Karl Kurt, Assistant Chief Administrator/Director of HR
Similar to last year, we reopened our negotiations to increase the previously agreed-upon settlements. Our current financial health and a desire to achieve both a salary raise, while still increasing our self-insurance, have led us to agree to a higher settlement for 2020-21.
In an effort to prepare for a potential downturn in the future, we have agreed to decrease (i.e., buy down) the second year of the negotiated settlement.
The plan was ratified by each association group and was approved by the Board on March 4, 2020.
For 2020-21:
EA (Certified) — Increased from 1.7% to 2.15% Total Package
- Salary Increase = 2.21%
- Total Package Cost =$699,863
- Notes: Step movement as applicable, $360 increase to salary schedule base (New Base: $34,805), $10/month increase in employer health contribution, $4.15/month increase in employer dental contribution
*The change from 1.7% to 2.15% was an increase of $146,417 to the settlement package.
CWA (Classified) — Increased from 1.7% to 2.50% Total Package
- Salary Increase = 2.76%
- Total Package Cost =$83,879
- Notes: Step movement as applicable, $.30 increase to base for each category base on wage table, $10/month increase in employer health contribution, $4.15/month increase in employer dental contribution
*The change from 1.7% to 2.5% was an increase of $26,865 to the settlement package.
NUSS — Increased from 1.7% to 2.15% Total Package
- Salary Increase = 2.27%
- Total Package Cost =$63,636
- Notes: Previously agreed to increase the insurance distribution $470 for qualifying employees based on reduction in family health contributions ($169.66/month), $10/month increase in employer health contribution, $4.15/month increase in employer dental contribution
*The change from 1.7% to 2.15% was an increase of $13,245 the settlement package.
Administration — Increased from 1.7% to 2.15% Total Package
- Salary Increase = 2.08%
- Total Package Cost =$102,093
- Notes: $10/month increase in employer health contribution, $4.15/month increase in employer dental contribution
*The change from 1.7% to 2.15% was an increase of $21,502 to the settlement package.
For 21-22: 1.5% total package for each group (EA, CWA, NUSS, and ADMIN)
Language Changes:
- Adoption Leave — We will add language so that a Grandparent can attend an adoption ceremony, similar to attending the birth of a child. This one day leave will come from your own sick leave bank.
Thoughts:
- We are fiscally healthy and desire to be as aggressive as we possibly can with our settlements. However, we also desire to be prepared for uncertain financial times. Thus, the lower settlement for the 2nd year of our agreement. We believe this is an aggressive, yet conservative approach.
It is our hope that our willingness to reopen settlements and to increase the negotiated amounts is received positively. We realize we have an amazing team, and we want to honor you and the work you do. We will continue to work to provide raises while maintaining security and a solid fiscal condition while balancing the need for additional staff in the field.
| Estimated New Money (2% SSA*) = $550,000 *SSA has not been finalized. | |||
| Group | Salary (%) | Total Package (%) | Total Increase ($)
*As of 2/15/20 |
| Certified | 2.21% | 2.15% | $699,863 |
| NUSS | 2.27% | 2.15% | $63,636 |
| Admin | 2.08% | 2.15% | $102,093 |
| CWA ($.30/hr) | 2.76% | 2.50% | $83,879 |
| Total Cost | $949,471 | ||
$550,000 – NEW MONEY (2% SSA*)
$950,000 – PROJECTED COSTS
= ($400,000) Shortage
UPDATE — 2.3% SSA = $750,000 of New Money; Shortage drops to $200,000
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please don’t hesitate to call, email, or set up a meeting so we can discuss them.