Although our Collective Bargaining Agreement does not expire until August 31, 2012, questions concerning our contractual rights arise on a regular basis. Here are just a few things you need to know going into next school year. Items in italics are not necessarily part of our contract, but do relate to the issues at hand.
SALARY INFORMATION -
- Remember that the amount of money you make this year will increase, but you will remain on the same step number. This is because our salary schedule is compacting. Everybody will be moving one year closer to the highest salary, but we will now reach the top salary in 16 steps, rather than 17 (as in 2008-2009).
PROFESSIONAL COMPENSATION -
- The district can assign you to after-school duties for 10 hours. Beyond that, the after-school professional hourly rate for 2009-2010 will be $25, a one dollar increase from 2008-2009. In fact, every year of this contract, the Professional Compensation rate will increase by one dollar every September 1.
SICK LEAVE -
- This school year, members will receive ten more sick days from the district. Every year, members may use up to five of those days to tend to household family members who are ill or injured. The phone number for STS, the district's substitute service, is 610-566-6466 X252 (secondary) or X241 (elementary). Try to call by 6:30 AM.
PERSONAL DAYS -
- This year, ALL members will receive two personal days from the district. Up to two personal days a year may be carried over to the following year, but must be used by June 1 of that following year. Since a maximum of 25 members may take a personal day on the same date, fill out the request for absence form as soon as you know which days you will need, and at least one week in advance.
PRESCRIPTION PLAN -
- All maintenance drugs must be filled in 90-day supplies, which may be ordered through the mail, online at www.caremark.com, or at a local CVS. 90-day supply rates are $10 for generics, $30 for preferred brands, and $50 for non-preferred brands. (See www.caremark.com for which category your medicine would fall under).
- Generic medicine must be used unless your doctor recommends otherwise.
- One-time prescriptions (30 day supplies) cost $5 for generics, $20 for preferred brands, and $35 for non-preferred brand medicine. (Again, visit www.caremark.com for a medicine rate list.)
MEDICAL INSURANCE -
For the best coverage, use a doctor in the Berkshire Health Network Plan. The following information only pertains to Network Benefits under the PPO(1) Schedule of Benefits.- $2 Million Maximum Lifetime Benefit
- $40 Co Pay for all Emergency Room Visits (unlimited)
- 90% coverage after $15 Co Pay for almost any other medical procedure or visit
- 100% coverage for certain preventative or wellness exams
- Any member who has his or her doctor sign a form verifying the member received a routine physical or gynecological exam by June 1 will be credited by the district all health insurance premium payments during the months of November and December. Those members who do so after June 1 will have to wait until the following November to see this benefit.
- Any member who is leaving the district will have his or her health benefits extend until August 31.
SCHOOL YEAR -
- This year, the length of the school year will increase by one day.
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT -
- In order to be reimbursed by the district for college courses, members must first fill out the proper paperwork and submit it accordingly. Please keep in mind that the courses must be approved prior to the start date of the course and sent along with a course description.
- Maximum reimbursement is set at $450 per credit, up to 9 credits an academic year, to be paid from a pool budgeted at $250,000 and divided equally. To receive reimbursement, members must receive a grade of Pass, Successful Completion, or a B or better. If a member leaves the district within one year of receiving this reimbursement, that money will need to be returned.
- When the course is complete, members must forward the tuition receipt and an official transcript to Human Resources on time, or risk forfeiting your reimbursement.
This page lists contract highlights. Of course, our contract is much more comprehensive than this, so you should always refer to it directly and ask your building reps if you have questions or concerns!
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