By now I’m sure you’re aware that the STA membership voted last week to ratify our MOA with the Board of Education and the Board voted unanimously to do the same on Tuesday, February 15. Thank you to all our Head Building Representatives who fielded questions throughout the process and in the lead up to the vote for ratification. I believe the agreement is a good one and the feedback from members has been overwhelmingly positive. This is our very first four-year contract, which means we don’t have to return to the bargaining table until 2025. Thank you once again to the negotiating team for the countless hours they put in over the course of the last 12 months, hours that included weekends, vacations, and late nights, often with little notice. Lastly, I ask that you fully support our nurses and therapists as we continue to work toward a contract settlement.

Many members have asked how they will receive retroactive compensation for the period between July 1, 2021, and the first payroll under our new contract. The STA has been in discussions with the district on the subject, and a plan is taking shape. Everyone involved wants to make sure it’s done correctly, and the payroll department is working to make sure the math is accurate and the process transparent. Some of the adjustments must be done manually. Further complicating things is the fact that some members may have been eligible for an educational increment (MA-60 to MA-75 for example) in February but have not yet received it. Given the levels of complexity involved, retroactive compensation will take place over three payrolls, as described below:

I want to wish you all a fabulous, well-earned President’s Week. Remember, spring is only 30 days away!