Question 1:
When can I use my comp time?
Answer
You can use comp time on non-student days or on regular student attendance days in any increment. You must apply for utilization of comp time at least 2 school days prior to the day you intend to use it. If it is denied, up to 12 hours can be carried forward to be used as either sick leave or personal leave. If comp time is denied on inservice days, you may use it as sick or personal leave during the same school year.

Question 2:
I want to transfer. How do I go about it?
Answer
You must notify your AREA superintendent in writing, NOT EMAIL. Copy this notification to your principal and also to BFT. Then, watch for job advertisements, listen for anticipated openings, interview. Send or bring an updated resume. If you have a portfolio, take it with you. Ask your principal to give you a letter of recommendation. Bring your most current evaluation. You don't need to wait until the school year ends or even for openings to be posted. Make a request for an interview in writing. Call and ask to set up an appointment for an interview. Indicate in your cover letter that you are requesting an interview for a specific job you are seeking. Administration must grant you an interview if you have submitted in writing that you are asking for an interview.

Question 3:
My paycheck is wrong. What should I do?
Answer
Give the facts to the BFT officer with whom you are working. Bring, send, fax your pay stub and at least one previous to the incorrect stub. If you have an idea why a mistake may have occurred, make sure you give that information. Many times when your job description changes, your pay stub will indicate that you are starting over. Sign a form giving the officer permission to discuss your information with your payroll representative. If your building rep does not have a form, request one from a BFT officer.
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Question 4:
My insurance company is not paying my doctor. What should I do?
Answer:
Talk with a BFT officer and give as complete information as you can. Send, bring, fax the EMI receipts that show your physician is not being paid. Sign a form giving the officer permission to discuss your information with your benefits representative. . If your building rep does not have a form, request one from a BFT officer.

Question 5:
My principal wants to meet with me this afternoon. What should I do?
Answer:
Ask him/her the purpose of the meeting. If it is disciplinary, tell him/her you want a BFT representative with you. If he/she says it is not disciplinary, but you feel uncomfortable, ask for a representative (your building rep or an officer from the office) with you. Weingarten Rights (Federal Law) allows members of a union to have representation. If the answer is no, and during the meeting you feel it is becoming disciplinary, tell your principal that the meeting feels disciplinary and you will continue when you have a BFT representative with you. If the principal insists on continuing - sit, listen, take notes, remain silent.
Call the BFT office immediately if this occurs 636-3323.

Question 6:
My principal is giving me a reprimand. I told him/her no representative is available at the time he/she wants to meet. What should I do?
Answer:
Ask to reschedule the meeting. BFT officers are pledged to come to such meetings as soon as possible. By contract and by law, you have the right to representation at a disciplinary meeting. (Article VII, paragraph J.)
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Question 7:
I don't agree with my evaluation. What should I do?
Answer
Work with a BFT officer to write a response to be attached to your evaluation. If you have not been notified in writing that you were receiving a less than effective evaluation in any performance indicator call BFT immediately 636-3323. If all the conditions specified in the Performance Appraisal System have not been met, your BFT officer will work with Labor Relations to rectify the situation.

Question 8:
I received a reprimand/summary of a conference letter. What should I do?
Answer
Call your BFT officer to work with you in writing a response to be attached to the letter in your file. You have the right to representation when receiving a reprimand. (Article VII, paragraph J)

Question 9:
Do I have to sign a reprimand/summary of conference letter/evaluation I don't agree with?
Answer
These documents contain a statement that you have received a copy, not that you agree with it. BFT suggests you sign the document and then respond to it within 15 working days. (Article VI, Section H, 2.)
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Question 10:
Do I have to attend an inservice?
Answer
If you have registered for an inservice, yes. If you meet the criteria specified in the contract, you and your principal should agree that you would better spend time working at the school site. Another option is to take a personal day or apply to use earned compensatory time.

Question 11
My principal won't let me take comp time for less than a half day. Is that right?
Answer
According to the contract, Article VI, Section C, paragraph 4.d, "Compensatory time accrued by a teacher shall be made available to the teacher during the normal student day up to sixteen (16) hours." You can use your comp time in any increment and you may use it during student attendance days.

Question 12
Do I have to come for a Saturday workday at my school?
Answer
No.
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Question 13
When do I have to turn in grades?
Answer
If your grades are turned into Information Services, you have until the end of the day two days after the end of the grading period ends. (Article VI, Section B, 5.)

Question 14
Paper work, documenting Sunshine State Standards/GLE's,cum folders, AIP's, IEP's, etc. are taking me hours beyond the school day. Do I have to do them?
Answer
Yes, but keep track of your time outside your workday (not just the student day) and turn in a Compensatory Time Accrual form. Also, assess whether you are doing more than called for. You might be able to reduce the time you spend.

Question 15
Do I have to call parents from my home?
Answer
No.
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Question 16
A parent is saying things about me that are not true. Can I sue? What should I do?
Answer
Suing can be very tricky and intent to harm can be difficult to prove. That doesn't mean you shouldn't talk with BFT's attorney if this is causing you problems. Prior to that, though, you should talk with your principal about the situation and try to work out a plan to stop the parent from this. Also, you should talk with a BFT officer to help work out a plan and to make sure this is documented.

Updated: June 1, 2008
If you would like more information contact:
Brevard Federation of Teachers
1007 S. Florida Ave.
Rockledge, FL 32955
321.636.3323 (ph)
321.636.4366 (FAX)
Send email to at BFT

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