Colleagues,
For the last several weeks we have been working with Superintendent Peluso and the leadership of the other RCSD unions to clear up confusion about the first 15 minutes of the school day (between arrival of buses and the beginning of the instructional day). At our latest meeting yesterday, we reached a shared understanding of the parameters captured in the attached District memo to school principals. Consistent with our contractual agreement, and with an Arbitration Award on this topic in 2013, here are some of the highlights:
– There will be no departures from our contractual language.
– Teachers’ work day and instructional time remain unchanged.
– To the extent possible, admitting students and accommodating their breakfast will be in school cafeterias, multi-purpose rooms, large group spaces, and other common areas.
– Every effort will be made to protect teachers’ instructional preparation time.
– The specific protocols for the arrival of students at each school, within the agreed-upon parameters, will be determined by that school’s RTA Building Committee.
– Dismissal of students is up to 15 minutes or less – and only for dismissal.
Please let your RTA Faculty Representative(s) know if you believe that the protocols at your school depart from these parameters or are problematic in any way. Your RTA Faculty Reps will attempt to resolve the problems with the school principal at the RTA Building Committee level and, if necessary, notify us to assist.
Enjoy the remaining days of summer. As always, please contact us with any questions or concerns.
Adam Urbanski, RTA President