Double Dealing District Squanders Chance to Complete Bargain

Despite optimism going into the session, last night the RSD bargaining team squandered an opportunity to complete a deal:

1. COLA:         REA asked for a 2% COLA and RSD offered 1.5%, a cost of approximately $1,214,000 versus $910,500 for a difference of $303,500--- FAIRLY CLOSE.
2. Tuition:      REA initially agreed to a partial freeze on tuition reimbursement to save jobs and give RSD room to go up COLA.  At our last session RSD estimated the district savings to be $300,00.  Last night we learned there is already an ending tuition fund balance of approximately $215,000 for this year, and that next year RSD estimates savings of $200,000-400,000.  That comes to a total of potential savings for RSD of up to $615,000 versus $300,000--- NOT SO CLOSE….
3. Insurance: RSD had initially offered to increase the cap by $30 per month per member.  They also offered to maintain the annual contribution of $350,000 to the insurance pool.  REA had asked for some clarifying information on the exact amount of money in the pool, the longevity of the pool over the next three years, and what is the current estimated pool ending fund balance.  RSD provided this information and then abruptly changed their offer.  They apologized that they had misstated the offer of $30 per month per member increase in the cap, and that the cap needed to remain where it had been for 2019/2020.  This results in a $225,000 decrease in their initial offer.  They then proposed decreasing the standing practice of a $350,000 annual pool contribution to only $150,000 which is a decrease of $200,000.  Overall, RSD’s new insurance offer shrank by a total of $425,000--- NOT CLOSE AT ALL!

IN A NUTSHELL--- RSD is proposing compensation of $910,500 for COLA.  They are also proposing an overall decrease in compensation of up to $1,040,000 for insurance and tuition reimbursement.  This is a net loss of up to $129,500 and, at best, an offer of ZERO compensation.  RSD asks for REA to make sacrifices for our students but does not reciprocate.  RSD is double dealing.  You our members spoke loud and clear last night, and we will not bring you a contract offer that is unacceptable.

The teams have agreed to meet again next Thursday, 6/11/20, at 6:00PM.  It is the sincere hope of your bargaining team that RSD will show some sign of mutual sacrifice and/or goodwill before this next meeting.  There is a school Board meeting on Wednesday, 6/10/20, at 7:00PM.  The budget and potential cuts for next year will be discussed.  REA view’s this meeting as an excellent opportunity for the school board to demonstrate their good faith and make some sacrifices and re-visit some choices that could mitigate the direct impact to services and instruction for our students.

Bruce Marsh, Your C0-Bargain Chair