UTD returns to bargaining table
on future of Zone schools

UTD negotiators will meet with District representatives on Friday (February 22) to continue discussions on what will be the future of the School Improvement Zone initiative, coming to close at the end of the 2007-2008 school year.  

Representatives from both sides met last Friday, February 15, where UTD negotiators presented eight proposals addressing numerous Zone issues:

*       Clarification of technical issues
*       Clarification of the work day for employees in the   
          continuation/replacement of the School Improvement
          Zone
*       Salary schedules/financial incentives for all staff at
          schools in the continuation/replacement of the
          School
         Improvement Zone.
*       Defining Collaborative Planning
*       Increased Academic Freedom
*       Reduction of redundant testing
*       Transfer provisions
*       Professional Development 

The district has still not provided the names of the schools for the continuation/replacement of the School Improvement Zone.  So far, the District has only stated the Zone will be much smaller.  The salary differentials and increase in work time will likely be less for the schools that take part in the yet-to-be determined Zone initiative.

It is also important to remember that any continuation/replacement of the Zone will have a financial impact on the District and is therefore impacted by our current health insurance situation.

-  Counter Proposals presented at February 15th session.

Previous Bargaining Sessions:

-  Zone Bargaining continues for 08-09 Zone replacement initiative (February 11, 2008)
-  Zone Initiative ends, new concept discussed for 08-09 (February 4, 2008)

Brought to you by the members of United Teachers of Dade through Collective Bargaining.