Saugus Teachers Association

The STA bargaining team met with District staff on Monday. Rick Grove brought three District concerns for our team to discuss.

First, stipends for moderate to severe special education teachers are currently paid out two times a year. Because of potential penalties from STRS, the stipend will now be paid monthly. This requires no change in contract language and will be implemented on the December 2011 check.

Second, the District wants to delay the column advancement for units and Master’s degrees until the October pay check, even if transcripts are submitted in June. Their position is based on potential penalties being charged by STRS. This action would require changes in contract language; therefore, at this point, it was a discussion item from the District, but no action has been taken. We clarified the fees that were expected to be covered by the District, which were as much as $80.00 penalty per person. STA has requested more information on this topic from the District for the next bargaining session.

Third, the District is concerned with fulfilling its obligation of twelve paychecks, as previously negotiated in Spring 2011. The issue is with LACOE refusing to issue 12 checks. We are waiting for confirmation and a formal letter from LACOE, regarding their decision not to issue 12 checks even though ED. Code allows for 12 checks. Our district is currently the only district in the Santa Clarita Valley not receiving 12 checks; however, the District believes that all Santa Clarita Valley payroll systems currently issuing 12 checks will be effected by the changes. In addition, STRS has threatened monetary penalties to the District. Our team believes these issues pertain to the county’s payroll system and new state guidelines, and not something that would result in an extreme financial hardship for the District.

At this time, STA has made no agreements. Our bargaining team has made it very clear that employees are relying on 12 checks next school year, and was agreed upon in good faith last year. The team asked for clarification and more information.

A new bargaining meeting has been scheduled for Nov. 30, 2011.

Submitted by Steve Goldstein, Chris Bloore, Kathy DeChellis, and David Stepner

Carolyn Kinel/CTA

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