April 8, 2022
Around the state, 218 of the 328 districts (about 66%) have settled their 21-23 contracts. The average salary schedule improvements are trending slightly above 2% each year.
Since our last SCEA member update (mid March), we have increased our meeting frequency to weekly extended sessions with the district administration. Dialogue remains respectful and productive. Both sides have been able to share honest frank perspectives including the background, reasoning and logic associated with the ideas. Progress has been made at each session.
The past two sessions have seemed to possess a heightened level of focus and energy. Our team recognizes and appreciates the unified actions of our SCEA membership in wearing the color red on negotiation days. It may seem like a small thing, however it appears to have a noticeable, timely, and positive impact at the bargaining table. Moving around our individual work sites, team members see colleagues wearing red clothing and feel the support and encouragement of the entire SCEA local. Your collective support not only builds unity among members, but also nourishes our team. Thank you.
Our team will be meeting with administration again on Tuesday evening, April 12th for an extended session.
Our team remains committed to bringing a fair settlement to our members.
Please reach out to any of our team members with questions.
March 16, 2022
Around the state, 212 of the 328 districts (about 65%) have settled their 21-23 contracts. The average salary schedule improvements are trending slightly above 2% each year.
Locally, we met on Wednesday, March 2nd and again yesterday, March 15th to continue working on financial components. Discussions remain respectful, solutions focused, and collaborative. On Tuesday, Dr. Thein and Dr. Cherri gave us a preview and detailed presentation of the revised budget. We gained additional understanding of how ESSER funds have been used and allocated and how these federal dollars impact the greater financial picture in District 834.
In addition to how ESSER funds impact our organization, this meeting with district administration gave our team additional information and context around current revenue, updated expenditures, staffing and student enrollment. District administration will be presenting this to the board this Thursday night March 17th if you’re interested in a greater level of detail.
Our team will be meeting on Sunday evening, March 20th to plan for an extended evening session with the district on Monday, March 21st. The district is still reluctant to meet during the student contact day as they are sensitive to guest teacher shortages across the district. Our hope is that as COVID subsides, this will be reconsidered.
Our team remains committed to bringing a fair settlement to our members. Please reach out to any of our team members with questions.
January 19, 2022
Around the state, 165 of the 328 districts have settled their 21-23 contracts. The average salary schedule improvements are trending slightly above 2% each year.
Locally, our January 10th negotiations meeting was postponed due to the family illness of a key team member. Our next negotiations meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 24th. We are planning to begin working on financial components at that time.