Raymond Voter Information Project
Article 4
Raymond Education Support Staff (RESS) Contract
Text of 2011 School Warrant Article 4
This article provides funding for the first year of a two year collective bargaining agreement with 112 Raymond Educational Support Staff (RESS) which includes para-professionals, secretaries, food service workers, and custodians. The contract outlines working conditions and expectations for both the district and its employees. Beginning in year one, stipends for certification/education will increase by $100 for each eligible employee, and full-time employees will receive one additional holiday. Beginning in year one, the prescription co-pay will increase for employees with a cost savings to the district of $13,448 in the first year. Bereavement leave and unpaid leave use have added restrictions. Salaries will not increase in year one. In year two, employees will receive a 2% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). The tax cost to fund the first year of the contract is $7,200 or $.007 per $1000 of tax valuation.1
A YES vote approves the two-year contract for all support staff (RESS) and raises $7,220 to fund the first year.
A NO vote means that RESS employees and the district will not have a negotiated contract for the school year 2011-2012. The current employee insurance co-pays will remain the same.2
Reasons why some voters might vote yes:
- No COLA impact to taxes this year; 2% COLA will impact taxes the second year.
- The district saves $13,448 in health insurance costs the first year.
Reasons why some voters might vote no:
- Objections to one or all terms of the collective bargaining agreement.
- Cost of living increase is delayed for support staff by one year.
References:
- Tax cost for the second year of the contract is estimated at $.04 per $1000 of tax valuation. Ron Brickett, SAU33 Business Administrator.
- Cost increases outside of the District’s control (insurance, retirement, etc.) must continue to be funded.
Please send questions/comments to editor@raymondvip.org
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