QUESTIONS ABOUT THE NEW CONTRACT LANGUAGE

Will the two-prep limit require the re-structuring of programs that operate on a self-contained basis, such as Drop-Out Prevention or ESE Self-contained programs? Will these need to be broken up along subject-matter departmental lines?

The answer is no. This language was not intended to require a re-structuring of such programs.

If there are only a limited number of classes that I can teach due to my certification, and I do not agree to teach more than two preparations, and that results in my being unable to fill a full day schedule of courses, what would happen to me?

In that situation, if you do not agree to teach more than two preparations, and there is no way you can make up a full-time teaching load with only 2 preps, the district would have no option but to reduce you to less than full-time status.

With the new contract, will secondary schools need to redo their schedules?

Some schedules will have to be redone, if they are not in conformity with the contract requirements. Faculties may vote to approve a schedule that does not comply with the contract, but such a vote must explicitly state that a contract waiver is being sought (a 75% vote of approval by the faculty is required).

What are the advantages of the Early Release Wednesday?

Teachers have been clamoring for uninterrupted planning time. This provides an hour for teacher planning that is to be “uninterrupted, unscheduled, and utilized at the discretion of the teacher.” The teacher work week will not be increased, but the student schedule will need to be adjusted. The new contract language requires teacher input regarding scheduling decisions.

With the Early Release Wednesday, will elementary schools have time to meet PE, music and art requirements on the shortened days?

Yes. The state PE requirements (150 minutes/week in increments of no less than 30 minutes each) are flexible enough to accommodate one shortened day. Although there are no state requirements on music/art time, the art/music programs are of great importance to our district and community, and the district’s curriculum requirements must and will be accommodated in developing schedules.

What has changed in the evaluation section?

The old language permitted grievances only if an evaluation was “inaccurate”. The new language inserts a pre-grievance appeal to the Regional Associate Superintendent for any evaluation which “does not meet Minimum Expectations for Level 1, or which contain ratings of Expectation in Progress in two or more categories”. Any evaluation that the Association believes to be “biased” can be grieved. Bias is a broader category than inaccuracy, so the new language is actually stronger.

Who will make sure that all the new language is adhered to?

The members and Faculty Reps in each school, supported by the PCTA staff and legal team, will monitor compliance with the contract, and will take corrective action as needed. If your school does not have a Faculty Rep, you need to elect one immediately, and send the name to PCTA.

When will we know about salaries?

We are still negotiating salaries. We could settle right now if we would agree to pay cuts. We will not agree to pay cuts.

Teachers Approve PCTA Contract

Teachers have voted to ratify the contract negotiated between PCTA and the School Board. The vote was 2557 in favor and 2136 opposed, for a 54.5% to 45.5% margin of support.

PCTA President Kim Black said “teachers recognized that this is a good agreement given the difficult times. We have managed to avoid layoffs and defend our contract.”

“Now we must continue our united efforts and convince the School Board to reject any pay cuts for employees.”

(For more background on the new contract, click here.)

PCTA-PESPA WELCOMES OUR NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

PCTA and PESPA have completed the lengthy nationwide search for our next Executive Director, and you may recognize his face! He is Marshall Ogletree, a lobbyist for the Florida Education Association who has been called “one of a handful of people who truly understand Florida school funding.”

Marshall is a product of Pinellas County Schools who has worked around the state for 29 years, including service as Seminole County’s Executive Director, before moving on to Tallahassee and the legislative beat.

PCTA President Kim Black said “Marshall has spent years working with the entire range of issues we are facing in Pinellas County schools. He has the skill set that our members told us they wanted to see in their next exec.

In a sense, this is a homecoming for Marshall, as he brings a lifetime of experience back to his home local. We are very fortunate to have him as we face the challenges ahead,” Black concluded. He will officially start work on June 15, though he will be at our next FR Council to personally meet our Faculty Reps.