Tentative Agreement On Salary Reached

At the March 13th School Board Meeting, the Garvey School Board agreed to GEA's latest salary proposal.

If ratified, GEA will receive a 2% salary increase effective July 1, 2013. A subsequent 1% increase will be added to the salary schedule as of January 1, 2014.

The two parties will soon begin drafting the language for a tentative agreement to be put up for a ratification vote by GEA members.

Negotiations - March 10, 2014

The Garvey School District and Garvey Education Association met at 3 PM on March 10th.

There were two main topics of discussion.

Salary - The two parties discussed salary. No agreement was reached.

Calendar - A final calendar for the 2014-2015 school year was agreed to.

• The calendar will include 1 staff development day, so it will have 184 work days. The salary schedule for 2014-2015 school year will reflect a .56% salary increase for working the extra day.

• The first day of work will be August 18, 2014. This will be a staff development day regarding implementation of Common Core.

• Orientation Day will be August 19, 2014.

• August 20, 2014 will be the first day of instruction. It will be a full day, not a shortened Wednesday.

•  GEA unit members will be off the entire week of Thanksgiving.

• The last day of school will be June 5, 2015.

Bargaining Update and Pep Rally

The District is sponsoring a "Pep Rally" on February 26, 2014 at 2 PM.

 This will be the first time everyone in the District will officially be together since 2011. 

GEA has helped to set up the event. The Garvey Intermediate Band and Choir will be performing and staff members will be honored. There will be refreshments served as well. The event begins at 2 PM and should last about 1 hour.

Bargaining

  

 At the last bargaining session, a few important issues were addressed. 

• There was no immediate response to the GEA salary proposal. The District stated they needed to wait until after the second interim report which is due out in mid March, as well as information from the LCAP. (Local Control Accountability Plan)

• The Associaition reminded the District that we are negotiating 2013-2014. (Actually all the way back to 2011) LCAP data will be for 2014-15 and the 2013-2014 budget has been in place since July 2013.

•  The District stated they were not interested in having a staff development day placed in the calendar. They were willing to have a staff development day on the day before orientation day, which would be paid at our daily rate, but would remain optional.
• There was also discussion regarding CSEA uncertainty regarding the week off for Thanksgiving.
• GEA reminded the District that we started the school year three days earlier last year in order to get those three days off, and that we would want to revert back to the old schedule if we were not going to have the week off.

• School will most likely begin the week of August 18, 2014 and end on June 5, 2015.
• If we have the week off for Thanksgiving, Orientation Day will most likely be on August 19th.
• If we do not have the week off for Thanksgiving, Orientation Day will most likely be on August 22nd.
• A voluntary staff development day regarding Common Core will likely be held on August 18th.

Negotiations Update - January 27, 2014

            The Garvey Education Association and the Garvey School District had a productive negotiation session on Monday January 27, 2014. Highlights include the following.

• It was agreed that the current contract language surrounding Early Release Wednesdays will be adhered to. Teachers will once again be in control or the Wednesday Planning and Collaboration Time. This agreement will allow the Association to drop the PERB case regarding this matter.
• At present, the idea of holding SSTs and IEPs during Early Release Wednesday time is still being discussed.
• It was agreed that the current contract language surrounding the Association President’s 40% release will be adhered to. This will allow the Association to drop the PERB case regarding this matter.
• Calendar was discussed. The school year is most likely to begin the week of August 18, 2014. There is the possibility of adding a Staff Development Day into the work year for next year only. This would increase the number of work days to 184. Salary would be increased commensurately. No final agreement was reached yet.
• Robert McIntire spoke briefly about the financial state of the District as well as predicted savings from the change to CalPERS insurance.
• Salary was discussed.

Superintendent Dr. Sandra Johnson placed on Administrative Leave

Superintendent Dr. Sandra Johnson was placed on Administrative Leave by the newly elected Garvey School District Board of Education on December 16, 2013. Dolores Preciado and Virginia Peterson have been placed as interim co-Superintendents.

November 2013 Election Results

            Maureen Chin, Ronald Trabanino and Bob Bruesch were elected to the Garvey School District Board of Education on November 5, 2013.

The final vote count is below.

