From the MEA 3F UniServ Office January 2015, Newsletter

Our office was recently contacted by a school employee who was in some serious trouble.  The police and school district were investigating an alleged incident, so the member had been placed on administrative leave.  Because the employee was over two years behind in his dues and had made no attempt to get caught up, he had to retain an attorney out of his own pocket in the criminal matter.  This situation will probably go to a tenure hearing, so he will also have to pay for that out of his own pocket.  The retainer for the criminal attorney was $2500, and the cost will go up from there if the matter continues to actual charges.  If the person had been a member in good standing, the attorney would have taken the $1000 provided by MEA as the retainer.  The retainer for representation at a tenure hearing is usually in the range of $10,000-$15,000.  If the person was a member in good standing, MEA would cover the cost of the tenure hearing representation which often includes getting a very good settlement for a member in order to avoid the hearing.

You never think it will happen to you.  A student makes an accusation that is not true.  The principal wants you gone because you are older and cost more.  The superintendent saw your anti-your-current-district Facebook post via one of your friends who is friends with a school board member, so she now wants you gone.  MEA is here to help if you are a member in good standing.  You must be a member in good standing at the time the incident in question or allegation happened.  It is like car insurance.  You can’t buy it after the accident for coverage of something that happened before your purchase.