June 1 , 2007 Volume 11, Issue 6

PRESIDENT'S REPORT

It has been a very eventful school year, full of challenges and changes. The coming year promises to be just as challenging and eventful, but we as an Executive Council are ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work. However, it is only through the support and participation of our rank and file members that we will be able to reach our goals as a Local. Key to reaching our goals is the ability for us to organize as certificated employees of this district, to present a common front in our requests and to be consistent in the way we reach decisions and formulate policy. We are in the process of developing a communication system that can assist us in these efforts. To be part this electronic system, please sign up by going to our website (www.pvft.net). We also encourage all our members to attend Board of Trustees Meetings to let the Board know we fully support our negotiations team in their effort to raise our salaries and maintain our benefits. Also, below are the last three statements to the Board given by Francisco Rodriguez.

BOARD PRESENTATIONS

4/18/07
My name is Francisco Rodriguez. I am the elected President of the PVFT. On behalf of myself and the our membership, I want to express that we are very eager to continue working with the District in meeting our common goals of bringing teacher salaries to the top of comparable districts in the state and attracting and retaining new teachers. Our union stands firm in our resolve to meet the many challenges our District faces and in celebrating all of our students’ accomplishments. Thank you very much for your time and we look forward to working together for the benefit of all students.
I also would like to thank Mr Manildi and Ms Espejo for their kind words of introduction and of course Carolyn Savino for her dedication and work for our union.

5/9/07
I ask that you approve the school Calendar as presented. The negotiations team considered input from our membership and the priorities were to keep the three-week Winter Break, spread out SBC days through out the year and keep an early exit in June. The proposed calendar reflects those priorities.
I commend the Board for moving forward with the ELL Task Force and hope the Task Force is able to make a positive difference in the education of our English Language Learners.
I also would like to thank the board for including Goal number 4 “Maintain a balanced budget while effectively maximizing all resources to fulfill educational priorities” with an objective “to increase employee compensation to the top 10% of surrounding districts while maintaining fiscal responsibility”.
And lastly, I want to remind the board that today is the Day of the Teacher. I know you have all
In one way or another shown your appreciation for teachers and I ask that you approve resolution 06-07-38, Teacher Recognition Day. Thank you for your time.

5/23/07
PVFT respectfully questions to proposed hiring of a deputy superintendent.
We instead encourage a more efficient organizational structure to better facilitate communication and coordination between the different departments.
We ask that you keep in mind that needs of the hard working teachers of this district and move forward with implementing your goal of raising employee compensation to the top 10% of comparable districts. We feel this should be a higher priority.
Windfall Elimination Provision: Please go to our website for information regarding this important issue, it can affect your retirement!!!

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS

PVFT is looking for volunteers to help revise our By-Laws. We have a total of 9 volunteers that have signed up to be on the Committee and are seeking 6 more for a total of 15. The first 6 people interested in volunteering that contact President Francisco Rodriguez will be accepted to be on the committee. Please call 726-6866 or email at president@pvft.net.
This is a short-term committee for the purpose of revising the Pajaro Valley Federation of Teachers By-Laws only.

CALENDAR INFORMATION

• Reminder: For the 2006-2007 school year the last paid teacher work day is June 7th, 2007. June 8th, 2007 is not a work day and you will not be paid for it.
• 2007-2008 Information: The calendar for the next three years has been negotiated with the district and approved by the PVUSD Board of Trustees. You can find a copy of the calendars on www.pvft.net or www.pvusd.net.
• Optional Days: For the 2007-2008 School year there is an optional work day on Tuesday, November 19, 2007, the week of Thanksgiving. There will be no student day that week. Monday is a SBC day, Tuesday is the “optional” work day. You get paid if you work it and you do not get paid if you do not work it. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of Thanksgiving week are non-working days. If you have any questions regarding this information please contact your union rep or the PVFT office @ 722-2331
• First Teacher day of 2007-2008 is August 13th. First day for Students is August 15th.
• Winter Break in 2007 begins on December 24th and ends on January 14th for teachers and on January 15th for Students.
• Spring Break in 2008 runs from March 21st to March 28th, 2008.

Pajaro Valley Federation of Teachers 2007-2008 Executive Council:

Have a great Summer Vacation and we look forward to seeing you in August.
From the Staff at PVFT

NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE

• PVFT Negotiators have negotiated a one time $300 bonus for all teachers that will be on your June paycheck.
• Curious about survey results? PVFT Negotiators will be putting the survey results online as they come out.
• See what your negotiators have been doing this year. All TA’s (tentative agreements) for the 2006-2007 school year are also online.
• www.pvft.net/negotiations

PVFT News

Remember to check out our continually updated website for Negotiations, COPE, and Calendar Updates. You can also look up your PVFT Leadership Contacts.
WWW.PVFT.NET

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