In the wake of the much talked about budget cuts, speculation, rumors and fear have raised several questions about the working conditions for licensed personnel. Many calls have come in asking whether teachers will have to give up preparation periods and whether there will be a step increase next year, all of which are valid questions. The fact that CCEA was able to negotiate the 2% and 4% pay raises for last year and this year, along with PERS paid this year, is astonishing given the budget crisis that was already occurring.

The Collective Bargaining Agreement entered into between the school district and CCEA is a valid contract requiring that the terms outlined therein are met by the parties. That 64-page document is critical to defining the minimums that the school district must adhere to. The current contract provides for preparation periods, duty free lunch, sick days, etc. amongst other terms that enhance working conditions. Significantly, the salary schedule is also included in the contract. Thus, teachers will continue to advance based upon education and/or experience.

With that said, there are other ways that budget cuts can and will more than likely have to occur and CCEA is prepared to have those discussions with the school district. Negotiations for the next contract will resume this fall and both parties will be interested in setting forth their goals for maintaining the terms in the contract that already exist, as well as being innovative in a budget crisis.

This year, more than ever, it is imperative that teachers get involved and write to the State Legislature. Only by putting pressure on the legislature will there be an opportunity to secure funding for raises, retain/reduce class sizes, and improve working conditions.

I recently met with a member who told me that her grandmother had worked for the school district for 40 years and they had to fight for preparation periods. She was adamant that preparation periods be protected because once you give something up, it will be hard to ever get it back.

It’s easy to let the propaganda, rumors and speculation that is around us put fear in our minds. To the extent that it empowers us to get politically motivated and effect change in the legislature, it is good. However, if you become fearful, remember you are not worse off than you were. The Collective Bargaining Agreement will protect working conditions. The school principal, superintendent, nor the school board can unilaterally take them away without being negotiated.