News from the Table
Nov. 30, 2010
At our 4th bargaining session, the District is continuing to refuse to provide a counter to our proposal to raise the cap on medical insurance by $2000 until all proposals are on the table.
The District has proposed to eliminate 3 workdays from the salary schedule; permanently increase class size to 31:1; increase all kindergarten classes to an extended day program; and do away with the divided opening for all second grade classes.
In addition, there is a clear message that the superintendent would prefer to reserve the right to establish the instructional schedule without coming to agreement with site principals, teachers and BTA. These items are unacceptable to BTA and we will counter these proposals in January.
The district refused to change contract language in articles 4 and 5. After some discussion, we have come to some agreement and will resubmit counter proposals in January.
The District is also stonewalling the negotiations process by not moving forward on four no cost issues. The district is insisting on coming to agreement on entire articles instead of minor portions at a time. BTA would like to build momentum by signing off of noncontroversial items as we come to agreement.
The parties discussed proposed expenditures from the Federal Jobs bill, and budgeted amounts for 2010-11 legal fees, conferences, and consultants as compared to the amounts spent last year. BTA is attempting to determine what funds are available that are not being used or allocated.
We will return to the bargaining table on Jan. 12, 2011.