school system reaches agreement with Associations

LEONARDTOWN, MD – St. Mary’s County Public Schools, in partnership with the Education Association of St. Mary’s County (EASMC) and the Collective Education Association of St. Mary’s County (CEASMC), has reached a three-year agreement for contract language and a one-year agreement on economic (salary) items. Given the uncertainty of the economy at this time, everyone agreed that it is in the best interests of all parties to approach the economic items one year at a time. In the spring of 2008, the school system worked with both employee associations to develop an improved process for this year’s negotiations. Collaborative working relationships were the core of this process, promoting communication and trust where all parties worked to provide the best possible results for our students and staff. CEASMC President Joe Shade said, “While none of us can control the economic climate, I am pleased that the Board of Education has made it clear in this agreement that support professionals play essential and pivotal roles in our school system.” EASMC President Wanda Ruffo Twigg added, "Other than the painful lack of funding, this was truly a rewarding and stimulating process. For the first time in my many years of negotiating, there was enormous respect by everyone at the table for the interests of every represented stakeholder.”

“It is important, even in challenging economic times, that we continue to move forward as a school system to provide the best environment and highest quality instruction for our students while recognizing the contributions of our staff,” said Dr. Michael J. Martirano , superintendent of schools.

The major focus of the FY 2010 operating budget and the negotiations was for the school system to continue to move forward in every aspect of the organization, as we have for the past four years. Given the state and national economic conditions, we strived for continuous improvement, understanding that the progress may be minimal. The agreements and budget were accomplished with five goals in mind:

· No staff members will be furloughed;

· No staff members will lose their jobs;

· All staff members will have an enhanced benefit package;

· All staff members will receive a COLA to assist in the economic times; and

· We will continue charting the course to excellence for our students by continuing the diverse pathway opportunities to meet the needs of the individual students.

Some of the contract provisions included the following:

· 1.8% COLA for all staff members with no step;

· Enhanced tuition reimbursement;

· Enhanced severance pay;

· Continuing improvements in work conditions;

· Creation of a flexible pre-taxed spending plan for health care, etc.; and

· Language that clarifies processes and enhances interpretation.

The Board of Education will be taking action on the agreement at their meeting on June 10, 2009. There will be a joint signing ceremony with CEASMC and EASMC at this meeting.

-30 -