Here are the major details of the Unit 4 Contract to be voted on...
I have to explain the step (all teachers through step 21 (i.e. they have been teaching for 21 years) move up one step on the salary schedule.
The cost to the district on moving all teachers one step is approximately 2% (1.9X) Yes some teachers don't move much as described in other posts tis salary schedule has been negotiated in the last several contracts. The district simply said a cost of 2% of 2.5% per year
___Year 1 Step movement (longevity if you will) of approx 2% PLUS 2.5% EQUALS A COST TO THE DISTRICT OF 4.5%
___Year 2 Step movement (2%) plus 2.5%
___Year 3 Step Movement (2%) plus 2.5%
___Teachers who are not on the lane schedule (22 Years and beyond) Flat 4.5% raise per year
___Full time employees get the cost of single-person insurance paid. ($410 per month now max of $492 in the final year) Dental insurance contribution of $24/now max $29)
(continuation of past benefit)
The district does not pay for family insurance for any employee in any classification
___Internal sub rate that as been at $27.00 for approx 12 years was raised to $30.00/hr
___Alcohol and Drug Testing language
___Added some differential positions for coaches and academic leaders such as National Honor Society leader
___Agreed to start Speech Language Pathologists at the MS + 30 Lane. (this is a critical shortage area and we have trouble getting enough staff in this area.)
___a few changes to the way SPED teachers get planning and IEP time
Total Package cost (approximate)
year 1 $2.1M
Year 2 $2.25M
year 3 $2.4M
This contract package was budgeted for even with the strict economic times. We continue to be watchful stewards and keep costs low. My personal philosophy of contract negotiations is this...
- Satisfied employees provide the best service to the district and ultimately the children
- Live within the budget constraints
- NEVER spend more than you can afford (yes I understand that some believe that we cannot afford anything. One thing I KNOW we cannot afford is employees who are frustrated
- Provide a fair contract with good raises that are affordable to the district. Why not try and undercut like some the boards have tried? In the last several years we have asked our teachers and support staff to take on more and more. Some of that we control and some we do not. For example, We do not control the amount of assessments that are required by No Child Left Behind and the path to get to adequate yearly progress ratings from the state/fed
I know that many are concerned as am I with the concept of a budget deficit. The 2008-2009 projected deficit is a DIRECT result of an $800 Reduction in State aid and a estimated $500-750K increase in legal fees for the last year of the consent decree. I am not willing to lay another thing as far as the external requirements of NCLB and the consent decree on our teachers. They are doing the job and the dramatic increases in test scores at the schools bear witness to that FACT. We have work to do and will continue to do it.
I have a great idea for those who want to complain about the amount of money we are spending and the way it is spent. Tonight, Mr Banks and I will announce the details of the 2009 School Board Election including package pickup times and election dates and requirements. If you are so inclined, I hope that instead of complaining, you will do something constructive. RUN FOR OFFICE and help us make this district the best in can be. I believe that though we have many issues that we are addressing, we are on the way to making the changes we need to make for the future.
Dave Tomlinson
