Do Teachers Waive All of their CBA Rights When Approving a Waiver?
No. Teachers are only voting to change their school's schedule. Specifically the waiver:
- Does not waive NBCT stipends
- Does not eliminate PSRP titles and pay
- Does not end afterschool pay eligibility
- Does not waive other stipends
- Does not eliminate librarian preparation periods
- Does not lengthen PSRPs days
Does the Waiver Vote Process Violate CTU Rights?
No, in fact, they strictly follow the process described in our Collective Bargaining Agreement. The waivers approved to date are clearly within the authority of the local school and consistent with the use of the waiver process over a long period of years, including for the extension of the day. Union delegates are extended all rights and privileges to which he/she is entitled under the waiver process.
Are Schools Required to Give the Union Prior Notice Before Holding a Waiver Vote?
No. There is no legal or contractual requirement that the CTU be given prior notice, or that there be discussion with the Union or that the Union consent. The Union's consent was given when it agreed to the waiver provisions in the contract.
Did teachers have the necessary materials before the vote to make decisions?
All materials related to the waivers were given to the Union delegates at each school. The CTU clearly had prior notice as evidenced by the grievance it filed on August 30, its postings on the Union website and its affiliate website, Substance News, and the actions and presence of its representatives prior to the vote.
Do the Waivers Dictate How Schools Spend Their Additional Time?
No. The CEO and the Chief Education Officer believe that the exact composition of the day should not be a "one size fits all" solution. Rather, they believe that it should be customized at the local level by principals in collaboration with their faculty and parents. The 90 minutes of instructional time beyond what is required by the state will be added to the student's day and used to focus more time on core subjects such as math and literacy as well as enrichment programs like art and music. The additional time must also be used to lengthen lunch and recess time for students and to ensure time for teacher collaboration.
Is This an "Unprecedented" Way to Use the Waiver Process?
No. Elementary schools have added time to their school day without additional compensation via the waiver vote. This Longer School Day Pioneer Project Waiver is no different. The school code and the contract permit local schools to propose and adopt these changes.
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