Lateral Movement Alert

The latest proposal the board has made to the negotiations team contained an item we feel we should mention to you. The proposal was to eliminate the list of in-district inservices that could count toward lateral movement. The board's lead negotiator explained that he felt teachers should not get lateral movement for inservice taken at the district's expense.

As a result, we feel we ought to encourage any of you who plan to apply for lateral movement to get your application in (and all documentation provided to the board) before July 1, and ideally to get everything in early enough to be approved by July 1. The lateral movement form has a due date of August 20, but if we have to agree to this provision, then the new contract will go into effect on July 1. Even if agreement isn't reached until after July 1, the contract will be retroactive to that date.

LNEA negotiations team

Negotiations Report

The negotiations team met with the board's team Wednesday afternoon at 4:30 at the BOE. The board presented a proposal that included some tempting things, but it did not include enough of the items that are important to us. This most recent counter-proposal included current language for the grievance procedure - that means they have dropped the proposal to eliminate binding arbitration. But we are far from reaching an agreement. We need an acceptable salary increase, increased fringe benefits, lateral movement for all staff development activities, and increased elementary planning time.

Thanks to all who attended the meeting. We do appreciate your support, and we are glad to hear your suggestions and happy to answer your questions.

The next session has been scheduled for 10am Monday, June 2. Even though your summer will have begun, and you might be tempted to sit on the deck, play with the kids or go shopping, please come join us if you can. We love the company!!

Linda, Ginger, Betty, Shad, Kay and Dennis

Negotiations Update

LNEA's negotiating team met with the board's team Wednesday at 4:30 pm at the board office. We thank those who attended. Your support is much appreciated, and we always look forward to your questions and suggestions. At that meeting, we set another session to occur Monday, May 19 at 5:30, but shortly after the spectators dispersed, the board team informed us that they would be unable to meet at that time. So our next meeting with the board will be as was originally scheduled: Wednesday, May 21 at 4:30 at the board office. We expect to hear a counter-proposal from them at that time. These wheels seem to be grinding slowly. Hopefully we can begin making more progress soon. We appreciate your support and attendance whenever you can manage to be there. Thanks - your negotiating team.