We’ve had three bargaining sessions so far. We’ve presented our concerns and proposals to the administration team. They can be summarized as “Acknowledge NESPA members as professionals.” And we’ve heard the administration’s* proposals. Our next session is Wednesday, May 7.
Here’s how your NESPA Bargaining Team responded to the question, “What does it mean to you for NESPA members to be ‘acknowledged as professionals’ in these negotiations?
“NESPA members deserve more security in our number of hours from year to year. Too many of us face too much uncertainty. An important way to be “acknowledged as a professional” would mean our hours would be more secure. We’ve made several proposals to move us toward this goal. However, the administration has proposed in negotiations to even eliminate the minimum guarantee of at least 20 hours per week that applies to all except School Assistants and STSs. That would move us backwards, and is not acceptable!”
--Suzanne Ducotey, Bargaining Team Chairperson
Woodmoor Elementary
“We should get a living wage for our work. We’re not expecting miracles in these negotiations, but we do want to make some modest progress. It looks like we’re going to need the help of every NESPA member to make progress because the administration has proposed that the annual step increases won’t be guaranteed in future years. It’s time to get involved!
--Judy Ellis
SAS
“Job security is very important. We’re working to solve several problems. One is that 114 of us are “School Year Only” employees, even if we’ve worked here for years! Another is that if we are displaced from our school, there is no guarantee that we’ll be able to continue doing similar work. Not everyone wants to work in a CLC (which I do).
--Donna Smith
Northshore Junior High
“Time to take breaks, planning time, and a representative on the school’s Leadership team are all part of being treated as a professional. It boils down to respect for the important work that NESPA members do. You are so important to our students and our schools!”
--Kraig Peck
WEA Staff Person
“Adequate training is essential for a professional. That’s especially true for Special Ed Paraprofessionals who work with violent students. They need the “Secure” or “Right Response” training immediately, not months after they’ve started. Safety has to be taken seriously.
--Peg Sturm
Maywood Hills Elementary
“There needs to be fair and clear processes for getting more hours and for transferring into different positions. This will take problem-solving, and it will take the administration showing us respect for our experience.
--Sharon Maynard
Bear Creek Elementary
“Medical benefits are a big issue, and it is tied to getting more than twenty hours. We’re going to do some problem-solving, and see if we can agree on ways NESPA members can make progress on this.”
--Dave Wood
WEA Staff Person
WATCH FOR UPDATES ON OUR NEW WEBSITE: http://nespablog.blogspot.com/
WHEN ASKED, PLEASE SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR YOUR BARGAINING TEAM.
VOTE! COME TO OUR MEMBERSHIP MEETING ON MONDAY, JUNE 16 AT INGLEMOOR HS, AT 4:15 PM. PUT IT ON YOUR CALENDAR NOW. (IF WE DO NOT HAVE AN AGREEMENT, WE WILL ADDRESS PLANS FOR THE FALL.)
* The administration’s bargaining team is Jeff Sherwood (Dir. of HR), Susan Martin, and Shantel Strandt from Human Resources, and Ed Koehl (Secondary Special Ed Dir.)
Visit NESPA’s new website for updates and information!
http://nespablog.blogspot.com/
