Past, Present, & Future
As the school year comes to a close, I wanted to take a few moments to review the road we have traveled together over the last twelve months, as well as consider the one that lies ahead of us in the coming year.
As we began this school year, we did so under the umbrella of the first binding agreement to be negotiated in a school district in the state of Missouri. Historic in nature, this agreement has set the standard for other districts in Missouri. This binding agreement has allowed for an average salary increase of 6% this year and 5% next year. In addition, it protects the rights of Rockwood teachers in the following arenas: protection of contract time expectations, assurances regarding transfer policies, leaves, grievance procedures and job expectations, amongst other things.
Another key aspect of the recent agreement is that it identifies the Rockwood NEA as the sole and exclusive representative of teachers in Rockwood. This recognition creates an environment in which the RNEA is the only teachers association working in an official capacity on behalf of teachers in the context of district business. The RNEA represents you on the insurance committee, the calendar committee, the long range planning finance committee, the long range technology committee, the Curriculum Advisory Council, the Professional Development Committee and a myriad of other arenas in which decisions are made affecting teachers. As the sole and exclusive representative, we can send an association representative into an administrative meeting with you should you be accused of something inappropriate. No other association is allowed to send an association representative into such a meeting.
Another major accomplishment of this year is the program review process that has been put in place. This review is designed to systematically address the always-growing number of initiative we are asked to implement each year. This year, the review addressed and dramatically changed the use of performance series testing in the elementary grades. As we move into next year, the problem solving model will be considered.
In addition to all of these things, we continue to grow stronger in buildings through routine meetings with administration, representation on interview teams and dissemination of information from the state and national association.
As we look forward to next year, numerous challenges present themselves. We have a contract negotiation next year. We will be choosing a new superintendent next year. We have a Board of Education election and a bond issue to consider. Each of these issues is extraordinary in its importance. Collectively, they will determine the direction of the school district for years to come. With this in mind, we will be calling on each of you to stay involved next year. Our power is in the numbers of our membership and the knowledge of each of those members. I often use the Verizon commercial analogy…..when I walk in a room, it is with the thousands of you standing behind me as one collective voice. This is what allows us to command the respect we do as an association.