March 28, 2008
Dear Colleagues,
I trust everyone enjoyed a bit of a well deserved rest over the spring holiday. As teachers we lead a fast pace life in our classroom and breaks such as this one allows us time to relax and rejuvenate our mind, heart and body. As always life in VUSD in a busy one. I believe the following two issues will be of special interest to all teachers.
Layoffs and RIF’s/Pink Slips:
To date 140 temporary teachers have received notice that they will be laid off at the end of this school year. 113 teachers in Probationary I, II or permanent status (commonly referred to as tenured) have received a pink slip letting them know they may possibly be laid off at the end of the school year. In total 253 teachers have been put on notice. Temporary teachers have no recourse but to wait out the situation as they have signed a one year contract which expires with the conclusion of the school year. Probationary Is, IIs and Permanent Status teachers, on the other hand, are currently in the hands of a CTA lawyer who is preparing for their defense at a 9 AM hearing scheduled for April 10th at Foothill Oak Elementary School. An administrative law judge will preside. VTA is waiting to hear from the District regarding the release of these teachers to attend the hearing….use of own personal day versus District supplying the substitute. Teachers have the right to use “personal necessity” as stated in the contract but numerous districts such as Escondido Elementary and Fallbrook High School plan on releasing the teacher and providing a substitute teacher without impact to the individual teacher’s sick leave days. VTA believes this is the fair and respectful action to take on behalf of our teachers.
A reminder to all RIF’ed teachers:
*Wednesday, April 2nd, 4 PM, Vista Magnet Middle School Gymnasium (formerly Lincoln Middle School, located on the corner of E.Vista Way & Escondido Ave.) a CTA lawyer will present information regarding the RIF process.....what to expect, paper work, etc. Please plan on attending.
*Thursday, April 10th, 9 AM, Foothill Oak Elementary School, The RIF hearing is scheduled with an administrative law judge, lawyers, district personnel and teachers. Please be aware that the decision to RIF, or pink slip, teachers was an action taken on behalf of the School Board during the February 21st meeting. The Board chose to take this action because of the potential 8.2 million dollar budget cuts that VUSD may suffer due to the state budget financial crisis. It appears the Board chose to focus on the Class Size Reduction (CSR) program at K-3 because of the number of additional teachers required to employ the program.
Are You Ready to Retire?
VTA recently signed a side letter of agreement with the District regarding a one time Retirement Incentive. The basic terms of the agreement are;*Eligibility-CalSTRS retirement eligible employees w/a minimum of 10 years service with VUSD*What is being offered-A one time retirement incentive of $30,000 paid into an FBC deferred compensation program. To be paid in three equal installment of $10,000 per year over three years beginning June 30, 2008.*Retirement Benefits--Remain the same as written in the VUSD/VTA contract, Article 13.6.*The District reserves the right to rescind this incentive offer if they do not receive fifteen eligible retirements.The District must receive the retirement letter from the eligible employee no later than May 2, 2008, to retire from the district at the end of the 07/08 school year.An informational meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 2, 2008 at 4:00 PM in the ASC Board Room.
Please stay tuned for another President’s Update next week after the District Budget committee meets on Thursday, April 3.
Respectfully,
Jan O'Reilly
VTA President
www.vistata.org