Colleagues,
Welcome back and best wishes for 2026. Here’s a brief update on just a few timely issues:
– Payroll Errors. We are finalizing our response to the District’s latest proposal on rectifying the damages caused to teachers who have been adversely affected by the payroll errors. The District’s current position is woefully inadequate and in some ways insulting. Even now, we still have information about hundreds of unresolved payroll issues including, but not limited to, late deposits to 403B plans and other intended destinations, unpaid summer school teaching, failure to compensate for professional development, and failure to forward loan repayments to the NYS Teachers Retirement System. Please continue to fill out and submit to us the Oracle Issues Information Form that can be found on the RTA website <www.rochesterteachers.com>. This enables us to document the issues and advocate for their resolution. Email RTA’s Martha Keating <maskerade6@aol.com> if you have questions or need assistance.
– Health Insurance. Starting with this Friday’s payroll, you will notice an increase of 15% in the cost of your health insurance contribution. These changes are driven by health care cost inflation and insurers’ rate-setting – not by any negotiated changes in our collective bargaining agreement. Attached below is information about the increases. If you find discrepancies in this Friday’s paycheck, please immediately notify the District and inform RTA’s John Pavone <pavrta@aol.com> so that we could assist in getting it corrected.
– Auto Damage Reimbursement. Last Monday, 25 cars in the parking lot of the Rochester Early College campus were damaged by a student during school hours. Yet, unlike in the past three years, the current District administration continues to refuse to renew our Memorandum of Agreement that calls for reimbursement of the insurance deductible. This is outrageously unacceptable and contributes to the mass exodus of teachers from our District. We will press the District to increase safety measures on school properties and to renew the MOA. Meanwhile, if you are affected, please contact RTA’s Matt Lavonas <mlavonas@rochesterteachers.com>.
– Thinking of Retirement? RTA is hosting a drop-in informational session this Thursday, January 8th, from 2:30pm until 4:30pm at the RTA office (30 N. Union Street, Suite 301). No appointment necessary and ample free parking available. You’ll have access to a powerpoint presentation, receive useful information related to retirement, and RTA officers will answer any questions related to retirement. If you have related questions, please contact RTA’s Aimee Rinere <arinere@rochesterteachers.com>, Margaret Sergent <mmsergent@rochesterteachers.com>, or Jason Valenti <jvalenti@rochesterteachers.com>.
We will continue to keep you informed about our efforts on your behalf. As always, please contact us if you have questions or need assistance.
Adam Urbanski, RTA President
