Why OUSD Teacher Morale is Low - Talking Points

 Salary:

In 7 years we have received one-time payments and only 3% ongoing on the salary scale (7 years because 2013-14 has not reached a successful negotiation). This is a dismal reflection of the Trustees’ and Superintendent’s appreciation and attitude towards the certificated workforce.

OUSD salaries have slipped below the Contra Costa county median although performance in our district is the highest in the county. During this time the cost of living has continued to rise.

Previous Superintendent, Dr. Frank Brunetti believed that salaries impacted the ability to attract and retain quality teachers, and made an effort to fiscally appreciate and support teachers.

Workload and Common Core Implementation:

Although the majority of teachers devote significant hours beyond contract time creating Common Core units of study and collecting materials and resources for student use, we are not compensated for this extra work. Other districts used LCAP money to compensate teachers and had the foresight to prepare for Common Core over three years ago in order to be able to provide their teachers with transitional materials and training (Martinez, Walnut Creek, Mt. Diablo).

Benefits:

Support for employee medical benefits dropped by 20% on July 1, 2014 as the district contribution fell from $1100.00 to $915.00. This decrease significantly affects couples and families.

Loss of Elementary Preparation time for Teachers:

During the CA financial crisis, half of our art for 1^st through 3^rd grades and all of our computer education and library informational literacy instruction was eliminated.  Credentialed teachers were released reducing our overall prep time for completing the increasing number of tasks required by the district. 

Today, OUSD enjoys a greater carry over than it has seen in the six prior years and yet those specialist programs have not been restored. Many teachers who have no background and experience in those subjects are expected to teach the content and spend even more of their personal time preparing for those required activities. We have not had art training and only limited library and tech training. As a result, student instruction in these subject areas is not equitable from teacher to teacher and not consistently aligned with the Common Core.

For more information and issues, see the OEA Fact Sheet. 

9/9/14 OEA Meeting with the Superintendent

9/9/14 OEA Meeting with Superintendent 

Part Time Teachers:

·      Have to attend all mandatory meetings

·      Have to return in afternoon for staff meetings

·      Have to attend CPT

·      Are not paid to attend staff meetings or CPT

·      JJ says during candidate interviews that they must attend everything

·      A half time person will not be paid to work on curriculum with their grade level for a full day release.  A half time teacher needs to decide whether to stay the additional half-day without pay.

Evaluation Update:

·      No criteria for “Exceeding Standard”

·      Whether to give a teacher “Exceeding Standard is a subjective decision made by a Principal

·      A principal has said, “Choosing to do a portfolio is the easy way out.”

·      Our evaluation system makes some teachers feel vulnerable

·      Teachers may attach a letter to the evaluation summary written by their Principal.

Upcoming District Goals Meeting:

·      OEA wants this to be a meaningful process with feedback from the District

·      In past years, OEA has not seen a change in outcome based on feedback.

·      JJ gave example of a change in the LCAP plan because of teacher input (redistribution of LCAP $)

Negotiations:

·      OEA-OUSD needs to set a date for negotiations.

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9/8/14 Trustees Meeting Highlights

Video Link Part 1 Part 2

Public comment: Letterfrom resigning OIS math teacher, Rebecca Trautman, who is entering the corporate arena. Main point is the minimal salary and appreciation teachers receive in OUSD and in comparison to many surrounding districts. (Also see resignation letter from Kristen Neilsen from June 2014.)

“Unaudited  Actuals Financial Report: Closing financial report for the 2013-14 school year; approval needed by 9/15.

$590,789 carry-over into 14-15 school year has resulted in an increase in the General Fund Unrestricted Undesignated Fund Balance. This increase is a normal ocurrence for the OUSD. Both revenue increases and expenditure decreases cause the Undesignated Balance to be higher than estimated at budget adoption

Federal revenues were $104.00 more than estimated in June.

Other state revenues were $3,101.00 higher than our estimated actuals.

Other local revenues totaled $50,951.00 more than June 2014. This increase is attributed to the increase in both unrestricted and restricted lottery funding based on our Annual Attendance. This category also includes increases in funds received from Interest income and Parent Club/BASC donations.

Certificated salaries were lower by $34,918.00.

Benefits decreased by $18,388.00.

Books/supplies decreased by $319,187.00.

Services and other operating expenditures decreased by $501,293.00. This decrease was comprised of unspent dollars in the following areas: professional development (Common Core Standards), special services contracts, field trip expenditures and general expense categories which included telephone/communications, postage, legal fees, external audit, and rental/leases.

Capital Outlay decreased $40,152.00

Other outgo came in under budget by $95,182.00

Classified salaries increased by $85,829.00.

