There is quite a bit going on between PPS and PFTCE right now. We have about 130 people unassigned for next year, and we have begun the reassignment process, and hope to get placement information to you by June 1st. PFTCE will continue to work with H.R. on this project.
Bargaining re-opener for compensation and benefits
Our bargaining re-opener for compensation and benefits for 2009-2011 has gotten off to a slow start, due to the economy and the uncertainty of what kind of budget the district will have. The state’s projected budget to the school district seems to change daily. The next date of a state projection is May 18th. The PFTCE bargaining team decided to present the PFTCE package of proposals to the District at our May 6th session. Instead of continuing to wait for the district and its budget, we decided to let the district know what the PFTCE goals are. Our proposal package included a salary increase in the range of a cost of living adjustment; step increases for all employees - this means recreating the salary schedules to add higher steps; an increase in the district contribution to our insurance coverage; equal pay for equal work; an increase to our retiree insurance plans; equity in initial salary placement (OT/PT’s); and a couple of other non-economic language issues.
The district has proposed that we receive no cost of living adjustment for 2009/2010. They have also requested that we wait until the district has had a chance to assess the Governor’s May funding forecast to discuss a COLA for 2010/2011, as well as steps for both contract years. So, while the district is waiting, we have given them some things to work on and have shared the vision of where we want to go.
“Alice Fay” Scholarship awarded
The scholarship committee has chosen Jefferson H.S. senior, Austin Graves, as the 2009 recipient of the PFTCE “Alice Fay” Scholarship. Austin, who is the son of PFTCE member Annie Graves, has received $500.00 to use towards his higher education. Austin’s mom, Annie, works as a paraeducator at King School. Congratulations, Austin!
Presidential election
Because the election for the office of PFTCE President became an unopposed race, a motion was made at our May 6th membership meeting to conduct the election by acclamation. I was elected to another two year term to begin July 1st. I am proud to be able to serve you as President for another term. I will keep striving for wages, working conditions, and fair representation for all PFTCE members. In these troubling economic times, I will do my best to keep the ship pointed upstream. I am thankful for the opportunity. Belinda Reagan and Bill Beeson were also re-elected by acclamation as Vice Presidents. Ballots went out to full members on May 1st for the Treasurer’s race, and were counted on May 18th. Michelle Batten, incumbent Treasurer, was re-elected for a third term. Congratulations, Michelle!
Final membership meeting for the year
Our final membership meeting for the year will be Wednesday, June 3rd, at 5:30pm at the BESC café (upstairs). Please plan to attend, and bring suggestions for locations for member meetings next year. Would you like us to come to your school?
Putting a new “face” on our Union
As we wind down the 2008-2009 school year, and look forward to next year, PFTCE will continue to put a new “face” on our Union. Part of this process is the “grand opening” of this new website, which bears more professionalism. We believe this better represents the members of PFTCE…”A Union of Professionals, Working with Children.”