GARVEY SCHOOL                GOVERNING BOARD MEMBER                          

VOTE FOR NO MORE THAN   3                                                    

   MAUREEN CHIN                      1,402    28.21% 

   BOB BRUESCH                       1,342    27.00% 

   RONALD TRABANINO                  1,185    23.84% 

   JOHN YUEN                           565    11.37% 

   ANTONIO RAMOS                       476     9.58% 

TOTAL PRECINCTS          9             

PRECINCTS REPORTING      9   100.00% 

REGISTRATION             19,399                                

Janet Chin Recall Does Not Qualify

On May 2, 2013, 4866 signatures were turned in to the Los Angeles County Registrar Recorder's Office. In order to force a Recall Election, 3856 signatures needed to be found sufficient. The final tally was 206 signatures short.

The results of the signature verification are as follows:

• Number of signatures filed  4,866
• Number of signatures verified 4,866
• Number of signatures found sufficient 3,650
• Number of signatures found not sufficient 1,216
• Not Sufficient because duplicate 105

The Garvey Education Association and the Garvey School District Resident's Committee to Recall Janet Chin thank everyone who worked in the petition gathering drive. 

While it is disappointing that the Recall Election will not happen, the groundwork has been set for the November Election in which both John Yuen and Tony Ramos are up for possible reelection. Bob Bruesch is also up for reelection in November.

We spread the word throughout the District about the Superintendent and the Board majority. We need to keep the message fresh in the minds of the voters until November.

Your work is both appreciated and not in vain.

To help place this in perspective, 18.9% of the voters in the Garvey School District signed the petition to recall Janet Chin. That is 3650 registered voters. In November 2011 Janet won a seat on the Garvey School Board by getting 790 votes.

The electorate is better educated and their voice will be heard this November.

GEA Officers for 2013-2014

The Garvey Education Association Representative Council met on May 16, 2013, and the following unit memers were elected by acclamation in accordance with GEA and CTA bylaws. Their terms begin July 1, 2013.

Congratulations!

Vice President - Pat Kasababian (2 year term)
Treasurer - Ken Tang (1 year term)
Secretary - Angelina Saulino (2 year term)
4-6 Grade Representative - Michael Kenny (2 year term)
7-8 Grade Representative - Pat Molina (1 year term)
Special Areas Representative - Rachel Reyes-Aceytuno (2 year term)

April 25th Board Meeting

GEA membership was out in force again at the April 25th Board Meeting. They were joined by several CTA dignitaries.

Leading the group was Eric Heins, the Vice President of the California Teachers Association.

He spoke to the Garvey School Board about the need to work together with the teachers. He also reminded the School Board that GEA does not stand alone. They are supported by the 325,000 members of the California Teachers Association.

Garvey School Board Meeting, March 14, 2013

Thank you to all of our unit members who came to the School Board Meeting last night. You presence speaks volumes to the School Board and Superintendent.

Thank you also to our union brothers and sisters from Temple City, San Gabriel and Alhambra for supporting us by attending the meeting.

At the meeting, Bonifacio Garcia, general counsel to the Garvey School District, spoke to the Board about the Political Activities of Employees. He stated that members of the Association have the right to post political material on the designated bulletin board in the staff lounge. Association members also have the right leave the union endorsed political material on the staff lounge tables. Placement of these items must take place during non-duty time. (e.g., lunch, before and after the professional work day) District mailboxes are off limits.

These statements align with our position regarding our rights. They are also contrary to Dr. Johnson's "Cease and Desist" order. We hope a withdrawal of the “Cease and Desist” order will be forthcoming.

Dr. Johnson asked some specific questions.

She asked whether teachers can wear “Recall” buttons in the classroom during instruction.

• The answer was no.

    
She asked whether teachers can wear “No Confidence in the Superintendent” buttons in the classroom during instruction.

• There was no answer. Mr. Garcia stated he would have to research the issue. 

          
She commented that parents sometimes use the staff lounges for meetings.

• Mr. Garcia stated that it doesn't matter. The Association members' rights remain unchanged.

We will keep you posted on any developments. Be sure to sign up for email notifications.

Rosemead City Council Election and Recall

    On March 5, 2013, the City of Rosemead held an election for 3 city council seats. Garvey Board of Education School Board Member Janet Chin was one of four candidates. Ms. Chin is presently the target of an attempted recall from the Garvey School Board.

   If Ms. Chin had won a seat on Rosemead City Council, she would have had to resign her seat on the Garvey Board. Ms. Chin placed fourth in the election and did not win a seat on the City Council. Steven Ly, Sandra Armenta and Maggie Clark will all be continuing their work on City Council as they were all re-elected.

    The recall efforts continue and signature gathering must conclude by May 2, 2013.

Political Activities

    On February 22, 2013, the Association received a "Cease and Desist" letter, stating that employees of the Garvey School District are not allowed to post any political information on bulletin boards or distribute any political information anywhere on school property, even during non-duty times away from instruction.

