P4...
I find your use of the word, “Challenge” to find something good in the contract a very strong word. As if to say it is impossible to find anything. I’m a little offended that you are amazed some people still don’t know how to vote. I feel if someone is still considering which way to vote, then they are taking the vote very seriously. I have read the contract, understand it fully, and plan on voting the way I feel it should go.
With that said, I would like to take on your challenge. Of course, these are all my opinions, just as you have your opinions. Here is what I believe was improved upon from the previous tentative agreement that was voted down in the fall.
Start time in the previous agreement was a complete joke. Now we are back to the same start time, not the alternating days crap from before.
Middle School day is back to the old contract book. This was a huge deal in my middle school.
In the previous agreement, our insurance premiums would have gone up either 360 or 600 THIS CURRENT year. The new agreement pushed it to next year… in fact there are NO changes in any part of the insurance anywhere this year. Next year, the amount goes up by 360/600 EXCEPT for people who won’t make that much in their 2% raise… their premium is half that amount.
The DEDUCTIBLE was a STRONG negotiation this time around. It was fought hard to keep it the same. 250/500 instead of going up to 350/700. Also, this is locked in for 3 years.
A big issue I had with the previous agreement (in the fall) was the entire value of the salary schedule was dropping each year. This was fixed in this agreement.
I am still getting something this year. 1200 dollars. That’s a little more than 1.5% for me. For others it is actually more than 2%. I’m happy with that. And yes, happy with what I will have for the next 20 years – A JOB
Everyone currently on B schedule is being moved to A. That is a big jump for them.
Academic freedom… Every teacher has a special way of teaching the subject matter. In the previous agreement, administration wanted much more control over HOW we taught. That is no longer there, in fact it is now written that we can teach the concept our way, as long as standards are being met.
Bereavement – previous agreement stated we may need to show proof. I can’t believe I would have had to show a certificate of death of a family member. It’s a tough time as it is when a loved one dies, but having to show proof added insult to injury. Well, now we don’t have to do that.
So there is plenty I find good in this current agreement. Again, it is opinion.
I would like to know where you have received community support in the cities of both Bolingbrook and Romeoville. You are 100% sure of that support?
I will be voting yes, NOT OUT OF FEAR, but because I have read the contract and understand what everything means.