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Tuesday, April 3, 2012

ROCKFORD TEACHERS’ “VICTORY” A SIGN OF THE TIMES « Teachers Fight Back

ROCKFORD TEACHERS’ “VICTORY” A SIGN OF THE TIMES « Teachers Fight Back:


ROCKFORD TEACHERS’ “VICTORY” A SIGN OF THE TIMES

Rockford teachers voted overwhelmingly to approve the contract offer that ended the strike. The details of the contract show how anything short of a “give-back” for teachers is considered a win these days.
The salary settlement for year one included no base pay increase and only half of the normal step and lane payments. Employees with a bachelor’s degree who are maxed out on the salary schedule will receive a $500 lump sum payment. Employees with a master’s degree who are maxed out will receive a $1000 lump sum.
In years two and three, employees will receive a  0.5 percent base pay increase , in addition to step and lane increases and the same $500 and $1000 for maxed out people.
In year four, the teachers will receive no base pay increase but will receive the same step and lane bumps and the same lump sum payments as year two and three.
The school district had tried to lower its pension contribution, but that will stay at 9.4 percent of salary.
Kindergarten classes with 23 or more students must have a paraprofessional to assist the teacher . The district