The Advocate – January 26, 2017

• Gearing Up for 2017
• Snow Days and Instructional Time Requirements
• PAT 2.0
• Notice of Resignation or Retirement
• Heads Up – Staffing for 2017-18 School Year to Start Soon
• OEA Promising Practices Grant Winners

Happy (Belated) New Year!

It’s been such an honor to serve as your PAT President for the past 7 months. We’ve accomplished so much in such a short time, and there’s even more ahead of us in 2017.

Our office has received many calls and emails wondering what the impact of snow days will be on the school calendar. We appreciate the suggestions and we understand the concerns many of you have expressed. However, it's still not clear what PPS is planning and, therefore, what our response will be.  

Over the past few months, you’ve probably noticed a new look and feel for PAT. For starters, our office was completely remodeled, after OEA finally took care of the numerous maintenance, repair, and safety issues with our building. In addition to a host of new technology, the remodel included things like new dishwashers that will help us make “greener” choices. If you haven’t come by the building this year, drop by and check it out.

If you know you will be resigning or retiring from PPS, it pays to let your supervisor know as soon as possible. Article 15.B.1 of the PAT/PPS contract states that if an educator gives written notice of resignation or retirement no later than February 15, the professional educator will receive $1250.  If the professional educator gives written notice no later than March 15^th, the professional educator will receive $700.  Notice must be in writing, to the principal or supervising administrator and the payment will be made in the professional educator’s final paycheck.  Note, this provision does not apply if the resignation is made in lieu of termination, non-renewal or non-extension of contract. 

Due to changes in the contract, the staffing process will begin approximately six weeks earlier than it has in the past. The District is now required to post the vacancies for the internal transfer process no later than March 1 of each school year.  You will be informed as dates are set for the specific phases of the process.

Each Year OEA awards Promising Practices Grants to members to support student learning or professional development.