These notes from Ellen Brown’s Octorara Report describing the school board’s consideration and approval of the 3 year contract with the teachers union, the Octorara Area Education Association (OAEA):

Agenda Item

R. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Octorara Area Education Association for the period July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2014 as recommended by the Board Negotiating Team.

Roll call vote:
Bicking – Yes
Bowman – Yes
Ganow – Yes
Hume – No
Johnson – Yes
Malone – Yes
McCartney – No
Norris – Yes
Stoltzfus – Yes

There were 4 Board members on the negotiating team (Bowman, Ganow, Johnson, Norris).  They met several times, along with the Superintendent, Business Manager, Benefits Manager, and the OAEA.  They reported to the Board.  (See press release published last week for details)  If there are questions,please ask the negotiating team.

One goal was to control wage increases, given the economy.  Another goal was to gain control of healthcare costs.  There is a plan design change, as well as increases in premiums and co-pays.  Every month that this contract is not approved, the district is losing money.  It will slow down the movement in steps.

Mr. Norris said that as a member of the team, he wanted to thank the negotiating team.  It was refreshing.

Mr. Hume thanked the negotiating committee.    They did an excellent job in negotiations.  But there will still be an increase in costs.

Mr. Ganow made some clarifications to what was presented.

Mr. McCartney asked about 403.5 on page 23.  He questioned the teacher’s negotiators meeting with the Superintendent six times per year.   Dr. Newcome said this has been in the contract since 1993.  They address concerns and interests before they become problems.

Ms. Bowman asked Mr. Udell to confirm the ratification.  Mr. Adam Udell was the chief negotiator for the teachers.  It was ratified with a “yes” vote of 95%.

Ms. Bowman thanked them for recognizing the financial difficulty the District faces.  She read a joint press release.

Ellen’s complete school board report is here.