As you are probably aware, our contract runs for a three year cycle. The first year we bargain a full contract (2000-2003), which means every article is open for discussion. For the next two years we have what we refer to as “limited re-openers.” This means that only some portions (articles) are open for discussion. Last year we had a full contract, which you should have already received. This year we have limited re-openers.
Salary and benefits are bargained every year, and this year is no exception. In addition, we have automatic re-openers on the following issues: third grade divided opening, 4th/5th grade planning and preparation time, the evaluations article (STULL), lifetime benefits, distribution of award monies for II/USP schools, stipends for curriculum specialists and GATE coordinators, and calendars for the 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 school years. In addition both the district and the association can open one article each.
The decision on which article to open is made by tallying the survey responses from last June. These results are presented to the Board of Directors, which makes their recommendation to the Representative Council. It is ultimately the Representative Council that authorizes the Negotiations Team to open that article. The surveys have been tallied, and most of your concerns revolved around salaries (including Adult School, summer school, and stipends), retirement benefits, equitable planning time for 4th and 5th grade teachers, and the calendar. All of these qualify as automatic re-openers. At the October meeting, the Representative Council will determine what additional article will be opened.
We will be meeting with the district to discuss these issues, and we have scheduled negotiation dates for that purpose. In addition, we have continued our work on the Evaluation Article. The side letter of agreement requires us to finish the Evaluation Article by February 2002. We are interested in your input on the work that we are doing and will be scheduling general meetings sometime in November to allow you that opportunity. Please watch your BTA bulletin board for notices with specifics on the dates and times.