and Community Supporters – of the time, place, or method for Annual All-Member Meetings.

        Section 2. Special Meetings

        Special All-Member Meetings may be called by the President, a majority of the Executive Board, a majority of the Representative Assembly, or a petition by 30 percent of the active membership. Special Meetings may be held virtually. The Secretary shall provide reasonable advance notice to all members – including Active Members, Retired Members, and Community Supporters – of the time, place, or method for Special All-Member Meetings.

        Section 3. Quorum and Voting

        For All-Member Meetings, no quorum shall be required. Only Active Members shall be eligible to vote.

        Article VIII. Parliamentary Authority

        On all matters of procedure not otherwise covered by these Bylaws, Robert’s Rules of Order, latest revised edition, shall be followed by the Representative Assembly, Executive Board, Committees, and All-Member Meetings of the REA.

        Article IX. Amendments

        Any REA member may seek an amendment to the Bylaws by presenting to the Representative Assembly a statement requesting a change and suggesting wording for the amendment. Proposed amendments will be considered and voted on at a Representative Assembly Meeting. The proposed amendment must be provided to each member of the Representative Assembly at least two weeks before the first meeting when the amendment will be on the agenda. The amendment must be read at a meeting of the Representative Assembly with time provided for questions and debate. The amendment cannot be voted upon during the first read meeting. A second meeting must be scheduled with no less than two weeks between both meetings before a vote can be held. Voting may be by secret ballot, voice or standing vote, and shall be overseen by the Elections Committee. A two-thirds vote of the Representative Assembly is required for the adoption of an amendment to REA Bylaws. All amendments shall take effect immediately upon adoption.

        Article X. Notice

        Wherever notice is required in these Bylaws, it may be achieved by hand delivery, regular mail, or electronic mail.

        Article XI. Savings Clause

        In the event a provision of these Bylaws is found inconsistent with state or federal law, or the VEA or NEA governing documents, it will carry no force or effect, to the extent of its inconsistency.