Summary of Changes to the New Contract

Bottom line: when it was all said and done, more was said than was done. That's not a bad thing. :-)

Below you'll find the major changes that we're asking you to approve in the new contract. During our meeting this Wednesday morning the members of the Bargaining Team will be happy to answer any questions, after which we'll have a ratification vote.

There are no major changes. The biggest items to know:
*You will receive 2 more hours of per diem this year, for a total of 86.
*The work day language has not changed; we will be studying possible options for change next year.

SOMETHING NEW: I've uploaded the tentative contract to a hosting website; you can click this link to read the final draft. I haven't tried this before, so please let me know if you run into technical problems.

Below I've listed the items that most impact you as a staff, going in order from the beginning of the contract to the end.

• The contract will be for three years, expiring at the end of the 2010-2011 school year.
  
  
• From now on a copy of the contract will be posted on-line, which should make it easier for everyone to get to.
  
  
• Pre-school is now guaranteed to have a paraprofessional.
  
  
• Remedial math classes at the Middle School and High School will be capped at 20 students.
  
  
• Combination class teachers will receive an additional $3,000 a year stipend.
  
  
• We now have better language for special education caseload size. There are still no firm caps, but the process of how to get relief for Resource teachers and ESAs is clearer.
  
  
• Also for special ed teachers, if you don't use your release days for IEP paperwork you'll be able to cash them out at the substitute rate of pay.
  
  
• Substitute teachers will now be placed on the salary schedule after 20 days of consecutive subbing, instead of 30.
  
  
• As was discussed in the spring, employees who announce their intent to retire by January 31st will receive a $1,000 stipend, with the amount prorated after that.
  
  
• Teachers may now access up to four days of Professional Leave per year to work on programs like National Board certification, or the Professional Certificate required by the state. This leave has to be arranged in consultation with your principal.
  
  
• There is no longer a $95 allotment per teacher for travel. This doesn't mean there won't be travel, which is a discussion that you'll be having at the building level.

In prepping for the bargain I looked at a lot of comparable data for our district and others, and please believe me when I say this: we already have a very, very good contract. I think that these changes will make it better, and I would strongly ask that you vote to ratify.

Please, ask questions. This is your contract, and all of us on the Bargaining Team are here for your benefit.

Thanks!

--Ryan--