Teachers' union & board of education approve new contracts

The Board of Education and representatives of the school system’s two employee groups – the Education Association of Charles County (EACC), representing teachers and school administrators, and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), representing support professionals — signed contracts May 8 that provide for pay raises, salary scale changes and benefits.

above: Meg MacDonald & Bill Fischer, EACC

below: Superintendent Richmond
& BoE Chairman Wade

The contract with the EACC provides for a 5 percent raise or equivalent, in addition to normal increments for experience. The teachers’ scale provided for 4 percent on all levels, with significant re-indexing to compensate and retain veteran teachers who hold master’s degrees and Advanced Professional Certificates.

The scale was also “compressed” to allow teachers to reach maximum salary in their 23rd year of teaching by FY 2010, as opposed to waiting for their 27th year. Administrators and teachers of ROTC, who were not affected by the restructured scales, received a 5 percent across-the-board increase.

“We were very pleased that the Board agreed to the new scale proposed by the Association,” said Bill Fisher, EACC President. “The salary package will help us recruit and retain quality educators.”

Additionally, the three-year contract with the EACC improved military, sick, and parental leave and increased the tuition reimbursement allowance. The agreement clarified some employee rights by setting important parameters for planning and preparation time, and established a Fair Share fee provision for incoming certificated employees.

The EACC and the Board also agreed to ongoing joint study committees on extra duty pay positions, insurance, and job rehabilitation programs. The contract will be in effect July 1 through June 30, 2010. The Board and the EACC will revisit salary and workload issues annually.

The AFSCME agreement provides for a 5 percent cost-of-living increase for all classified employees. Additionally, major changes negotiated with the AFSCME include a limit of 50 days of annual leave that a 12-month employee can accumulate (excess leave will be transferred to sick leave on Sept. 1 of each year); and changes to funeral leave benefits. There are also changes to the retirement plan.

Keith Fowler, AFSCME president, thanked Superintendent James E. Richmond and the Board for recognizing that classified personnel contribute and are integral to the success of the school system.