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The Recovery…Post-Katrina

SAVING JOBS! PRESERVING BENEFITS!

Financing our school system:  Where the funds come from…

1. Sales Tax…taking a hit because of the loss of businesses, many were destroyed and several will not reopen.
2. Property Tax…severe loss of property will affect these taxes.
3. State…severe loss of revenue due to the disaster.
4. Federal…loss of revenue…legislation has been introduced to assist our state.

What we are facing...

• Today, November 2, 2005 the $5,000 incentive pay for national board certified teachers was frozen by the State.

• Special Session starts Sunday, November 6, 2005.

Agenda Item: Legislation authorizing local governments and school boards to cut salaries of employees as a result of the hurricanes.

ü     The Federation will be calling upon you as an employee of the St. Tammany parish school system to help defeat this legislation.  We will be sending out petitions and letters for you to sign.  Read all information placed in your mailbox or posted on our website so you can do your part.

What the Federation is doing to save jobs and preserve benefits:

·         No employee lost any salary or benefits when we were out for 30 days after the hurricane.

·         Request made to the Board…all employees keep their jobs and that a wait-and-see approach be taken until the second semester. The Federation and Superintendent will work on a plan to deal with reduction in force if necessary.

·         The Superintendent will be presenting an early retirement incentive package for certificated personnel to the Board.

·         Staff will be lobbying in Baton Rouge during this special session to protect and preserve salaries and benefits.

Please do not believe rumors that are floating around.  Our contract has not been suspended.  Read your contract if you still have it (due to the hurricane) or if you have a question concerning your contract please call 1-800-634-5089 and leave your name and number and a Federation staff person will return your call.

Sick and Emergency Leave / Personal Leave:

Section 17:12 Substitute Employees

(a) Employees shall not be required to obtain their own substitutes.  An employee requiring a substitute shall notify the principal or his designee. (ASFS is not up and running) If you are going to be using a sick, emergency, or personal day please notify your principal or his designee at least an hour in advance.  You are not required to get a substitute.  That is the responsibility of the principal or his designee.  The school system is trying to save money on substitutes in order to save jobs and benefits.  This is a voluntary program and if you want to volunteer please notify the appropriate person at your school.

These are trying times, and I know we are being tested. As always we will pass with an A++.  We are a family, and when the family is in trouble we circle the wagons.  We have a long, hard, rocky mountain to climb.  As your President I am doing my best to climb it with you and for you even though I am in the same boat as many of you.  I know the answer.  We are strong, committed and caring.  We will survive.  If you need me don’t forget to call 1-800-634-5089.

For the Building Reps: Please schedule a Federation meeting at your worksite and I’ll be there. Please call 1-800-634-5089 and we will call you back to schedule a date. Your grant checks will be available soon.  They will be given to you by your Building Rep. or me. 

In unity,

Elsie Burkhalter.