Vacaville Teachers Association
Representative Council Minutes

March 16 , 2004

  1. Agenda approved as amended
  2. Minutes of 2/17/04 meeting approved.
  3. Presidents Report

Pink Slips- 13 elementary teachers are to receive pink slips; 6 of these are due to a drop in enrollment and 6 are due to teachers returning from leaves, one is due to a seniority tie between the teacher 12 and 13.  In addition, 4.2 Music Teachers , 4.8 nurses, 1 enrichment prep teacher, and 1 testing/assessment teacher were pink slipped.  All long-term subs and temporary teachers were also pink slipped.  Teachers in Special ED program, teachers with BCLAD and 1 alternative AEP teacher were protected from pink slips by the district.  All teachers, including emergency credentialed and long term subs will be contacted.  A CTA attorney will be here 31/19/04 to meet with teachers prior to any hearings.

Grievances- Teachers are reminded to check their paycheck carefully each month.  The association will request that every employee receive a complete printout of their pay warrant.  The issue of Òconstructive receiptÓ was discussed regarding the 10/12 month grievance.  An unfair labor practice charge will be filed and the grievances are proceeding toward arbitration.

  1. Negotiations

The next negotiations session will be 3/19/04.  The district is expected to bring a response to the associations proposal.  The Association is looking into alternatives to Delta Dental.   The discrepancy in instructional minutes at different elementary sites is being discussed.  Markham 3rd grade is a particular issue.  There was discussion of revisiting the idea of second semester parent conferences.  The district is expected to bring an answer to questions regarding 2+2 retirement.

It was MSP (Jacks, Turrini) that Rep Council direct the negotiation team accept no rollbacks in salary.  Unanimous vote. This motion restates the results of the membership survey and the no rollback motion made and passed by Exec. Board.

  1. New Business

ESEA- No report given.  Presentations will be given at sites on becoming a Highly Qualified Teacher.  Some stipend positions are at each site to coordinate these presentations.  These positions should be open to all to apply.

NEA Delegate Assembly- It was MSP (Kubler, Williams) that rep council approve the ballot of Dean Vogel and Brenda Hensley.

Improving Classroom Education Act- Petitions were distributed.

  1. Old Business

Elections- Ann Kubler, Bill Jacks, and Laura Moore will work on the elections committee.  Bylaw revisions regarding elections will be coming forward soon.

Transfer Language- The negotiations team is working with the district to fine tune transfer and reassignment language.

Calendar- Reps are to survey their staff on the 4 item calendar survey distributed by Peggy.  Information will be collected at the next rep council meeting.

  1. Reports

State Council- meeting coming up

Callison- Should we begin to work to rule because of grievancesÉ?

Elm- The idea of using Elm as a site while schools are renovated was discussed.

Hemlock- Renovation is coming.  What is the ÒeffortÓ required by the principal when the 34 student is placed in a class?

Jepson- The questions regarding placement of the county SED program remain unanswered.  Do sports programs need to be the same at both junior high schools?

Markham- Asbestos issues remain.  Also the issue of instructional minutes.

Sierra Vista- The Provident Disability Insurance and Life Insurance campaigns continue.  The issue of evaluation for ÒplacedÓ teachers was discussed.

Wood-  Ed Murphy is the Wal-Mart teacher of then Year.  Teachers are reminded of the ÒgalaÓ coming up on May 15.

Cooper- The 50% reduced workload program is available in the teachers last year only.