GEA Update - August 8 , 2021


Dear Colleagues:

We hope you are doing well and continue to have a wonderful summer.  We would like to take this opportunity to update you on a few items.  


1.  Please find attached the newly ratified GEA contract.  There will be hard copies of the contract in every teacher workroom when school begins. Please download this contact pdf and keep it handy.  

2.  Please find attached 403B information shared with us from Trish MacDonald in the Business Department.  A reminder that 403B'S are tax advantaged retirement plans through payroll deductions.  Members who have been teaching in Georgetown for one to ten years, the district will match up to $500.  Through payroll deduction, you can deduct less or more, if you choose.  If you have been teaching in Georgetown for eleven years or longer, the district will match up to 1% of your base salary.   Again, through payroll deduction, you can deduct less or more, if you choose.  The process of setting up the 403B deduction is not difficult and takes little time to set up.  If you have any questions, please contact Trish MacDonald at the Business Department at 978-352-5777.

3.  This Tuesday, August 10th, I have a meeting with Superintendent Jacobs to begin preliminary discussions regarding covid and the beginning of school.  At this time, we are still awaiting guidance and recommendations from DESE and Governor Baker's Office.  We hope to be hearing something soon from both.  The following week, the Negotiating Team will meet and discuss how to move forward this fall with the School Committee and Superintendent.  We already have existing MOU'S that outline procedures already in place.  Those MOU'S may need tweaking and they will be adjusted accordingly, if necessary.  Again, nothing has been set at this time. 

4.  As always, if you have a question or concern, please start with your building representatives.

At Penn Brook, the building representatives are:

Meg Johnson and Monica McGuinness

At the middle/high school, the building representatives are:

Cassie Murray and Chris DiFranco

GEA Secretary is Paul Swaim

Treasurer is Corey Chenette and

GEA Vice President is Tim Larsen

GEA President is Joe Pittella  

We will be updating membership again soon with other information as soon as it becomes available.  

Thanks

Joe

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