Employees and Bargaining Committee 

of Lisbon/M.S.A.D. No. 75 RPC

 

Minutes

December 5, 2007

 

The Employees & Bargaining Sub-committee of the Reorganization Planning Committee (RPC) met during the breakout session on Wednesday, December 5, 2007, at Mt. Ararat Middle School in Topsham, Maine.

 

Employees and Bargaining Committee members present were:  Steve Harris (Chair), Kim Totten, and Kim Benjamin.

 

Also present were Lisbon Superintendent Shannon Welsh and Sam Prindall, Mt. Ararat High School student representative.

 

The Sub-committee meeting began at 6:50 p.m. with Ms. Benjamin recapping the previous meeting for Superintendent Welsh, who had not been in attendance at that meeting on November 7th .  Superintendent Welsh updated the Sub-committee with the progress made on the proposed organizational chart since the last meeting.  She explained that the plan was to have both Lisbon and M.S.A.D. No. 75 Directors come together to discuss what they propose to meet the needs of 4,500 students.   If there was disagreement, Shari Broder could mediate or the two Superintendents would be part of the team meeting.

 

Superintendent Welsh handed out “RSU Potential Savings” which was developed in October.  The figures provided do not include an increase in salaries or the purchase of any additional software and/or licenses.

 

Facilities:  There are no savings in the transportation section because, although some janitors are also bus drivers, an operations position was added which negated the potential savings. 

 

Special Education:  Meetings have been set up to discuss Special Education.  The 5% savings is Statewide, not District-wide.

 

Superintendent Welsh addressed the Organizational Chart request, stating that the two Superintendents would like to complete the process correctly.  Since the process doesn’t need to be finalized until March, she respectfully requested more time from the Sub-committee. 

 

The Sub-committee reviewed the group’s objectives, as outlined in the first meeting. Item C is not applicable.  There are no contracts (lease-purchase agreements only), no grievances, and no school choice or tuition issues. 

 

Sam Prindall asked Superintendent Welsh to explain the figures on the “RSU Potential Savings” handout again; and discussion ensued around the cost per student requirement.  Ms. Benjamin asked what happens if we cannot get the per-student cost down to $204.  Superintendent Welsh responded that if we are unable to meet this standard, then the local share must pick up the difference.

 

Since the December 1st progress report has been submitted, the Sub-committee inquired what additional time commitments were expected.   Superintendent Welsh advised that by December 15th the Education Committee would comment on whether each proposal was in compliance with the Law.   Currently, there is a 30-day “check in” due on January 15th.  However, because of the holiday, it might be extended to February 15th.      If the final plan is received by the State by March 15th, the Education Committee will comment by April 15th to allow time for public notices for June.

 

Superintendent Welsh recapped the proposed Organizational Chart deliverables, stating that mid-January would be reasonable for all departments to meet and finalize their proposal.  The Sub-committee agreed to allow more time.

 

Contracts:  Superintendent Welsh informed the Sub-committee that incorrect information was previously provided to the group, as it related to contract expiration date (bolded dates indicate changes).   Feedback from the November 7th RSU meeting was discussed, and a new recommendation will be proposed. 

 

Teacher Contracts

School Unit

Contract Expiration

Recommended Renewal

M.S.A.D 75

2008

2 year

Lisbon

2009

1 year

 

Support Staff Contracts

School Unit

Contract Expiration

Recommended Renewal

M.S.A.D 75

2009

1 year

Lisbon

2010

Not applicable

 

Administrative Staff Contracts

School Unit

Contract Expiration

Recommended Renewal

M.S.A.D 75

2008

1 year

Lisbon

2008

1 year

 

Therefore, under the new RSU, the Superintendents will re-negotiate as follows:

2009                             Administration

2010                              Teaching Staff and Support Staff

 

The Sub-committee unanimously agreed to propose this revised recommendation to the full RPC Committee at the December 19th meeting.

 

The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m. for RPC group debriefing.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Kim Benjamin

Scribe

 

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