March 16, 2022
  • OEA and the District met briefly on March 16th from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. to exchange proposals on salary. The last District counter was 4% on and 1% off in exchange for Banking Minutes in the contract.  OEA did not accept this offer.  As stated in previous Bargaining Updates, the District has proposed banking minutes for one hour weekly for planning and collaboration time. In our most recent survey, a majority of members indicated they are interested in exploring banking minutes for planning purposes. OEA will only entertain banking minutes if the terms and conditions are favorable to members. The District's current proposal did not contain protections for teacher protected time. OEA will counter, and will continue to reject proposals that do not include protected teacher directed time.
  • OEA’s goal is to negotiate as much on schedule salary as possible.  The District does have a millions of dollars in one-time and limited term funds.  OEA strongly contends that any percentage of off-schedule money be applied to the member's salary in total including anniversary increments and should not stop at Step 12. We continue to reject this portion of all district proposals. 
The Association and the District met on January 19th and 20th from 9:30-1:00 p.m. and 10:15-3:30 p.m. Highlights of these sessions included the following:
  • OEA submitted a COVID MOU extending safety provisions including regular and additional cleaning measures after a confirmed positive Covid case in classrooms, increased access to PCR and/or antigen testing for students and staff, and procedures for when a teacher must isolate/quarantine as a result of a positive Covid Test or as directed by the VCPH. This proposal also included procedures for whole class quarantines, staffing shortages, and 10 days of extended Supplemental Paid Sick Leave (Covid Leave) for members who are unable to work while in isolation/quarantine. 
  • OEA submitted a robust SPED article including, but not limited to class size caps, caseload caps for RSP assessment, guaranteed paraprofessional support, and release time for assessment. 
  • OEA submitted a substantial salary proposal. 
  • OEA proposed increasing all bargaining unit members' hourly rate for this year and next year to take advantage of Expanded Learning Opportunity monies.
  • OEA submitted a two year Class Size proposal for K-8.  Our proposal includes per period caps for middle school classes.
  • OSD submitted a proposal on Evaluation removing the 15 min informal observation language and limiting alternative evaluations to every other evaluation cycle.
  • OSD submitted a proposal on Working Hours to include district wide banking of minutes for one hour per week.
  • OSD proposed Partial Variance language to include the ability for either admin or a bargaining unit member to initiate a partial variance outside of the limit of banking minutes.
Are you currently out on Covid related sick leave? Do you have concerns about using your personal sick leave if you or a family member contract Covid, or have tested positive, but are asymptomatic and well enough to telework? We need your help. Email the Superintendent and School Board members to share your story. Expanded Supplemental Paid Sick Leave (COVID Leave) is critical to many families both for financial reasons and to keep teachers healthy and safe. 

Future Dates: 1/31, 2/7
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December 8, 2021
OSD and OEA met from 8:30-3:00.
  • OSD presented a budget update.  The First Interim Report will be shared with the Board at the December 15th Board Meeting. 
  • Presentation included ongoing funds,  one-time funds and limited term funds (ESSER funds, Expanded Learning Opportunity Grant) OSD shared projected ADA (enrollment) and current ADA of 13,808 (96% attendance).
  • OEA received the J90 (salary placement scattergram), class size report across periods and program.
  • Calendar-OEA requested an additional half day for conference week.  Item was dropped (details at Rep Council). Tentative agreement was reached on calendars for the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years and will posted below.  Calendars include a 3 week winter break and a 2 week spring break.
  • OEA discussed Sunshine intentions for Special Education, Professional Growth, and Class Size.  
  • OSD discussed Sunshine intentions for Transfer, Evaluation, Working Hours and Contract Variance.
  • Teams set 4 additional bargaining dates.  
  • OEA  (Executive Board and Bargaining) with guidance from CTA, will evaluate and disaggregate financial information, use area comps, and explore salary schedule options to negotiate salary.  Details at Rep Council. 

Bargaining Update

August 10, 2021

OEA and OSD met 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. 
  • The District proposed continuing "Breakfast in the Classroom" citing increased student participation and a decrease in the financial encroachment into the general fund budget.  OEA raised a number of concerns including loss of instructional minutes, student safety while unmasking, mess due to spills, milk on carpets, rodents and insects, cleaning after eating etc.  The issue was tabled. 
  • The District shared the requirements for Independent Study as outlined by the State.  Teams agreed to create one year, full time TOSA position/s, to address this program.  Job description, duties, and other details will be available soon.
  • Safety protocols were reviewed with OEA.  The District will continue to provide PPE and follow the guidance of both CDC and VCPH.