Board of Education Endorses Three-Year Deal for Paraprofessionals

The Vernon Board of Education unanimously endorsed a three-year contract with the district's paraprofessionals union on Monday night.

After an executive session, the board approved a 2 percent pay increase for each year of the new deal with the Vernon Federation of Paraprofessionals AFT-CT, AFL-CIO. 

The new contract begins July 1, 2011 and ends June 30, 2014. In year one, current employees not already making the maximum will advance one step on the salary scale.

There will be no step increase in year two.

For year three, current employees not already making the maximum will advance one step on the salary scale.

The contact also stipulates that, in terms of  medical benefits,  current eligible employees can choose between an open access plan) or a health savings account plan. 

Employees who are not currently eligible, but are at a later date, will be offered the HSA plan and new employees who work 25 hours per week or more are eligible for insurance, but the HSA plan only.

The premium share for employees under the HSA option is 25% each year. In year three of the contract, in addition to the 25% premium share for the OAP, employees will pay half of the increase in the premium.

The contract states that extra pay for extra work (substitute teacher) will be measured in 30-minute intervals.  This is done at a rate of $5 per hour in addition to the regular hourly rate when a paraprofessional covers for a teacher in excess of one hour per week.

In other board business, Stanley Karasinski, Director of Business and Finance updated the board on its end of the year budget.  It appears the district will have approximately $37,000 left in its 2010-2011 budget.

Karasinski explained that purchase orders and payroll are being finalized.  Board treasurer George Apel made a motion to request that the town place any “positive balance” in the Capital Non-Recurring account.  Kyle Percy seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

The board approved waiving the bid process on three measures – automated external defibrillators, inventory services, and repairs at Maple Street School.  Superintendent of Schools Mary Conway explained to the board that a clause in the policy 3321 allow the superintendent to request the bidding process be waived when it is in the best interest of the district.
 
The Town of Vernon is replacing its automated external defibrillators. Conway told the board it makes sense for the schools to use the same types of machines so that the town has universal equipment.

The town and district have used American Appraisals for valuation of assets.  The company has all the information and the school budget for 2011 – 2012 budgeted approximately $20,000 for this audit to occur.

Due to inclement weather this winter, Maple Street School needed emergency repairs. Conway requested that the board continue to use J.P Maguire Associates to continue work that needs to be completed over the summer that was not finished after the harsh winter. The amount for all the repairs that took place at Maple Street School is approximately $70,000, which will be covered by insurance.

The board also approved the consulting services of BlumShaprio to do an information technology audit of the district and town. Vice Chairperson Dean Houle explained to the board that the Technology Committee felt the firm would be best suited for the job.

“We had a very good comfort level that this consulting firm would provide the needs for the Vernon community,” Houle said.  “This firm has experience working with municipalities and school districts.” The proposed amount for the assessment is $85,000.