Chico Unified Teachers Association
Chico Unified Teachers Association Newsletter
Member Newsletter

April 2013
In This Issue
Vice President's Message
Bargaining Update
Political Action Committee Update
Organizing Update
Health Benefits Update
Contract Corner
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Greetings! 

In this CUTA  newsletter we have:
  • A Message From Our  Vice President Joe Asnault 
  • Bargaining Update
  • Political Action Committee Update   
  • Health Benefits Update   
  • Organizing Update 
  • Contract Corner--Article 10. Leave Policies.  

Help us keep our members informed by forwarding this email to your colleagues using the link & at the bottom of this page.

 

Vice President's Message Joe Asnault (Kevin is on Hiatus)

          I have been somewhat silent in communicating with CUSD what my needs as an instructor are. I need to make my voice heard in order for me to seek constant improvement and reflection of my instructional practices. In order for me to increase the rigor of what students do in my classroom, I need to be more rigorous in advocating for quality professional development.

     I sat in our last district-wide collaboration meeting in the Marsh Jr. High Library wondering what I was doing there. The common-core standards kept getting "power-pointed to me." This does me no good. It does not allow me to work with my colleagues ensuring my instructional practices are meeting these new standards. Instead, it makes me feel like CUSD doesn't trust me enough to sit down with some other teachers in course-alike groups to discuss powerful teaching strategies.

     The reality is though, that CUSD does support quality professional development as I and about 45 secondary teachers have participated in what is known as the ABEO trainings. This ABEO group focuses on research based methodology, teaching us to evaluate for intellectual authenticity the "tasks" we give to students.        Furthermore, we participate in "peer rounds" by observing each other in the classroom, ultimately providing feedback and coaching for lessons and instructional dilemmas we might have. Powerful dialog ensues. Powerful reflection continues after these observations and coaching sessions, ultimately resulting in revision of my instructional practices. The bottom line: Students receive stronger instruction. I become more reflective of what I do, and I become more collegial with my fellow teachers as I come to value their coaching.

     We all want to be extraordinary teachers. We all want our students to succeed. In order for this to occur, CUTA-as a Unit-must let CUSD hear what we think is best for us to become our best. This can occur with constructive dialogue, not parking lot complaining. Let's just hope they'll listen.

 

Thank you.

Joe Asnault

Chico High School

 
Bargaining Update: Merilee Anzalone       
    

     CUSD's 40 year history with certificated staff can be summed up in one word: nothing. Unlike some other local districts, CUSD has never offered a salary increase, but only reluctantly made wage concessions after the threat of job actions. They have manufactured financial crises to demand concessions, and imposed surreptitious pay cuts in the form of cost shifting medical expenses to their employees.

 

     With a better financial picture on the horizon and nearly $20 million in reserves, they have the opportunity to change that behavior. Sadly, they appear determined to avoid a positive relationship with certificated staff at all cost.   The continued impasse for 2012-13 negotiations and the bargaining sessions for next year's contract on March 15 and 28 make this all too evident.

 

   Medical benefits have gone from bad to worse. The District's representative to the JPA voted with administrators from other districts to increase maximum out of pocket expenses from $3,000 a year to $4,500 per family. Simply put, if you and your family are forced to utilize our health insurance, you just took a $1,500 a year pay cut. To mitigate the effect of this, your bargaining team has proposed that CUTA members and retirees return to the Silver Plan next year.

 

For Article 6, CUTA proposed eliminating everything which prevents teachers from devoting 100% to classroom instruction. Our proposal included:

*  The elimination of the four district wide collaboration days.

*  The elimination of the staff development day before the beginning of school.

*  Elementary supervision duties, as well as request.

*  Elementary prep time be equivalent to that of teachers in secondary schools.

 

     The District's proposed changes to Article 6 remain the same as last year.   They wish to increase the elementary student day in order to have parent conference days which will not require substitutes. Elementary teachers would teach longer so that they can meet with parents, for no additional compensation.

 

     CUSD remains committed to their proposal of last year that would require teachers to remain on campus for seven and a half hours a day, regardless of the student day. At the bargaining table they have suggested that teachers could use this time to prep or collaborate.

 

     Without a state budget, CUSD was not willing to commit in any form to changes to the salary schedule. Bob Feaster said that the School Board would first look at reinstatement of various programs before considering employee compensation.

 

     Finally, it doesn't appear that CUTA members will be receiving any more monies recouped from MAA. When the topic came up, Bob Feaster coyly mentioned that he would have to see when the last signed agreement was bargained. The fact is, there is no agreement because, after more than a year of bargaining, we have yet to settle for 2012-13 which included MAA language. Unless a retroactive agreement is reached, CUSD has no obligation to pay you for your participation in the MAA program.

