Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Labor Relations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board reinstates nine senior support staff and approves sidebar agreement
Summary
Following public pressure and union advocacy, the board approved a sidebar agreement to reinstate benefits and full-time status for nine senior support staff members and rescinded a prior RIF affecting those positions; trustees debated funding source but voted to carry the motions.
The Washington Township Board of Education approved a two-part action to restore benefits and full-time status to nine of the district’s most senior support staff members.
Board member Connie presented the sidebar agreement, which the board voted to approve. The board then moved to rescind the earlier RIF for those nine employees; both motions carried on roll call. During discussion some trustees questioned whether the funding should have been included in the original budget and said locating the money now could be difficult; administration reported that a transfer of funds within existing budgets would cover the cost.
Union representatives and public commenters urged the board to restore the positions and described the decision as life-changing for affected employees. Commenters also raised concerns about larger staff losses over the summer: one union speaker said the district experienced 10 teacher resignations, 31 support staff resignations and 8 retirements between June and August, and reported 43 current support-staff vacancies.
What’s next: The sidebar agreement will be drafted in legal form and executed by both parties; administration is expected to report the specific accounts used for the transfer and provide follow-up on hiring and vacancies.
