As many of you might be aware, there is now a 3rd Early Retirement Incentive Program (ERIP) discussion taking place. On the negotiations update website, there is a copy of the current discussion. It should be noted that this is NOT actually an agreement. It is a mechanism to reduce the assumptions and determine if there is some workable ERIP that is possible at this time. While we would hope that it works, you will notice that section 6.0 points out that when the data is collected, there will be a determination as to whether it is cost effective (IF it is not then it won’t be done). You will also notice that we must utilize transfer options to make this ERIP plan workable (currently there appears to be over 20 positions that may require such an action to make this effective). Additionally, if the plan does not prove cost effective then those that make indicated they might retire may rescind their retirement.
In like kind, there have been and continue to be discussions about the possibility of furlough days, salary changes, etc. As been reported on the Negotiations Update, there appears to be possible RCTA agreement over furloughs, etc that would move us to the ratification and public disclosure process (a specified legal procedure). There is a similar CSEA possible agreement as well.
Ultimately, it is my opinion (and everyone else is entitled to their opinion), that the only way out of this budgetary mess created by the state – is for all of us to take in some equitable manner salary reductions. The fact is our funding level has reverted back to the 2000-2001 level – we have lost 10 years of funding. While this is by no means comfortable for any of us, it will only be all of us together that can make this work and succeed for our students and community.
Margaret Mead may have stated it best, when applied to our situation, she said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” On the other hand, she did not indicate nor would I that it would either be easy or simple.
"it will only be all of us together that can make this work" Are you including all 375 pink slipped teachers and the additional classified staff slated to lose their jobs? Is there any chance we will all get our jobs back if we agree to salary reductions?
ReplyDeleteEvery person that retires will save a pink slipped teacher. It is time for everyone involved to stop playing games. If the district were to not approve the ERIP after all of this it would show how little you care about the teachers of this district. The ERIP is a break even proposition at worst for the district, but it is a nice reward for those teachers who have poured their heart and soul into teaching for the past 30 plus years for many. Start pulling back the pink slips immediately before you lose the respect and loyalty of 375 people who love this district and its students.
ReplyDelete"is for all of us to take in some equitable manner salary reductions"...Do you mean all, including yourself and the board, or do you mean "all" as in teachers? As a pink slipped teacher, I still feel that there could be more done by ALL to save education as I pack my things away.
ReplyDeleteSeriously--as one of the 375, my respect for RUSD started deterioriating back in February. As we approach the end of the school year, am I supposed to clean out my classroom entirely, or what? Why doesn't anybody else sense the urgency of this situation? No more "maybes." Do something now.
ReplyDeleteWow! There goes another arrow right through the "HOPE" balloon!
ReplyDeleteJust when you thought it was safe to go back in the water...
ReplyDeleteCould you please clarify what you mean by "ALL of US TOGETHER"? Who is "ALL of US"???
ReplyDeleteCan't believe this is happening this late in the school year. I will be voting for no current Board Members. They need to hold the District Leadership accountable for the way this district has been managed. They are truly the ones I will be after. After all, they are elected by us to make sure the district is doing its job.
ReplyDeleteI don't think they are doing a very good job of it from what I can see.
Are you kidding me!! This is why we voted to change the leadership of RCTA!! We should have had an agreement back last year. Put the blame where it should go. Now I only hope enough take advantage of it so I can get my job back.
ReplyDeleteIn the meantime, while the pink slipped teachers are "waiting" are we supposed to pack up our classrooms and then when we hear that we do have a job we must unpack them. This is really difficult, as a teacher who was transfered to a new school site 7 weeks into the school year I have already put in my own personal time to pack and move and now I am doing it again when I may have to simply unpack again. Don't get me wrong I do want my job however I feel that the district has waited to long to take a stance on this!
ReplyDeleteWhat exactly does "cost effective" mean? Isn't it more important to be EFFECTIVE TEACHERS? Or is cost the only thing that matters now?
ReplyDeleteIt's simple math. But it is clear that the only person on the RUSD Board or in the cabinet that can do math is Mike Fine. At worst the $30K incentive creates a break-even situation for the first year. The "cost effectiveness" will not be evident until future years after the $30 is paid out.
How cost effective is it to short-change our students?
I speak for the classifed staff members who have had their workyear reduced by one month - this is our share of the "equitable manner of salary reduction". We are losing 20 days of pay when managment is only losing 5 or 10 depending on their position. I should hope that the District doesn't expect to take more.
ReplyDeleteI'm one of the 52 teachers who applied for the Early Retirement Incentive. I am sorry pink slip teachers, but unless the incentive goes through I will have to rescind my retirement and teach 1-2 more years.
ReplyDeleteWell, I have already packed my wife's room and brought home a truck full of materials. Why wait until the last minute. Can anyone say TITANIC.
ReplyDeleteAlthough there is no doubt about the extent of suffering being experienced by many, it is critical that teachers take a first important step in helping to ease the difficulties this year's financial challenges have brought to all of us in education. As Mark Lawrence wrote in his blog, we must ratify the memorandum on furlough days being voted on this week.
ReplyDeleteApproval of furlough days certainly does not solve all problems, nor does it bring immediate resolution for those who are in the midst of professional and personal uncertainties, but it is a positive step in the right direction.
Let's do the right thing for our students and our colleagues.