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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