Post by momto4 on May 4, 2010 16:54:29 GMT -5
www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/2230948,2_1_AU04_WESTBOARD_S1-100504.article
West teachers agree to pay concessions
May 4, 2010
By PAUL DAILING pdailing@stmedianetwork.com
AURORA -- On Monday, the West Aurora School District started calling back laid-off teachers, thanks to cuts -- including possible pay freezes -- pledged by the teachers union.
During Monday's board meeting, Aurora Education Association-West co-presidents Terry Collette and Tom Kraus said the union members approved the concessions, saving the district money as it fights an expected $17 million deficit under planned state cuts.
"We want to make sure the education at District 129 maintains the high level that our community has come to expect," Kraus said.
This will allow the district to hire back some of the 127 educators it had planned to lay off in August. Superintendent James Rydland said calls started Monday and will continue through Friday. The number to be called back was not available.
The district estimates it could recoup $6.4 million if it gets concessions from all five unions, from office staff to bus drivers. Kraus hopes the agreement will be signed this week.
Of the approximately 800 union members, 85 percent voted last week, Kraus said. Of those who voted, 91.3 percent voted in favor of the contract addendum.
"The tone of conversation this time around was heavily focused -- almost entirely focused -- on ensuring the kids of this district get the services the kids of this district need," Collette said.
Board President Neil Ormond praised the union.
"They have recognized the reality of the times for us and have really stepped up to the plate," he said.
Rydland said administrators will also see cuts.
The state still owes West $7 million in overdue payments.
West Chief Financial Officer Christi Tyler said the state is working on paying the next round of payments rather than the last two.
"Right now their focus is on the June payments, skipping over the December and March payments. Why they're focusing on that, I have no idea." Tyler said.
This will push back next year's payments.
West teachers agree to pay concessions
May 4, 2010
By PAUL DAILING pdailing@stmedianetwork.com
AURORA -- On Monday, the West Aurora School District started calling back laid-off teachers, thanks to cuts -- including possible pay freezes -- pledged by the teachers union.
During Monday's board meeting, Aurora Education Association-West co-presidents Terry Collette and Tom Kraus said the union members approved the concessions, saving the district money as it fights an expected $17 million deficit under planned state cuts.
"We want to make sure the education at District 129 maintains the high level that our community has come to expect," Kraus said.
This will allow the district to hire back some of the 127 educators it had planned to lay off in August. Superintendent James Rydland said calls started Monday and will continue through Friday. The number to be called back was not available.
The district estimates it could recoup $6.4 million if it gets concessions from all five unions, from office staff to bus drivers. Kraus hopes the agreement will be signed this week.
Of the approximately 800 union members, 85 percent voted last week, Kraus said. Of those who voted, 91.3 percent voted in favor of the contract addendum.
"The tone of conversation this time around was heavily focused -- almost entirely focused -- on ensuring the kids of this district get the services the kids of this district need," Collette said.
Board President Neil Ormond praised the union.
"They have recognized the reality of the times for us and have really stepped up to the plate," he said.
Rydland said administrators will also see cuts.
The state still owes West $7 million in overdue payments.
West Chief Financial Officer Christi Tyler said the state is working on paying the next round of payments rather than the last two.
"Right now their focus is on the June payments, skipping over the December and March payments. Why they're focusing on that, I have no idea." Tyler said.
This will push back next year's payments.
