Colleagues,
Here’s a brief update on some current and timely matters:
– Contract Implementation. As planned, we are holding Living Contract negotiations with the District to address contract implementation details and to address issues unresolved in the last round of bargaining. These talks are going well and we will report to you the results when agreements are reached. Meanwhile, please visit the RTA website <www.rochesterteachers.com> for the latest information – especially the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section for the accurate version to counter the misinformation still promulgated through social media by uninformed sources.
– Raises, Retro Pay, Retention Incentive. We have been notified by Shawn Farr, the District’s new Chief Financial Officer, that the newly-negotiated raises for teachers will be reflected in their paychecks this month. The retroactive pay, going back to July 1, 2022, is targeted for May. And the $1,500 Retention Incentive will be paid in a separate check this June. He also indicated that the District is creating a process to capture information to be used for payments to Elementary teachers who are assigned students from uncovered classes.
– Job Sharing. Section 51 of our contract has details about notifying the Superintendent, your School-based Planning Team, and other particulars. But please note that the deadline for notifying is now March 1, not May 1. If you’re considering applying and need assistance, please contact RTA’s Martha Keating <maskerade6@aol.com> with any questions or to sign up to share your information with other interested members who are in your tenure area.
– Sabbaticals. The online application for a 2023-2024 Sabbatical is now open. The application deadline is March 17. See the attached flyer for more information. There will be a zoom informational session on February 15th. Take this opportunity to enjoy a semester or a full year for professional growth that would benefit you and your students. Applicants must have served in the RCSD for at least 5 years. Recipients will receive 60% of their base salary and obligate themselves to remain in service at the RCSD for a period of time at least three times the length of the leave. For more information contact Stefan Cohen <Stefan.Cohen@rcsdk12.org> or <sabbatical@rcsdk12.org>.
– Notification of Intent to Retire or Resign. You also have until March 1 to notify the District of your plan to retire or resign and still qualify for receiving the Absentee Reduction Plan benefit. The required form can be found on the RCSD’s Office of Human Capital website < Resignation/Retirement Form>. Refer to Section 60 of our contract for all the details. The RTA will host a drop-in informational session, at the RTA offices (30 N. Union Street, Suite 301) on February 13 for members who wish to learn more about the New York State Teachers Retirement System, the Absentee Reduction Plan, health care benefits for retirees, and other related topics.
– PD Opportunity. On Wednesday, February 8th, the Rochester Teacher Center (RTC) will offer a part of the RTC/RTA Film Series entitled “Imaging Ourselves.” The award-winning documentary, Great and Mighty Walk, chronicles the life and times of the world-famous African-American scholar John Henry Clark. The film will be followed by a commentary from the RTC Director Dr. Susan Goodwin and Dr. Walter Cooper. Participants will receive 2 PD credits. Teachers should register on TrueNorth Logic. See the attachment below for more information. Contact RTC’s Yolanda Montalvo <ymontalvo@rochesterteachers.com> with questions or for additional information.
Adam Urbanski, RTA President