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Letter from the president
February 1, 2010
From the Desk of the President,
I am writing this letter in an effort to bring you up-to-date on a number of issues that our Union has been dealing with and some of the problems we face in the immediate future.
We have settled a number of individual grievances for members who were suspended and later reinstated including back pay for 50 days. Paraprofessional Educators who were required to sub for teachers and were not getting additional pay are now receiving additional pay when they substitute for teachers.
We believe we are very close to a resolution dealing with temporary employees who have been filling full-time positions that should have been made permanent employees. Temporary Employees do not receive any benefits, i.e. – health care, sick, annual, personal leave, holidays etc. In addition, their pay is substantially lower than permanent employees’ wages.
We have been meeting with Superintendent Dr. Hite in an attempt to resolve the merit/step increase issue. We believe without question that our members earned and deserve their merit/step increase and we intend to do everything we can to ensure it is not lost. However, because of the Budget situation it may have to be delayed.
Because of the current budget situation at the Federal, State and Local level, there are a significant number of problems we are facing in the very near future, such as: possible layoffs, furloughs and no wage increases including merit for 2011.
I am sure you are aware that the State and County employees have had to deal with 10 day furloughs, layoffs and no wage increases for the past two budget cycles, while we have been able to avoid them thus far.
The State Budget has a 2.5 billion dollar deficit this year which will have a significant impact on the Local Government and the School System.
The Superintendent’s budget proposal reflects a 2.5% reduction ($42,548,082) from the current 2010 fiscal year budget.
The School Board has not adopted a final Budget Proposal as of yet so the reduction number could go up or down depending on the final Board of Education Adopted Budget. Board of Education Budget Hearings are scheduled as follows: January 26, 2010, February 2, 2010 and February 8, 2010 at 5:00 P.M. at the Sasscer Administration Building.
Obviously, I would prefer that the budget situation was not as severe as it appears to be. Unfortunately it is a situation that confronts our country as well as State and Local Governments.
I urge you to come to work, do your job to the best of your abilities and we will get through this. I want to assure you that our Union will do everything possible to protect your rights as a Prince George’s County School Employee. Should you have any specific questions, please call the Union at 301-809-0472.
Sincerely and Fraternally Yours,
Faith I. Jones, President
