CAT Tracks for May 6, 2005

Cairo Association of Teachers - Newsletter

CAT Tracks for May 6, 2005

WINDING DOWN...

Fifteen school days to go...and many, many less "teaching" days! It's time for the annual...

YEAR-END REMINDERS:

SUMMER MONEY: May 15th is the normal deadline for requesting all of your "summer money" in one lump sum. Since May 15th is a Sunday, get that request - IN WRITING - to the Superintendent by the close of business on May 13th...one week from today! There is a limit of fifteen (15) and if the number of requests exceed that number, a lottery will be conducted. (See Section 4.3 of the Contract.)

SPEAKING OF MONEY: May 27th looms large...
If you are one of "the few, the proud, the perfect attendee", you will receive your well-deserved $250 on that date! Been there, done that...haven't been the same since. You have my utmost respect!
Extra duty money (Detention, Homebound Tutoring, Internal Substitution, Non-athletic Sponsorship) is also to be paid on May 27th. (Coaches get/got their money on the payday following the completion of their season.)
And last but not least...you begin getting your annual summer raise on June 15th! You know...CAT dues deduction ends with the 2nd check in May. Your check will be "heavier" in June, July, and August!

CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS
Yeah...we're workin' on it!
We have been quiet, but your bargaining team has been meeting every two weeks with the Superintendent to discuss your concerns and the BOE's concerns...with the goal of putting together a new Contract to be voted on prior to the close of this school year. We believe that we are on schedule to accomplish that goal!
As early as next week, we hope to distribute specific details of the proposed new agreement for your review. Since the regular monthly meeting of the Cairo Board of Education is May 19th, the CAT needs to have a membership meeting prior to that date to discuss the proposal and vote whether to accept or reject the proposal. I can tell you...that your team will be recommending this proposal. We feel that it reflects many of the concerns that you expressed in the negotiations surveys back in December.
So...Mark your calendars for Wednesday, May 18, 2005 - 3:30 p.m. - CJSHS Cafeteria. The proposed Contract will be presented, discussed, and voted on at that time. If approved, the BOE will be immediately notified so that they can proceed with their consideration the following evening.
GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE SWITCH
You have been notified of what needs to be done. If you have not taken care of business, please do so at your earliest convenience!
YEAR END LUNCHEON
As usual, the District will hold its annual "Farewell Party" on May 25h. That is the day when any retirees will be honored. We know for a fact that three long-time employees have officially made that decision...and there may be more to come. So...please join us in wishing your friends and colleagues "Bon Voyage"!

Well, that's a wrap for today. Won't do the annual "farewell", since there will be more editions of CAT Tracks to come before this year is out. Bye for now...and have a great weekend!