This evening MIEA's general membership voted to accept the proposed negotiated agreement between MIEA and the Mercer Island School District.
The 3 year deal replaces the "93 hour Supplemental Contract" and the Technology contract with an "Additional Responsibilities Contract," adds a Preservice day to the calendar, includes "Furlough" hours to off-set state funding cuts, changes the Early Release day to Wednesday starting in the 2012-13 school year, and keeps class size overload triggers in place for Certificated staff.
For Classified members the District is covering 1.5% of the state budget cuts and allowing an opportunity to make up an additional .4% in the 2011-12 school year. In the remaining two years the district will backfill the entire 1.9%. Classified workers with a Letter of Assignment will be allowed to carry over two personal days each year and all classified will use a new 4-tiered evaluation form. Of course, Classified members will also experience the Early Release schedule change starting next school year.
Our bargainers deserve a HUGE thank you for the countless hours they put into what turned out to be a very difficult bargain. They were passionate advocates for you, our members, and never lost sight of the needs of our students and their families. If you see Joby McGowen, Heather Simmons, Tracy Michaels, Joy Dunne, Mike Radow, or our UniServ Rep, Kathleen Heiman, give them a pat on the back.
We also need to thank the District's bargaining team for working with us to find a settlement agreement that meets everyone's needs. We accomplish so much more when we work together.
The Mercer Island Board of Directors (MISD School Board) have yet to ratify the contract. The issue will be added to their September agenda. If it is ratified, the new contract is a done deal.
