I hope you enjoyed the first ten days of summer. I wanted to update you on two items:
The New Teacher Contract was ratified by 92% of teachers who voted. This successful response was due largely in part to our PNC and Executive Council who met with teachers in the buildings and explained the changes in the contract. The breakdown by building was:
Administration 1 YES 0 NO
Center St. 39 YES 3 NO
Denton 50 YES 3 NO
High School 91 YES 10 NO
Middle School 69 YES 8 NO
Searingtown 40 YES 1 NO 1 NOT VALID (marked wrong)
Total: 290 YES 25 NO 1 NOT VALID
The newly ratified teacher contract added two new Staff Development Days and stipulates that the first five Snow Days do not have to be made up each year. Although the calendars for 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 had been previously approved and publicized, changes had to be made to account for these modifications to the contract. The HTA was consulted and involved in the discussions on the necessary changes for the 2014-2015 and 2015- 2016 calendars. It was difficult to find the best place to put the additional Professional Development Days without interfering with established Breaks and or holidays. We offered suggestions on changes for both years. The BOE decided to accept our suggestion for the 2015-2016 calendar, but not for the 2014-2015 calendar. The recently approved 2014-2015 calendar has Mon., Dec. 22nd as one of the new Professional Development Days. This day was previously part of the December Break. Please note the email below from Deirdre and Jack , sent via the District email, regarding Dec. 22nd. If you have an extraordinary problem please reach out to Jack or Deirdre no later than July 16th to discuss the particulars of your circumstances.
Thanks for understanding that we tried to come up with the best solution to a difficult situation. We realize that the new Professional Development Day in December poses a problem for members that made plans thinking we would not have to work on Dec. 22nd. We are, however, happy that our suggestion for the 2015-2016 calendar was accepted. As usual feel free to contact me with questions, concerns. etc.
I will continue to send you updates on pertinent information in the weeks ahead. Enjoy the rest of the summer!
In unity,
Nidya Degliomini
President
Herricks Teachers' Association