First Contract Ratified by SPS Teachers
After a year of intensive bargaining, Springfield's professional educators voted to approve a first contract with the school district. The final vote tally was 156-3 (including provision ballots), a 98% approval percentage. While the attendance was light, those who did stay for the meeting presented questions and held discussions about what a new contract means for the future of Springfield teachers.
"Given that the meeting was the first of its kind, held in the middle of the week near the end of the school year - and the fact that many teachers are 'meetinged out' at this time of year - the vote clearly shows that there was virtually no opposition to ratifying this first agreement with the district," said Ray Smith, SNEA President. "Teachers asked great questions and the discussions were very productive. Attendance at these kinds of meetings will grow as people begin to understand their importance and the nature of free exchange on these matters."
With teacher ratification now complete, the tentative Agreement will next be presented to the school board for a ratification vote on May 24.
Thanks to all SNEA members and non-members - whether you attended the meeting or not - who have been paying attention to this process and understand its significance. The process has been four years in the making, and all those who voted in last year's elections and contributed to the conversation - sent emails, made calls, had discussions with colleagues - deserve a big congratulations for helping to see this through.
Summary of Key Points in Contract between The School District of Springfield R-12 and the Springfield National Education Association (referred to as "Association" in contract)
2011-12 Economic Provisions
One Step on Salary Schedule
1% Across-the-Board Salary Increase
Tier I Stipend Increases
Salary Adjustments for Lateral Movement on Schedule for Degree Advancement
National Board Certification Stipends for Teachers
Improved Sick Leave Coverage for Workers' Compensation (adds provision for 3 days of accrued Sick Leave)
Sick Leave - Automatic accumulation of 4 SL days at the beginning of each school year, accumulate 1 per month from that point (13/year total)
Sick Leave - Increase from $15 to $20 for accrual of over 100 days upon retirement or resignation
2011-13 Non-Economic Provisions
Recognition - Recognizes SNEA as the exclusive bargaining representative for the bargaining unit
Negotiations Process - outlines negotiating process, written Agreement and ratification
District Rights and Authority - outlines existing statutory right for the District
Association Rights - right to join, not join, use mailboxes, hold meetings, members may meet with SNEA representative during conference times
Association President Leave
Personnel Files - unit member right to view employment file or have representation view with written permission of member
Use of District Email - by Association President to notify unit members of meetings
Duty Free Lunch
Teacher Compensation for Supervision of Student Teachers
Grades - Established as responsibility of Teacher. Notes that administrators changing grades subsequent to teacher grading are required to "sign-off" on changes.
Traveling Teachers - Mileage reimbursement and prep time provision
Planning Time - follows MSIP guidelines, also a provision for additional compensation for assigned teacher responsibilities during plan time
Grievance Procedure - basic contract enforcement provision that provides SNEA representation throughout the process
Due Process - in accordance with state law
Employee Drug/Alcohol Testing - No random testing, outlines conditions, definitions, reasonable suspicion, representation by Association
Personal Leave - Eliminates "permission" form, establishes standard leave notification as with sick leave.
posted by RSmith @ 8:24 AM
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