Ending balance is estimated at $4,553,774.00 at Budget Adoption however as of the closing, the balance has increased by $1,059,498.

Senate Bill 858

“Gov. Brown signed SB 858 which will require school districts to spend their assigned and unassigned account balances down to no more than 2-3 times the minimum level of statutory reserves. The statutory minimum for school district reserves ranges from 1 to 5 percent depending on district enrollment.”

OUSD reserves currently = 28% 0f the budget.

Approval by Board: 4 yes and I abstain

Parcel Tax Oversight Committee is currently a 2-year term. Some committee members have suggested a four-year or staggered terms to support transition.

Discussion about 5-member committee with staggered terms.  Approved: Tyson Kromholz and Julie Rossitor will serve on this committee and it will be a four-year term.

First Reading of Administration Regulation 5117: Inter-district transfer attendance; proposed addition to Regulation 5117: The following stipulation will be added to item 11 in this regulation. “When the student is the child of an employee of the school district who works at least 20 hours per week, in order to attract and retain high quality employees.” An application must still be made contingent on space available, however improved consideration will be given to the children of staff.

Approved

* OEA President expressed appreciation for the decision and pointed out that a more timely revision would have been appreciated.

Board Policy 6011 Academic Standards

This Board Policy is being revised to reflect district practice for full implementation of the Common Core Standards. Includes standards, articulation of standards, curricular areas, staff expectation for communication to parents, staff development, student assessment.

Approved

The following Board Policy revisions were approved.

Board Policy 6162.51 State Academic Achievement Test

Remove 10^th grade for science testing

students with disabilities may take an alternative test in accordance with student’s IEP.

6174: ELL in first 12 months of language acquisition may be exempted from the English Language portion of the test.

6142.91: English Language Arts Framework

6142.92 Math Framework

* OEA President pointed out that “real-life” math materials are needed for teachers

5123: Promotion/Acceleration/Retention

“When any student is recommended for retention, the Supt. or designee shall offer an appropriate program of remedial instruction to assist the student in meeting grade-level expectations.”

* OEA President asked for clarification of how that goal would be achieved; no response.

5144 Discipline: maintaining a positive school climate: the strategies (listed in the policy) shall focus on providing students with needed support, communicating clear, appropriate, and consistent expectations and consequences for student conduct; and ensuring equity and continuous improvement in the implementation of district discipline policies and practices.”

* OEA President pointed out that these practices are identified as being determined by administrative staff and teachers appear to be excluded from the process.

*Trustee Butler pointed out that the previous OUSD policy included administrators and teachers and the current revision excludes teachers.

Kathy Marshall announced this year that every school will have a school climate goal.

AR 5144 Site level school rules for students (includes suspension, expulsion and bullying)

*OEA President spoke to rules determination per site composiion including only one teacher. The teacher representation is limited.

Dr. Jaconette stated that schools may use School Site Councils to review policies and are encouraged to use more site representation.

Ed Silvas reported on the summer capital improvements at school sites.

Mr. Silvas thanked the teachers for their patience during all the construction.

Primary playground field area at Glorietta will be seeded and soil added during Thanksgiving vacation.

OPEB Irrevocable Trust. This relates to the requirement that the district pay life-time supplemental medical $ to retired OUSD employees (all categories). The annual cost is about $400,000.00 per year. There are survivor benefits for both retired and active employees. This practice has been in place in OUSD since the mid eighties.

Acalanes has a OPEB trust administrated by CALPERS (36% return on investment) and Moraga, Lafayette and Walnut Creek do not have OPEB Trusts. Discussion item.

Board Policy 3513.3 Tobacco Free Schools

OUSD receives a TUPE grant and must therefore adopt a tobacco free policy for sites, district property including sports events. Discussion item.

Dr. Jaconette complimented OIS, DR and Glo for their BTSN presentations.

Tuesday, Sept. 30^th ribbon cutting for city field and D.O.

Session for Trustees’ election candidates, Tuesday September 16^th; DO presents info to candidates

OEA Committees

Committees

Grievance Co-Chairs, Charles Shannon & Colleen Sullivan, Glorietta Our Grievance Committee consists of trained representatives who assist our site reps and members at their school sites to solve perceived contract violations. The committee also determines whether or not a grievance should be taken to arbitration. Bargaining/Negotiations Co-Chairs, Adam Miller & Katherine Palmer-Collins The Bargaining Team handles our negotiations with the Orinda Union School District. Elections

Chairperson, Terry Schrittweiser

The Elections Committee manages the details whenever OEA has an internal election or vote. Charged with ensuring that the elections are conducted in a fair and impartial manner.

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