30 teacher layoffs rescinded
Author: Wes Woods II, Staff Writer
The Claremont Unified school board on Thursday evening gave its approval to the agreement with the Claremont Faculty Association, which approved several cost-cutting concessions that enabled the layoffs to be rescinded, officials said.
The vote was met with applause from those in attendance, which included teachers and union and school officials.
In the agreement, the district will reduce its dollar contribution to the district health and welfare benefit pool by $1,500 per year for each full-time equivalent teacher union member and each member agrees that money will be transferred pre-tax from their paycheck to the district health and welfare pool.
The agreement also permits class sizes in grades 7-12 to increase from 37 to 1 to 38 to 1. The average class size from 33 to 1 increased to 34 to 1 for the 2010-11 and 2011-12 school years for a savings of $189,000.
Additionally, one counseling position will be reduced to save $100,000 per year.
Considerations listed in the agreement include the union supporting any bond or parcel tax efforts.
A $95 million bond measure is on the Nov. 2 election ballot.
After the unanimous decision from the school board, Tonan signed the agreement with board President Hilary LaConte.
"Earlier this month, 88 percent of our members voted to ratify this agreement to preserve quality education in Claremont," teacher union President Joe Tonan read from a statement.
"We overwhelming voted to sacrifice $3,000 per member over the next two years in order to ensure that there will be no student lockout days (sometimes called furloughs) and that class size increases will be minimized.
"Our members have spoken loudly and clearly. We can celebrate tonight that we did protect students and staff.
"A full 180 days of education for every student in the district and a ratio of 24 students to 1 teacher in grades K-3 have both been maintained."
Tonan also thanked his and the district's bargaining team and his union's members.
Board member Beth Bingham added: "I really appreciate the sacrifices the faculty is willing to make," echoing other board members' comments.
The agreement also permits class sizes in grades 7-12 to increase from 37 to 1 to 38 to 1. The average class size from 33 to 1 increased to 34 to 1 for the 2010-11 and 2011-12 school years for a savings of $189,000.
Additionally, one counseling position will be reduced to save $100,000 per year.
Considerations listed in the agreement include the union supporting any bond or parcel tax efforts.
A $95 million bond measure is on the Nov. 2 election ballot.
After the unanimous decision from the school board, Tonan signed the agreement with board President Hilary LaConte.
"Earlier this month, 88 percent of our members voted to ratify this agreement to preserve quality education in Claremont," teacher union President Joe Tonan read from a statement.
"We overwhelming voted to sacrifice $3,000 per member over the next two years in order to ensure that there will be no student lockout days (sometimes called furloughs) and that class size increases will be minimized.
"Our members have spoken loudly and clearly. We can celebrate tonight that we did protect students and staff.
"A full 180 days of education for every student in the district and a ratio of 24 students to 1 teacher in grades K-3 have both been maintained."
Tonan also thanked his and the district's bargaining team and his union's members.
Board member Beth Bingham added: "I really appreciate the sacrifices the faculty is willing to make," echoing other board members' comments.
Leave a comment