Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/882783
Bargaining Roundup Details of these stories at cta.org/bargainingupdates Banning: Seeking School Board Solutions The Banning Teachers Association (BTA) will commit time and resources to the November school board race to bring enlightened, student-centered leadership to Banning Unified School District in Riverside County. BTA has organized rallies (above) and attended school board meetings en masse to protest Superintendent Robert Guil- len's behavior. Guillen has repeatedly dismissed the current contract while bullying teachers and ignoring the wishes of the community on a host of issues. BTA has been forced to file an unfair labor practice charge. "Mr. Guillen has stated on record that he feels he does not have to honor the contract between the teachers and the district," BTA President Anthony Garcia says. " The commu- nity and the teachers find it difficult to have confidence in a superintendent who works this way." BTA contends that by disregarding the contract and paying thousands of dollars to lawyers to fight grievances, Guillen is driving out caring, experienced teachers at a time of teacher shortage. Negotiations on a new contract have stalled as well. Folsom Cordova: Release Time, Parental Leaves After more than a year of sometimes contentious negotiations, a tentative agreement was reached in September between the Folsom Cordova Education Association (FCEA) and the Folsom Cordova Unified School District (FCUSD). FCEA President Angelica Miklos cred- ited Bargaining Chair Debbie Krikourian and her team for bringing home the settlement, which was later ratified by union members. "Our goals centered around attracting and retaining qualified teachers for our students, and stopping the exodus of great teachers to better-paying nearby districts," Miklos says. " This agreement will help with that." Among other things, the three-year agree- ment includes release time for special edu- cation teachers, an increase in the district 's contributions for health benefits, and enhanced language on paternity and maternity leaves and evaluations. It also includes a 2 percent raise on schedule for 2016-17; a 1 percent increase this year; and a 0.5 percent increase for those who choose to attend a professional development day. "Our goals centered around attracting and retaining qualified teachers for our students, and stopping the exodus of great teachers to better-paying nearby districts." — FCEA PRESIDENT ANGELICA MIKLOS 50 cta.org Advocacy