    The Association contended that the second part of the Board Policy, which is regarding "Employee Organizations" would be applicable to us and that we could post material on the designated bulletin board, and hand information to our members at lunch and at GEA meetings.

    The District is standing by their order and threatening disciplinary and legal action against violators.

    CTA has filed an unfair labor practice charge with the Public Employees Relations Board on our behalf.

    The School Board will be discussing the issue as an Action Item at the Board Meeting on March 14th.

Negotiations Update

    Since the beginning of 2013, the District and Association have had several bargaining sessions. During the first couple of sessions, the parties went back to using "Interest Based Bargaining." Mr. Bonifacio Garcia, the Legal Counsel for the District was no longer at the bargaining sessions.

    The District and Association did reach agreement regarding the 2013-2014 calendar. Orientation Day for teachers and staff will be on August 20th, with students beginning classes on August 21, 2013. Ground was covered regarding both salary and insurance, but information from the District was necessary to move forward.

    On February 8, 2013, the Garvey School District filed a Request for Determination of Impasse and Appointment of Mediator with respect to negotiations between the District and the Garvey Education Association.

    The Garvey Education Association contested the contention that the parties had reached impasse in their negotiations. Subsequent to consultation with the representative from the Public Employees Relations Board, the Garvey School District withdrew the Request for Determination of Impasse and Appointment on February 15, 2013.

    Notice of the withdrawal and closure of Case No. LA-IM-3757-E was sent to both parties on February 19, 2013. Negotiations between the Garvey School District and Garvey Education Association reconvened on February 26, 2013.

    The District Insurance Committee will be having several meetings with vendors during the month of February. the District Insurance Committee includes members from GEA, CSEA and Administration. These meetings will help to determine whether the District remains with VEBA or moves to another carrier.

    Some obsolete language has tentatively been deleted from the contract, and both parties await the second interim report, which is scheduled to be disseminated on March 14. Whether or not the interim report continues to call for a qualified budget, or now shows a positive certification will greatly affect the timeline of bargaining.
   
     The next session is scheduled for March 14th.

Negotiation Highlights - November 19, 2012

GEA-GSD Negotiaions 

November  19, 2012

The bargaining session began at 3:17 PM. Genaro Alarcon facilitated the meeting while Ken Tang was the recorder.

After Check-in, an agenda was begun.

The final agenda consisted of three items.

1. Budget information from the District
2. 2013-2014 Calendar
3. Where are we/next steps

The District distributed information regarding the financial state of the District. A chart with the most recent projections was distributed. Several graphs were distributed as well. There was an explanation of cash flow issues caused by payment deferrals from the state. There was also discussion regarding loans which the District has to take out every nine months or so because of the state payment deferrals.

There was also information regarding the effects a hard cap on fringe benefits to all employees would have on the bottom line.

The Association asked several questions regarding the assumptions used to create the documents.

The discussion turned to the 2013-2014 calendar. The District distributed two calendars which are closely aligned with Alhambra's calendar. It was stated that these were not proposals at this time, but  rather a starting point for discussion.

The first calendar had an orientation date of August 14, 2013, and an ending date of May 28, 2014.
The second calendar had an orientation date of August 19, 2013 and an ending date of May 30-, 2012.

The District stated that since our calendar does not align with Alhambra this year, we will have to have summer school classes for our special education eighth graders. Historically these classes are held at the high schools, but since their summer school classes begin before we are out of school, Garvey will have to conduct their own classes. This is a cost to the District.

The Association clarified that with both calendars we would be going back to a 10 month pay schedule and asked to find out when summer school 2014 would begin in Alhambra so we can take that information into consideration.

The Association took a caucus.

After the caucus the discussion turned to next steps.

The District stated it was very important to begin discussion regarding fringe benefits in December.

The Association stated that we need to survey and discuss fringe with our members in order to have a meaningful discussion with the District.

In the end it was decided that fringe benefits would be taken up in January.

The next bargaining session is scheduled for December 3rd at 3 PM

David Cruz from AM 1150 interviews Bob Bruesch and Dr. Johnson

David Cruz interviewed both Garvey School Board Member Bob Bruesch and Garvey School District Superintendent Dr. Sandra Johnson. The David Cruz Show can be heard weekdays from 3-6 PM on KTLK AM 1150 in Los Angeles.

The interview with Bob Bruesch occurred on October 31, 2012. It can be heard by clicking the link below.

David Cruz interview with Bob Bruesch


The interview with Dr. Johnson took place on November 5, 2012. It can be heard by clicking the link below.

