Cleveland Heights Teachers Union
CHTU Update - October 20, 2009
Sub-Contracting. Our most recent update responded to concerns raised by substitutes because the Board entered a contract with a non-public employer to provide substitute teachers for the District. The issue of sub-contracting is a serious one, but substitutes are protected by our contract in matters of wages only. However another sub-contracting problem has arisen that does apply to our collective bargaining agreement.
The Board has sub-contracted nursing services at one of our elementary schools. Section 39.0 of our contract reads “Subcontracting of any work which is performed or could be performed by members of this 795 bargaining unit whether employed, or to be employed, shall be a mandatory subject of bargaining.” Upon learning of the sub-contracted nursing services we filed a notice to negotiate. The Board subsequently informed us that they will not negotiate on this issue. A grievance was filed and heard at Step 2 (Superintendent’s level) on October 9th. The grievance was denied. We will move the grievance to Step 3, the Board level.
Back in the late 1980’s the Local 795 leadership at that time predicted the dangers of sub-contracting as efforts to privatize public services gained traction in municipalities, state governments, and school districts. Although in 2009 for-profit charter schools and private school voucher initiatives have drained resources from public schools, our contract has protected us from subcontracting until now. We will defend the contract.
Appointment. As you may recall from our summer updates on the governor’s education reform plan, newly licensed teachers as of January, 2011 must complete a four year residency program before being issued a five year professional license. Currently, new teachers must successfully complete an entry year program and are then eligible for a five year professional license. The Ohio Department of Education along with the Educator Standards Board and the Ohio Board of Regents will begin developing the Resident Educator Program this fall. The State Board of Education has formed a Resident Educator Program Development Committee to design the components of the program. Laurie Chapman, our CHTU Treasurer and Program Specialist for Instructional Support, has been appointed to this state committee and will represent OFT. We congratulate Laurie on her appointment.
Fraternally,
Tom Schmida, President
