Our first session for the 2011-2012 bargaining

Hi,

The session was pretty tame. We gave the district our proposal and they listened and asked questions. We are holding off on the big issues of pay and medical benefits until after the May budget forecast. We dont want to start talking numbers until we are sure about the state has the money.

We are opened with articles 4, 10, and 21 as the main articles so far. The district is going to open articles 4,10,11,14,15,20. The big issue here - I think and we will see - is about prep time. I understand that some districts are trying to have prep be after the kids have left not during the student contact time - WOW! We need to fght that!! I guess we will find out what they really want to do on April 18th,

Come and see what is up!

By the way - if you saw the districts cut list, there were two things to look at - 1. The 5 days of furlough the first year are self evident, but the second year it says only 3 days, BUT, those are three additional days to the 5 so really we will take 8 furlough days in the second year!! This is why we are not going to open the contract. 2. All people on extra duty contracts - did you notice the 50% reduction in your pay? You should.

We still have room on the phone banks - you should sign up and help improve your working conditions and compensation.

Keith