David Cruz interview with Dr. Johnson

Negotiation Highlights - August 29, 2012

GEA-GSD Negotiaions 

August 29, 2012

Negotiations between the Garvey School District and the Garvey Education Association continued on August 29, 2012. The session that had been scheduled for August 3^rd was cancelled by the District.

The Association began the session by reminding the District of the offer to take two furlough days and to create a “staff development day” to relieve the general fund. A formal proposal was given to the District on July 5, 2012.

The Association then offered two additional furlough days, for a total of four.

• The District is interested in removing the “family plan” for GEA members and implementing a hard cap of $9500 for all GEA members.
• The Association offered the two extra furlough days to cover the cost to the District caused by the inclusion of the “family plan” during the 2013 calendar year.
• This would allow for a thorough discussion of medical benefits without the financial constraint caused by the “family plan.”

 The District stated it was not interested in the additional furlough days, and that maybe a mediator should come in to mediate the health benefits discussion.

The Association stated it was premature to bring in a mediator since there had been no discussion surrounding fringe benefits to this point. The Association stated its desire to discuss medical benefits in an interest based bargaining setting.

The discussion turned to the unilateral decision to change instructional minutes across the District.

• GEA stated that a vote for furlough days which would have been a “slam dunk” in June, when it was first agreed to, would be more of a challenge since the District implemented their instructional minutes plan without any discussion with the Association.
• GEA noted that the concept of saving money by implementing a furlough day is based on the concept that employees don’t work so the District does not have to pay them.
• The District has implemented a plan to have the teachers work increased instructional minutes despite furlough days, essentially having teachers work more time with students for less money.
• The Association Bargaining Team was not sure how this would be viewed by the membership.

 The Association asked for the rationale for the instructional minutes change. The District stated:

• The District is entitled to add more minutes within the contract.
• The Board has directed the District Team to not lower instructional minutes despite impending furlough days.
• There is a need in the District to increase seat time for students.

GEA caucused. Upon their return:

• The Association stated they wanted to sign the MOU for the two furlough days and the staff development day as soon a possible.
• They asked the District if they were willing to sign today.
• GEA also stated they would like to reconvene the Insurance Committee to start meeting with insurance carriers ASAP. The desire is to explore as many options as we can as we begin discussion on fringe benefits.

The meeting adjourned with agreement to reconvene at 1:30 PM. The District was to write the MOU Language so it could be signed.

The District subsequently contacted the Association and stated that the trigger cut calculation was no longer a flat dollar amount, and that they needed to recalculate the figures before writing the MOU.

No writing of the MOU ever occurred.

 

Channel 11 Coverage of the October 24, 2012 "Town Hall" Meeting

Channel 11 News covered the District Sponsored "Town Hall" Meeting on October 23, 2012. Here is a the video from their newscast. Los Angeles Local News, Weather, and Traffic

How much is the Superintendent's pay increase costing the District?

There has been much discussion as to how much the salary increase of Dr. Sandra Johnson, in conjunction with her decision to come out of retirement after over 10 years, is costing the District.

Our calculation places the added annual cost at $42,549.63!

 If anyone in the know can explain why this is inaccurate, please let us know.

Cost to the Garvey School District General Fund. 

Salary 
New Salary $170,000
Previous Salary $148,516
Net Difference $21,484

Doctoral Stipend (She was not previously receiving this stipend.)
$5,100

Payment to the State Teacher's Retirement System (STRS)
Since Dr Johnson decided to come out of retirement, the District must now pay 8.25% into the pension system on Dr. Johnson's behalf. No STRS payment was being made prior to the change in the contract. An equal payment was being made to an annuity instead. The School Board decided to continue the annuity despite the new payments to STRS. The annuity is considered creditable income and the District is paying 8.25% on it as well.

Dr. Johnson's total income for STRS includes $170,000 salary, $12,722.82 annuity, $5,100 Doctoral Stipend, $5,700 car allowance.

Total income - $193,522.82.

STRS Payment = $15,965.63 (8.25% of total income $193,522.82)

Total
$21,484 (Salary increase) + $5,100 (Doctoral Stipend) + $15,965.63 (STRS Payment) = $42,549.63

Channel 5 Coverage of School Board Meeting - October 4, 2012

Upset parents and community members attended the School Board Meeting on October 4, 2012. The event was covered by Channel 5 news.

Channel 11 Coverage of School Board Meeting - October 4, 2012

Upset parents and community members attended the School Board Meeting on October 4, 2012. The event was covered by Channel 11 news.


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