As we near the end of this school year, so many of you have received news of re-assignment, new placements, loss of hours, and lay off.   I would like to take a moment of your time to address issues that may concern you now, or in the months ahead.

~Let me begin by announcing that postings for classified positions/openings will be placed on the PPS website today, 6/11/09.  The URL is https://employment.pps.k12.or.us/ats/job_board_frame?refresh=Y&COMPANY_ID=00002736&APPLICANT_TYPE_ID=00000002 .  At the bottom of this webpage is a link to the online application.  If you have completed an application in the past, you may update it at this location, prior to applying for any of the posted openings.  I would suggest updating ‘letters of recommendation’ from your current supervisor and/or coworkers, as well.

~For those of you that have been unassigned, and been told of your placement for the 2009-2010 school year, please be aware that in some cases, particularly for Educational Assistants, there may be adjustments made to work locations over the summer months, and the information you’ve been given in the last few days may change.  As openings occur due to resignations, and funding for new positions becomes available through grant funding, there may be some movement of assignments to replace lost hours, and jobs.  These changes could occur as late as mid-August.

~The same funding changes I mentioned above will affect the recall of many of you that have been laid off.  The recall process could also take several months, and may continue into the beginning of the new school year.

~If you plan to move during the summer months, or have already moved this school year, but have not given Human Resources your new address and phone number, please do so as soon as possible.  Without current personal information, HR will not be able to contact you with recall or placement information.  You can submit an address change to HR using the “Personal Information Form”, which can be located at http://inside.hr.pps.k12.or.us/.docs/pg/11853 .  You may also contact HR at 916-3544 with address modifications, as well. (While you’re making those changes, please notify PFTCE by emailing our Administrative Assistant, Allison at allison@pftce.org .)

~If you have questions or concerns about your new placement, or other job related questions, contact HR, and tell the receptionist which school you have been with this year.  She will connect you with the proper staffing specialist.

~The first lay off meeting earlier this week was full of useful information, and practical suggestions for those of you that are facing the loss of your job.  If you were not able to attend, please plan to meet with us, once again, on Friday, June 19th, at BESC at 10 AM.

~The PFTCE office will remain open all summer.  Our Administrative Assistant, Allison will be here to direct your concerns to Tom or me.  We will also be checking our email regularly.

It has been an honor to act as your representative this year, and I am truly saddened by the possible loss of so many dedicated, hard-working employees due to budget cuts.  I hope that you will be recalled, and I look forward to seeing you next fall.