Jacqui Greadington, EOEA President
October 2019
THE FACTS ABOUT FACT-FINDING:
After months of the EOEA Negotiations Team operating in good faith, negotiations moved to the mediation phase. We were unsuccessful in achieving a settlement at that meeting. Rather than waste time with another mediation session, the Team opted to move forward to Fact-Finding. The necessary filings have been signed and we are currently waiting for an agreed upon fact-finder to be appointed.
The objective of the fact-finder is to develop a settlement that is acceptable to both parties. In this process each side presents its case to a neutral third party, or fact-finder. The fact-finder makes a “finding of facts” and prepares a report on the terms of the settlement as soon as possible after the hearings.
Your Negotiations Team is committed to achieving a fair and equitable settlement. We need and appreciate your support.
SYNOPSIS OF ISSUES DISCUSSED AT THE EOEA EXECUTIVE BOARD/EOSD SENIOR CABINET MEETING 9/18/19:
PRESENT: EOEA, Angel Boose, Byron Carter, Carla Hinds, Keith Hinton II, Venus Yearwood, Jackie White
EOSD: Dr. West, Dr. Harvest, Ms. Champagne, Ms. McKenzie, Ms. Brooks, Bus. Adm.
Teachers need the support of the EOSD to provide the tools to help students achieve. The frustration is compounded by the fact that the same things happen year after year.
District-wide Issues:
Think-Central on-line resources were not available for literacy. Math and science consumable textbooks were not available for elementary students.
Response: All resources are now accessible. This was due to the vacancy and backlogged orders. FOCUS grades are required ONCE a week per Dr. West.
There is no social studies curriculum.
Response: The Board has approved funding for writing and updating the curriculum.
Teachers are waiting for books, supplies, functioning smart boards and computers. Teachers are being told that FOCUS grades are required twice a week. Is a data wall required?
Response: Science books are not available. Math consumables should be at the schools now. District will now do on-line textbooks. A grade-level set will be available to students without home access. There is a link to all textbooks now accessible through the district website. Dr. West will make parents aware of the $9.99 Comcast Internet.
Put issues for technology in writing to Ms. Solomon. Teachers should let administrators know when they don’t get a response so that Dr. West is aware.
Yes, data walls are absolutely required.
Common Planning Time (CPT) problems continue to be reported.
Response: CPT needs to be defined. Every school has the staff to do CPT; it’s a matter of scheduling. CPT during prep periods should NOT be happening!
CPT should not be during staff meeting time.
What is the acceptable class size for each grade: Pre-K through 12? It has been reported that there are 31 students in ESL and 30 in regular education classes.
Response: Grades PreK=15; grades K-3=21; grades 4-12=25. There are some scheduling issues at middle and high schools that need to be adjusted. If a student is not in FOCUS, they should not be in school.
Is there a method/form for parents to use to not comply with the uniform policy?
Response: The policy is mandatory. Every school has access to get uniforms. All schools have procedures in place to address families who don’t have money for uniforms. Students should not be punished for not having uniforms. It is suggested that they be encouraged with incentives. Additionally, the PTO/PTA should be spoken to.
What information is accessed via the Biometric Scan?
Response: We are still in the enrollment phase. Your scan is assigned an ID # and is stored in the school database. When you scan your finger, you will see your name and personal information. Eventually, the scan will be tied to payroll. The key fob will still be your door access.
In closing, these are your issues followed by the superintendents Senior Cabinet responses. Please continue to report any deviation or misrepresentation of these answers to us as they occur.
EOEA UNITED FOR ONE AND FOR ALL!!!!!!