 

 Thank you

Merilee Anzalone  

Shasta Elementary 

 

 

Political Action Committee Update: Linda Serrato

     Sierra View will be having lunch with board members Andrea Lerner-Thompson and Linda Hovey on April 19th.   On May 7th Chico High School will host a lunch with Kathleen Kaiser and hopefully Linda Hovey.

     A big thank you to the site reps for organizing these events. If you would like to host a lunch at your school please contact Kevin Moretti or me.

     I will be stepping down as PAC chair at the end of this school year. If you are interested in being PAC chair or know someone that you think might be interested contact me at [email protected]. I will be glad to mentor anyone who is interested!

     Upcoming regularly scheduled board meetings: Wednesday April 17th and Wednesday May 15th.

                                   

Thank  you.
Linda Serrato
Rosedale Elementary

 

Organizing Update: Bill and Jenn Flory
Due to the lack of movement in negotiations, we are convinced that "playing nice" is not effective in this district.  Therefore, as our bargaining team represents us at the table, we can show our support for their efforts on our behalf.  Expect to see requests from Organizing to participate in upcoming events to let the district know that "Chico Teachers Stand United" in our resolve.   
     Now is the time to be thinking about the future:  start planning, start saving your money, and stay informed!  It is critical that we remember how strong we are when we work together toward a common goal!  We deserve what is fair and just, and will organize to send our message loudly and clearly. 
Bill and Jenn Flory 
CUTA Organizing Chairs

 

Pleasant Valley High School   

P.S.

 Remember also that many of your colleagues have received layoff notices and are currently going through the process that so many of us have painfully endured.  Support them, remind them that they are important and valuable, and do your best to let them know that they are not alone as they head into a summer of uncertainty.  

 

 

 

 

 

Health Benefits Update: Susan Christensen
 

     The BSSP JPA Board of Directors met on March 25, 2013 to set plan designs and rates for July 1, 2013 - June 30, 2014. The Red plan will increase 5.55% or $53 to $1,002. The maximum out of pocket will increase to $1,500 per individual and $4,500 per family. (Family is now 3 people). The deductible limit will increase to $750 per person with a maximum of $2,250 per family. All plans increased the deductibles and out of pocket expenses, but the co-payments and co-insurance remained the same.

     BSSP proposes to mandate that all active employees complete the May, 2013 open enrollment process through the VBAS web portal.

     Paper submissions will still be required for employer verification of spouses' coverage in order to comply with policy 1.24, Phantom Coordination of Benefits. An annual certification of compliance with this policy shall be required from each full-time employee with a spouse/registered domestic partner covered under a BSSP medical plan, and who works and is eligible for medical coverage at their employment at a cost of less than $150 (previously $125) per month. Failure to complete the annual certification will result in a spouse being enrolled in a plan with a $1000 deductible and 80% member co-insurance responsibility, with no maximum out of pocket limit.

     Vision will see a 5% ($3) rate reduction, with the plan costing $17. The plan is for an annual visit with a $10 co-payment, and will have a reduced lens option, but will be offset by and increased frame allowance to VSP's $150.

     Dental will see a 5% ($6) rate reduction and cost $120. The plan includes 2/$2200 for office visits and annual non-ortho benefit, and 50% $2000 orthodontia for all enrolled.

 

 

       

 

Thank you.
Susan Christensen
Pleasant Valley High School 

 

Contract Corner Article 10: Leave Policies

   

      There are several different types of leave. This article will focus on personal necessity leave.

Personal Necessity Leave-

10.1.7-Unit members shall be entitled to use up to a maximum of six days of sick leave for the purpose of personal necessity leave in any one school year.

     These days do not accumulate from year to year. If you use 2 out of 6 in one year, you still only get 6 next year.

Personal Necessity is defined as the following:

10.1.7.B.1-Death or serious illness of a member of the unit member's immediate family. (SEE 10.1.7.E for definition of "Immediate Family).

10.1.7.B.2-Accident, involving the unit member's person or property, or the person or property of a member of a unit member's immediate family.

10.1.7.C-The six days may also be used for any other reason except vacation or recreation.

     Remember, you get 10 days sick leave per year that accumulate.  In any given year you can use six of your accumulated sick leave days as personal necessity, and the key is that these Personal days DO NOT accumulate.

Don't hesitate to call Kevin or Joe with any questions. 343-0226.

 

 Thank you.

Joe Asnault

Chico High School 

 

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Thank you for reading this and staying informed.

 

Kevin Moretti, President
Chico Unified Teachers AssociationBottom