Colleagues,
First and foremost, I wish to acknowledge the sorrow and outrage that we all feel about the recent senseless and racist murder of innocent people in Buffalo. We began last Tuesday’s meeting of the RTA Representative Assembly with a moment of silence and a rendition of Amazing Grace <https://youtu.be/jGZM_tc55Rk>, by Dr. Gaya Shakes, a former RCSD teacher who remains a teacher leader as a member of RTA’s Rochester Retired Teachers Association (RRTA). Our thanks to Dr. Shakes and our condolences to all affected by this tragedy. We must all recommit to do all that we can to help diminish the likelihood that such a tragedy happen ever again. And here’s a recent TV10 piece on how to donate to families directly affected:
Here is a brief update on some current issues in our district and our union:
– Transfer and Placement Days. You should have already received communication from the District that teacher transfer and placement days are scheduled to be held on May 24th for Elementary tenure area; on May 25th for English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Technology and Foreign Language Tenure areas; On June 1 for Art, Music PE, Health, Library, ESOL, Speech, Guidance and Social Work tenure areas; and on June 2 for Special Education tenure area. Please visit the RTA website <www.rochesterteachers.com> for all the details. Feel free to contact Martha Keating <maskerade6@aol.com>, Margaret Sergent <mmsergent@rochesterteachers.com>, Aimee Rinere <arinere@rochesterteachers.com> or Matt Lavonas <mlavonas@rochesterteachers.com> if you have questions or need assistance.
– APPR Reprieve Legislation. The New York State Legislature passed a bill, and Governor Hochul signed into law, allowing school districts to halt the Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR) process for yet another year. This legislation, advanced and strongly supported by the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT), our state-level union, allow school districts to suspend APPR and provide a path to tenure without fear of financial penalty or reduced state aid. No definitive word yet from our District as to whether they will avail themselves of this opportunity.
– Receivership Bill. A bill soon to be introduced in the New York State Legislature, also championed by NYSUT, would repeal receivership of schools and require the Commissioner of Education to annually determine whether each public school is in need of additional support and assistance. The punitive measures of receivership, including converting schools into charter schools or firing teachers, would also be repealed if this bill is enacted into law. Under this legislation, collective bargaining rights would also be fully protected. Please reach out to your NYS Senator and Assemblymember and urge them to co-sponsor and support this important bill.
– Negotiations. Now that the RCSD’s 2022-23 budget has been adopted, we expect that the District will re-engage in serious and good-faith bargaining. But despite the fact that they are receiving an unprecedented influx of additional Federal and State funds, the District is still claiming lack of affordability and seeking concessions from teachers. RTA’s negotiations proposal calls for lower class sizes, more social and emotional support services for students, enhanced health benefits, maintaining competitive salaries, improved teaching and learning conditions, and much more. Our current contract expires on June 30th but, under the law, most provisions remain intact until a new agreement is ratified. Based on the District’s current pattern of hostility towards teachers, we expect that negotiations for a fair successor contract will prove difficult. We are, nonetheless, confident that, with your active support, we can and will achieve it.
– RTA Solidarity Wednesdays. Beginning with Wednesday, June 1st, all RTA members are asked to wear RTA-provided t-shirts to show solidarity and support for our efforts to achieve a fair successor agreement. The t-shirts feature the message “Teachers Want What Students Need” – an accurate description of our negotiations proposals. Along with other activities, this will help demonstrate our unity and our determination every Wednesday until a new pact is ratified. You can get your t-shirt from your RTA Faculty Representative(s) sometime next week. And RTA’s Action Committee will soon communicate to you what more you can do to support our efforts in negotiations.
Thank you for all that you continue to do for our profession, our schools, and especially for our students. I have no doubt whatsoever that we and our students will continue to thrive because of your professionalism, your commitment to students, and our continued solidarity.
Adam Urbanski, RTA President