NOVEMBER 2017
How can it already be November? Once again it seems the school year is flying by. It is
report card and parent conference time at elementary sites and the first semester is drawing
to an end for secondary students. Thanks for all you do for students and families. I hope
you enjoy your hard earned break and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Contract Ratification
The Federation has ratified the tentative agreement that was reached in September. The
agreement was approved by 97% of our members. We had 377 members vote, 366 voting
yes and 11 voting no. The agreement now goes to the School Board for ratification on
November 14. Once the Board ratifies the agreement, the contract will be in effect. You will
receive the 1.5 % retro for the 2017/18 school year in your November 30 paycheck. The
November pay warrant will reflect the increased salary. In addition, the retro will be for the
three (August, September, and October) previous pay warrants we have received this year.
The 2% which is based on where you were on the salary schedule last year (2016/17) plus
the $ 500 bonus will be included in a supplemental check on December 8. Remember retro
checks are taxed at a higher rate (IRS rules, not our District) and STRS will be
deducted as well.
2017 AFT Collective Bargaining Conference
A Look Inside AFT Bargaining Playbook
We had the opportunity to attend a two day AFT Collective Bargaining Training in Chicago
on October 27 and 28. AFT partnered with the Scheinman Institute at Cornell University’s
Industrial Labor Relations (ILR) School to offer training for locals in a time when collective
bargaining is under attack. This was the first step in earning a Collective Bargaining
Certificate from AFT and Cornell’s School of ILR.
This conference was a worthwhile endeavor. We had the opportunity to learn Collective
Bargaining techniques from AFT leaders. We built relationships with other locals and
learned of their negotiation struggles and successes. We were able to have conversations
with AFT president, Randi Weingarten and Secretary Treasurer, Lorretta Johnson. We
listened to motivating presentations and participated in educational breakout groups. The
training gave us both a fresh outlook and left us confident and rejuvenated. We are inspired
as we move forward to organize our next contract campaign.
In Unity,
Suzanne and Sandra
THE FEDERATION NEEDS YOU!
Would you like to become more involved in your Union? We need a member to serve on the
District Budget Committee. This Advisory Committee meets once a month to discuss the
District's financial outlook. If budget cuts are necessary, this committee will advise the
Board before they take action.
In addition, we will be establishing a committee to work with the District to discuss and
develop recommendations regarding professional responsibilities. We will need members
from TK-3, 4-6, 7-8, 9-12, Alternate Education, Special Services and SOCC.
If you are interested in serving on either of these committees, email me
at pftoffice775@gmail.com
How can it already be November? Once again it seems the school year is flying by. It is
report card and parent conference time at elementary sites and the first semester is drawing
to an end for secondary students. Thanks for all you do for students and families. I hope
you enjoy your hard earned break and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Contract Ratification
The Federation has ratified the tentative agreement that was reached in September. The
agreement was approved by 97% of our members. We had 377 members vote, 366 voting
yes and 11 voting no. The agreement now goes to the School Board for ratification on
November 14. Once the Board ratifies the agreement, the contract will be in effect. You will
receive the 1.5 % retro for the 2017/18 school year in your November 30 paycheck. The
November pay warrant will reflect the increased salary. In addition, the retro will be for the
three (August, September, and October) previous pay warrants we have received this year.
The 2% which is based on where you were on the salary schedule last year (2016/17) plus
the $ 500 bonus will be included in a supplemental check on December 8. Remember retro
checks are taxed at a higher rate (IRS rules, not our District) and STRS will be
deducted as well.
2017 AFT Collective Bargaining Conference
A Look Inside AFT Bargaining Playbook
We had the opportunity to attend a two day AFT Collective Bargaining Training in Chicago
on October 27 and 28. AFT partnered with the Scheinman Institute at Cornell University’s
Industrial Labor Relations (ILR) School to offer training for locals in a time when collective
bargaining is under attack. This was the first step in earning a Collective Bargaining
Certificate from AFT and Cornell’s School of ILR.
This conference was a worthwhile endeavor. We had the opportunity to learn Collective
Bargaining techniques from AFT leaders. We built relationships with other locals and
learned of their negotiation struggles and successes. We were able to have conversations
with AFT president, Randi Weingarten and Secretary Treasurer, Lorretta Johnson. We
listened to motivating presentations and participated in educational breakout groups. The
training gave us both a fresh outlook and left us confident and rejuvenated. We are inspired
as we move forward to organize our next contract campaign.
In Unity,
Suzanne and Sandra
THE FEDERATION NEEDS YOU!
Would you like to become more involved in your Union? We need a member to serve on the
District Budget Committee. This Advisory Committee meets once a month to discuss the
District's financial outlook. If budget cuts are necessary, this committee will advise the
Board before they take action.
In addition, we will be establishing a committee to work with the District to discuss and
develop recommendations regarding professional responsibilities. We will need members
from TK-3, 4-6, 7-8, 9-12, Alternate Education, Special Services and SOCC.
If you are interested in serving on either of these committees, email me
at pftoffice775@gmail.com
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