NEWS
UTD Contract Ratification Rumor Control
This is a clarification that the acceptance of the performance pay under this agreement will NOT relinquish a person’s Professional Service Contract. This is a bonus that is paid on last year’s performance.
The following information is being provided to address rumors and misinformation that is being distributed regarding the upcoming contract ratification.
Teacher evaluations: Senate Bill 736 requires that our evaluation system include the 50% test-based model effective this school year (2011-12). We have seen information to the contrary sent via email and would encourage everyone to visit the Florida Senate website and carefully read Senate Bill 736 http://1.usa.gov/eNChts. Pages 3-7 of the Statute contain the language regarding teacher evaluation. Regardless of the outcome of the vote, M-DCPS will be required to impose the new language according to law.
Distribution of RTTT funds: If the tentative agreement is not ratified, there is no guarantee that the $14 million would be distributed to teachers. Under the RTTT grant, rules created by the Florida Department of Education limited ways that performance pay could be implemented by a district. Our tentative agreement complies with the requirements for distribution. Our concern was getting as many dollars out to as many teachers as soon as possible within the rules of the grant. We believe we have accomplished this in the best possible way given the circumstances.
Article XIII: The passage of SB-736 completely eliminated any type of job security for new teachers, even those rated Effective, or Highly Effective. The importance of the new language negotiated in Article XIII cannot be understated. Article XIII prevents principals from terminating teachers who have received an Effective or Highly Effective rating without just cause . If this tentative agreement is not ratified, it could sacrifice job security for new teachers forever or, at least until we are able to overturn SB 736.
Contract Re-openers: The language in the tentative agreement also requires negotiations ANY time factors change that affect our agreement. Additionally, as more tests come online and more teachers are eligible for pay based on these tests, we will be sure they are included.