Colleagues,
As we approach the Thanksgiving break, here’s a brief update:
– Preparation For Negotiations. Our current contract expires on June 30, 2025, and we are already beginning preparations to negotiate a successor collective bargaining agreement. You will soon receive a survey to identify priorities. RTA will also conduct open forums and focus groups to elicit our members’ opinions, suggestions and insights. Our bargaining will be guided by the collective wisdom of teachers and will focus on improving the conditions for teaching and learning. Exchange of bargaining proposals will be in early Spring with the goal of reaching agreement before the current contract expires. During negotiations, we must maintain our solidarity and remain united in our advocacy for what is needed to make our schools safe and effective for all our students.
– School Safety and Security. This remains a concern for teachers and therefore a priority for our union. Through the Living Contract negotiations, we have already submitted to the District a number of proposals to increase security at and near schools – especially those experiencing more frequent threats to safety. We are also finalizing an agreement with the District to continue offering reimbursement of auto insurance deductible for cars damaged at school parking lots or near schools. Please contact the RTA if you are affected.
– Containing Health Insurance Cost Increases. Each year, our health insurance costs are re-evaluated. This year, we experienced an increase. The RCSD’s Joint Health Committee, that includes representatives of the District, ASAR, BENTE, RAP and RTA, considered ways to contain a portion of the projected increase. The changes, as of January 1, 2025 are in two areas: maintenance prescription medications; and access to GLP-1 medications (such as Wegovy and Ozempic) for weight loss only. The maintenance prescription medication, which will need to be filled for 90 days at a time, will actually save our members money because they will be charged only one co-pay for a 90 day supply if ordered through the mail and 2.5 co-pays for a 90 day supply if picked up at a pharmacy. The GLP-1 medications will still be available for Type 2 Diabetes and other qualifying medical conditions but not for weight loss only if unrelated to such diseases. RTA cast the sole “no” vote on the District’s Joint Health Committee largely because RTA’s recommendation to also “grandfather in” those members who are currently using GLP-1 medications for weight loss only did not prevail. And we are checking with our attorneys to determine what we could do further to advocate for affected members.
– Reduced Class Size Limits. Just a reminder that last Spring RTA negotiated a Memorandum of Agreement with the District to reduce class sizes in Elementary and Middle Schools during the 2024-25 school year. The intent of the agreement is to aid in the ambitious RCSD School Reconfiguration during the crucial first year of the initiative. Thus, maximum general education class sizes this year in Elementary schools are lowered from 26 students to 24 students and, in Middle Schools, from 28 students to 25 students. Please notify the RTA if these class size limits are exceeded at your school.
Thank you for all that you continue to do, every day, especially for your students. As always, please contact us at the RTA if you have questions or need assistance. Happy Thanksgiving!
Adam Urbanski, RTA President