Post Override Fail Update
Dear Colleagues:
The override vote has been devastating for membership. The GEA will be pushing hard for any and all cuts to come from other areas that do not involve direct service providers. We want to assure members that we will be going over every cut with a fine tooth comb to make sure all contractual language was followed. We would like to direct membership to Article XXIV-Layoff and Recall clause located on pages 19-22 of our current contract to learn more. That language specifically outlines the steps that the district needs to follow. We would like to specifically point out Section 2 A and B on page 20.
2A-To the extent possible and practical, normal attrition will be the first method used, to reduce the number of teaching positions in those classifications and/or department in which reductions are necessary. That is, teachers who resign, retire, or otherwise terminate their employment shall not be replaced. Also, included in this paragraph are those teachers without professional teacher status whose employment the Committee determines not to renew.
2B- Reduction in positions may be effective only as of the first day of any professional work year. Except for unforseen circumstances, a teacher to be laid off shall be notified by the August 15 preceding the effective date of layoff, but the Superintendent agrees to provide preliminary written notice to those teachers who might be effective by layoff prior to the end of the previous school year. The August 15th notice required under this section shall be deemed to have been given when the notice has been mailed via certified mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the teacher as his/her last known address appearing in the Committee's records.
According to State Senator Bruce Tarr, the state is still working on the Chapter 70 formula that may allocute $300,000 back to Georgetown. If this were to happen, it probably would not be happening until after school lets out for the summer. Furthermore, we do not know how those funds would be utilized if they were to come back.
To this date, no names have been mentioned to be potentially laid off. As soon as those discussions occur, we will let membership know.
We are asking all members to attend the Thursday, May 23rd School Committee Meeting. At the School Committee meeting, a co authored statement by the GCAT/PAT teams will be read and we would like as many members there to show support and unity. The GEA GCAT members are asking members to attend a short 5-10 building meeting to learn more about this upcoming, important meeting.
Penn Brook/Perley Members will meet tomorrow 5/16 in Joe's room, room C330 at 3:00 PM.
GMHS Members will meet Monday, May 20th right after school in the Community Room.
We appreciate that our collective anxiety level is sky high with looming layoffs and stalled negotiations. We need to be there for each other during these difficult times. If you have any questions, concerns or thoughts, please do not hesitate to reach out.
The GEA Executive Board
