Thursday, May 15, 2008
Dear Colleagues,
I beg your indulgence. My message this time is a lengthy one, but I think we will all find value in what is presented and shared below.
State Budget
Where are we? By now you have seen on the TV, read the newspaper, or heard from a friend that the governor has revised his budget to include DRAMATICALLY LESS CUTS TO PUBLIC EDUCATION. This is exciting news but keep in mind this goes to the State Legislature for approval.
Monday, May 19th, a VTA team which includes RBV math teacher and bargaining team member Ron Ferreirae, Vice-President and Bargaining Team Chair Barbara Franklin, and I will be attending the May Revision Workshop hosted by School Services of California (SSC). Our School District Administration will also be in attendance at this meeting. The School Services of California do the administrative presentation on the May revise of the State Budget.
On Wednesday, May 21st your VTA team will be attending a similar meeting hosted and presented by CTA. The combined perspectives produce a more comprehensive evaluation of the budget allowing your bargaining team to better prepare for upcoming negotiations (see below).
Bargaining
Your bargaining team met on May 1st to establish a plan of action. During the course of this meeting, we emailed the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, Myrna Vallely, to establish a date to resume negotiations. If you recall when the state budget crisis first made news in January negotiations were put on hold. It's time to roll up our sleeves and work with the District to work toward a fair and honest agreement.
Although a date has not been set in cement yet, we expect to be back at the table in early June. Items on the table for discussion and agreement are K-5 collaboration time, class size and salary. As well, we all recognize that healthy, vibrant, working conditions are essential to a successful school district, and that a competitive salary is part of this package. Again, salary is also on the table. We will keep you posted.
SB472
I told you in the last President’s message that you would be paid for your SB472 training in your April warrant per Chief Financial Officer, Pam Hayden, and the Board. April 30th came and you were not paid. You let me know it.
Over the course of the last two weeks tempered discussions have taken place in an attempt to resolve this issue once and for all. In my discussion this week with Superintendent Dr. Joyce Bales, I received her complete assurance that teachers “will receive payment in their May paycheck”. Please check your May pay warrant to insure you received your money.
In the business world if you work it, you get paid for it…in a timely fashion, NOT fourteen months later.
I believe that this issue will once and for all be resolved. We all recognize the importance of professional development to enhance our teaching skills. However, should you “choose” to attend summer training in the future or any other training above and beyond the contract days, be sure you have “in writing” from District Administration, clear documentation of the time commitment, work expectations, and payment schedule.
Site Climate Surveys
Over the course of this week and next week, all teachers should receive a VTA Site Climate Survey. VTA conducts these surveys every other year. In the past, surveys have been done by paper. This year we are utilizing “The Survey Monkey.” Please be patient as we work through this new process.
The surveys are being sent to teachers’ private/personal email addresses, the most recent address that a member submitted to VTA during this 07/08 school year. If you have not received a survey by Monday, May 19th, please contact Diane at the VTA office, vistata@aol.com, or Barbara Franklin at bf1120@cox.net. The subject line in the email should state “Site Climate Survey”. Do no be confused with the bf1120@ cox.net address. Remember, this is being conducted through our private email addresses. You may/will not receive it because we do not have your personal email address, or your mailbox may be “full”.
Pink slipped Teachers and Temps
As most of you are well aware all pink slips were rescinded as of the April Board meeting. When the vote to issue pink slips for K-3 Class Size Reduction came to the Board in February it was a 4-1 vote. Thanks to a Board member whose foresight in recognizing the necessity of maintaining a quality work force come August was an insight that speaks to the understanding of our District’s needs.
Many pink slipped teachers questioned the District’s seniority list. This issue will be resolved, although it will take time. More than likely, resolution of this issue will occur because of the involvement of the CTA lawyer.
At this point in the school year, the District is assessing site needs. You may have noticed there have been several postings for High School positions. Due to High Schools’ single subject requirements for positions, those jobs are easier to identify and fill. The District needs to fill them as soon as possible, due to the limited number of available single subject candidates at this time.
Teachers possessing a Multiple Subject credential are more numerous. Because of this the posting of K-8 positions typically take place after the high school. Since temporary teachers were formally noticed of release, the District has a contractual obligation to post those positions. This allows for permanent status and probationary teachers, within the district, to interview for the “vacated” positions prior to a temporary teacher filling it. Thus temporary teachers may not be rehired until summer. This is to inform you versus alarm you. I have been informed by District Administration that it is their goal to fill positions and hire as quickly as possible.
VTA Executive Board
We recently conducted an election for Executive Board Members. Your 2008-2009 Board is:
President: Jan O’Reilly
1st Vice President: Barbara Franklin, VMMS
2nd Vice President: J.B. Barton, RBV
Treasurer: Theresa Woodward, RMMS
Secretary: Paula Keen, TH
Elementary Reps: Debbie Morton, LK
Rosemary Smithfield, GV
Middle School Reps: Erin Dayus, RMS
Position open
High School Reps: Scott Smith, VHS
Sue Butler, RBV
Important Testing Information
If you haven’t Googled, www.notonthetest.com, you need to! In this period of testing, it is always nice to have a good giggle. This should provide it.
Unity Day for VTA and CSEA!
You may have seen a flyer posted on your VTA board, CSEA board, on your mailboxes, or in your school lounge advertising “Unity Day”. On Thursday, May 22nd from 4:00-6:00 pm, at Vista Magnet Middle School Gymnasium (formerly Lincoln Middle School on the corner of Escondido and Vista Way), we expect a huge turnout of our VTA and CSEA colleagues. This means teachers, nurses, counselors, psychologists, speech and language therapists, secretaries, plant managers, library media techs, bus drivers, campus security personnel, health clerks, ????
As we end the year, and look towards the new year, let’s all come together to plan a strategy for the upcoming school board election, hear speeches and updates regarding VUSD budget cuts/concerns, and work toward a positive change for the future of our district. It will take all of us working together to make this difference.
Save the date!!!
Thursday, May 29, from 4:00-7:00 pm,
at Brengle Terrace Park
A “GET-TOGETHER”
To Socialize, Relax, and Celebrate!
VTA is hosting a gathering because:
*pink slips have been rescinded,
*testing is over,
*hopefully the State Education Budget is on the road to recovery,
*we survived a dramatic year of change, and
*we have some wonderful retirees that deserve recognition and kudos for their commitment to our students
...AND refreshments will be provided courtesy of the Vista Teachers Association Executive Board. Spirits will be lifted with “Spirits”! Come enjoy good food and good friends.
A flyer will be forthcoming in the District mail.
An RSVP will be requested for the planning of food and beverage.
Whew, I hope this memo provides you with answers to questions, insight into issues and the knowledge that VTA is working on your behalf!
Sincerely,
Jan O' Reilly
VTA President
www.vistata.org