Week of March 14, 2022

Message from the President

Last week, the Teachers' Negotiations Team finally reached a tentative agreement with the Board of Education. We were able to secure our proposed salary schedule, which is an average increase of 4.1% each year for four years. The total compensation package is a little more than 16%. There are some language changes and changes to health insurance. I don't want people to be apprehensive about the health insurance. Yes, it's a change, but it is not as drastic as some other locals around the country have dealt with in their negotiations. In the information I provide later this week, I will include detailed information about the health insurance changes. We will also be discussing it at the meeting on the 23rd. With all that said, there is a new platform being launched by the city for insurance open enrollment. I am told that it is interactive and you'll be able to use it to see how your insurance costs will be impacted and how your insurance works for you. I am also told there will be assistance with this for anyone who would like it. As I said, I will send out the information this week and will answer whatever questions you have about any of the proposals in the tentative agreement.

Legislative Update

2022-09 Bulletin

Local School District Budget Cap

Looking forward to next week the House is set to vote on a bill about local school district budget caps HB 1393 . HB 1393 would adversely affect local school districts by allowing voters in a local school district to adopt a budget cap with a mandated formula that is primarily based on average daily attendance of pupils. Once a budget formula was set it would be very difficult for a district to deal with any unanticipated costs such as increases in transportation contracts, heating fuel, or even out-of-district costs for special education. This

would leave districts with a budget that could not even meet the basic needs to keep the school doors open and teach the children in the classrooms. Voters already have a mechanism to control a school district budget by voting directly on town meeting day. This bill is not necessary and comes will potentially disastrous results.

Action Needed (HB 1393-local school budget cap)

Please contact your representative and tell them to vote NO by clicking the following link: Defeat HB 1393.

New Member Benefit

Accidental Death and Dismemberment Coverage

Secretary-Treasurer Fedrick Ingram is very pleased to announce that AFT is now covering ALL members – active and retired – with $5,000 of accidental death & dismemberment insurance

For all the information, click here.

Share My Lesson Virtual Conference

Save the dates March 22-24 for our upcoming Share My Lesson Virtual Conference featuring 30+ free, for-credit professional development webinars--and you'll be entered for the chance to win 1 of 3 self-care wellness packages. Plus, we will email you as soon as registration for Virtual Conference opens up. You’ll be the first to know!

Each self-care wellness package is valued at $379 and includes the following:

This year will not disappoint as we bring in the best of the best to cover topics that are the most important to you, and all for free.

In addition to 30+ webinars, each worth one hour of professional development, AFT President Randi Weingarten will join us to discuss the state of public education in 2022, which is sure to be an important conversation as we continue to tackle health and safety, learning recovery, and social-emotional recovery.

For more information, click here: https://sharemylesson.com/prereg-vc22

Have an idea for the Just for Fun section? Send it to Adam (president@nashuatu.org).

I'm staying home!

There were many of you that traveled for vacation, but most you stayed home. I hope you enjoyed your vacation regardless of what you decided to do.

Just for Fun

It's another edition of Would You Rather. This week asks would you rather have telekinesis or telepathy?

For the NTU calendar, click here

For the BOE calendar, click here

For the BOE agendas and minutes, click here

Upcoming Events

  • March 15th

      • Executive Board/Superintendent Meeting, 4:00pm, Central Office

  • March 16th

      • Early Release

      • Board of Directors, 4:15pm, via Zoom

  • March 17th

      • Happy St. Patrick's Day

  • March 21st

      • Food Service Negotiations, 2:30pm, via Zoom

      • Internal Secretary Negotiations, 4:30pm, Union Office

  • March 22nd

      • NTU President/Superintendent Meeting, 9:00am, via Zoom

      • Secretary Negotiations, 10:00am, Central Office

  • March 23rd

      • Teacher Contract Ratification Meeting, 4:30pm, Nashua High School North

  • March 24th

      • Paraeducator Negotiations, 10:00am, Central Office

  • March 29th

      • NTU President/Superintendent Meeting, 9:00am, via Zoom

  • April 1st

      • Paraeducator Appreciation Day

Questions? Comments? Need Assistance? Contact a member of the Executive Board

Trying to email Adam? Make sure to use president@nashuatu.org