I was most excited to hear a couple of weeks ago that the RCTA team along with the RUSD team had reached a Tentative Agreement (TA) that essentially “froze” the existing agreements including furloughs, etc. – and we would guarantee NO layoffs. GREAT work on their part.
Friday, I was even more excited that the agreement was approved by the members of RCTA – which moves the issue forward to Board for ratification on Monday night. It is my sincere hope that CSEA members will similarly ratify the TA on Wednesday with their vote.
The idea that we will NOT layoff employees is tremendous. This is good NOT only for our staff members – it is good for our students and their learning. Some relief of this tension allows us to focus on the real work of our District – our students.
There are certainly “unknowns” about the budget and what exactly the state will or will not do with their budget. But to provide this certainty at this time is important for us all. Who is to say what things in California will look like in 18 months? Dan Walters posted a very interesting (somewhat counter-intuitive view of the budget situation). All signs, signals, and conversations with Sacramento tell us that the “deferred” $1.8 Billion promised just a couple of months ago – is none existent and will certainly be taken away. The larger question that seems to be will there be a mid-year reduction or additional reductions for 2011-12.
On the positive side, we can all hope that the financial situation improves under the new representatives in Sacramento – which would give us all the opportunity to get things back on track.
The district reports that there will be "No layoffs," but the MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) teachers voted on, and approved last week, said that layoffs "would not exceed 17 FTE's" (Full Time Equivalent), which could very well impact more than 17 teachers. In my mind 17 does not equal 0, but 17. Is the district planning on using some of the $71 million in reserves to make that 17 equal to zero? Inquiring minds want to know...
ReplyDeleteDoes "No Lay Offs" mean no pink slips will go out? Also, what about the teachers who are still laid off from last year?
ReplyDeleteThe agreement reached by the district and RCTA stipulated that there will be "no more than 17 FTE (Full Time Equivalents)teachers laid off next year. Is the district planning on using part of the $71 million in reserve to save these jobs and, therefore, have "no layoffs"?
ReplyDeleteI am very disappointed that the district is choosing to spend additional funds on teacher benefits instead of on anything that would impact the education of the chidren. Our mission is to educate - not provide good paying jobs with good benefits. As a teacher I voted against this agreement. I want more for our kids!
ReplyDeleteTeachers ARE directly related to the quality of education our students receive. Larger class sizes compromise the quality. I want more for our students, too. That's why I am/was willing to give up a few days of pay to keep class sizes low. It is critical that class sizes in the early elementary grades return to 20-1.
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