Anne Spencer's Opening Statment

For many years, negotiations between the Brevard School District team and the Brevard Federation of Teachers team were contentious and, many times, not productive.  As a result, the antagonism from the table continued to the same relationship between both chief negotiators.

In my opinion, the result of this no-win mode of tackling problems held back solutions which might have benefitted both the district and the teachers.  Posturing and deceit have no place when striving for the best working environment for teachers to teach, administrators to manage and students to learn.

The stars were aligned when both Joy and I took over our present jobs because, having spent many days and nights finding ways to keep from agreeing, we believed there was a better way and we embarked, not without criticism from constituents on both sides, on Interest-Based Bargaining.

I believe an open, honest and respectful way of working together, collaborating to find the best solutions is much more fruitful than was past practice.

Truthfully, I had hoped that by this time, the entire district would be working collaboratively within the schools, within the district and with the union because I believe this is what’s best for everyone, especially the kids.  I certainly trust that progress will continue toward that end.

Brevard Federation of Teachers Issue Statements for the 2007-08 Collective Bargaining Contract Negotiations - July 27, 2007.

GIVEN:  Salary, Supplements, Differential Pay and MAP

Issue 1.  How can we solve issues regarding electronic communication including but not limited to email, electronic gradebook, times of implementation of new technology, absentee reporting, interim and quarterly grade reporting, cum folders?

Issue 2.  How do we compensate teachers for the instructional homeroom and activity periods?

Issue 3.  How do we best facilitate transfers for Professional Services Contract and Continuing Contract teachers?

Issue 4.  How do we create and build best practices for the classroom when students enter school after the beginning of the year?

Issue 5.  How can we ensure that a teacher’s assignment is in the best interest of both the students and the teacher?

Issue 6.  How do we guarantee that the elementary physical education teacher’s duties and responsibilities are not negatively impacted by the new statutory requirements?

Issue 7.  How do we guarantee that elementary classroom teachers are not negatively impacted by the new statutory requirements for physical education?

Issue 8.  How can we ensure that the ten non-student days are used most effectively for planning and for professional development?

Issue 9.  How do we address the issues we have encountered with tuition reimbursement?

Issue 10.  How do we effectively provide planning time for teachers to best meet the needs of students?

Joy Salamone’s Opening Statement

The movement toward a more collaborative process in our labor/management bargaining is a positive move toward a better working environment in our District. I support this effort toward improving the process of working as a team to achieve our goals. As the Chief Negotiator for Brevard County, I have shared this process with the Superintendent and Board and they are supportive of our efforts.

BOARD ISSUES

  1. How can we competitively compensate and provide benefits for our teachers within the confines of the district budget and needs?

  2. How can we successfully institute a MAP Plan passed by legislative action?

  3. How can we successfully institute a Differentiated Pay Plan passed by legislative action?

  4. How do we comply with all the mandate teacher requirements under NCLB?

  5. How can we attract more teachers with a reading endorsement?

  6. How do we meet the district’s needs to recruit quality resource teachers?

  7. How can we meet the mandates for teacher training?

  8. How can we keep employees working during their contract time?

  9. How can we meet the mandates of the Domestic Violence statute? (New Statute)