September 14, 2007


Colleagues,

Welcome back to a new school year.  This year we will be challenged by many factors which have not been present in recent years.

The multi-million dollar construction/technology project is in progress and will not be completed for about another eighteen months.  We will be dealing with all of the disruptions that a project of that magnitude will deliver to us in our classrooms.  With health and safety the utmost concern, you will need to inform our SCOSH person, Christine Belford (Kreamer St. Elementary) of any health and safety difficulties you and your students encounter as the year proceeds.

We are beginning this year without a new contract.  All of the clauses in the previous agreement (2002-07) are in effect (Yes, EDU courses are all good).  Until a contractual settlement or extension is reached, the base salary and all stipends will remain the same from the 2007-07 year.  You, of course, will be able to move across the schedule with the earning of each 15 credits block.  Also, if you were at step 5 in 2006-07, you are now at step 6 for 2007-08.  There are approximately 100+ of us who are at step 21 (the bottom of the salary chart) and we will be receiving the same pay as last year.  All of this is subject to change as per a new agreement being enacted.  The negotiations team will be negotiating throughout the year with the BOE’s representatives. You will be apprised of any developments as they occur.

You are all professional teachers and know how to instruct your students.  Please put your best efforts toward the accomplishment of improving the education of your charges.

Always acting in your best interest,

Spencer Stickley President