NEWS
President Aronowitz began the session by stating, "The Dolphins won, so anything is possible."
October 15, 2012 - M-DCPS management opened the meeting by reporting on how the healthcare plan needs an additional $32 million that their consultant says is necessary for the coming year. The additional funds are necessary because the cost of healthcare is rising faster in South Florida than anywhere else in the United States. The parties met after the regular bargaining session to discuss the issue in a healthcare sub-committee meeting.
President Aronowitz responded to the M-DCPS salary proposal introduced at the least session by saying, “We do not consider your proposal to be a serious offer. I feel that members of UTD considered your proposal to be a lack of respect.” M-DCPS representatives responded by saying that they mean no disrespect, but they have very limited options based on the lack of funding from the state and in the ever increasing cost of healthcare.
UTD asked for clarification regarding the rest of M-DCPS Proposal 1 (Salary) in order to analyze the impacts and respond.
Refresh your memory by reviewing UTD's New Salary Proposal - May 30, 2012
President Aronowitz stated that M-DCPS Proposal #2 (Salary Adjudication) has components that are in conflict with current law, and that these must be adjusted if we are to move forward. The proposal dealt with adjustments to salary if errors are made.
President Aronowitz addressed M-DCPS Proposal #3 (Certification Requirements), the UTD team had several questions regarding how this proposal would impact current employees. The UTD team stated that impacted employees need sufficient notice and ample time to comply with any change in this provision, should some version of it be accepted.
The discussion then turned to M-DCPS Proposal #4 (Changes to Leaves). UTD stated that we believe there are additional funds that could be saved with some creativity in the leave language, but had some concerns with the implementation with the proposal. UTD will be making a counter proposal on the leave language.
M-DCPS management then made two additional bargaining proposals.
M-DCPS offered Proposal #5 (Annual Contracts for Teachers). This proposal seeks to remove job security for annual contract teachers for a period of 10 years regardless of their evaluation. UTD caucused and then promptly rejected this proposal. We expect that after hearing President Aronowitz’s concerns, the district will return with a significantly modified proposal.
M-DCPS then offered Proposal #6 (Paraprofessional and School Support Personnel Professional Development Compensation). This proposals seeks to increase the rate for compensation for professional development for paraprofessionals and school support personnel. UTD is studying this proposal.
M-DCPS agreed to forward answers to UTD’s questions about their proposals. Once received, UTD will evaluate and prepare complete responses and/or counter-proposals.
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