The Board of Education and the Employees' Associations Reach Tentative Agreement

Details

Created on Wednesday, 11 April 2012 10:26

Dr. Michael J. Martirano, Superintendent of Schools, 301-475-5511, x178
Mr. J. Bradley Clements, Chief Operating Officer, 301-475-4256, x7

LEONARDTOWN, MD – On March 30, 2012, St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS) reached a tentative agreement with both the Education Association of St. Mary’s County (EASMC) and the Collective Education Association of St. Mary’s County (CEASMC) for FY 2013 to FY 2015, with openers for salary in FY 2014 and FY 2015.

The teams have been working since the fall of 2011 to develop agreements that compensate staff for their dedication and hard work for the students of St. Mary’s County, while being fiscally responsible to the community during these difficult economic times and working within limited county, state, and federal funding. The Associations and the Board of Education are pleased to announce the following highlights of these tentative contract agreements:

• • • 1.5% COLA across all salary scales
    • Increased health insurance options that offer economic efficiencies to both employees and the school system, and savings for retirees
    • Life insurance increase
    • Improved working conditions
    • Opportunity for compensation for some work beyond normal responsibilities
    • Transfer of sick leave to immediate family members who are also SMCPS employees
    • Enhancements for employee and student safety
    • Streamlined tuition reimbursement process
    • Opportunities for telecommuting for 12-month employees under certain inclement weather scenarios

Dr. Michael J. Martirano, Superintendent of Schools, commented, “Throughout the entire budget process, I have emphasized the importance and value of our employees. The success of our students is predicated on the quality of our staff. We must do everything that we can to compensate our staff in a manner that values them as a top priority in guaranteeing student success. I am more than pleased that even during these challenging economic times, while being fiscally responsible, that we are able to provide enhancements to the compensation of our entire workforce.”

Mrs. Wanda Twigg, President of EASMC stated, “The negotiations process continues to be polite and professional with both parties truly interested in protecting our staff who work so hard at all levels for the students of SMCPS. While we wish there could be more in the form of compensation, we are pleased with the overall agreement and believe our membership will be, as well. We achieved the goals that were set by our members for this round of negotiation.”

Ms. Terrie Butt, President of CEASMC commented, “All three negotiations teams, including the SMCPS team, worked extremely hard to do the very best given the constraints. We had hoped for the steps that our members have earned and deserve, but there just wasn’t enough local funding to allow for them. I feel good knowing that the COLA puts some money in every employee’s pocket, regardless of where they are on the salary scale!”