The Advocate - September 28, 2016

• A Big Ask You Need to Answer
• Organizing for Measure 97
• Bargaining Update
• PAT-PAC Endorsements
• Initial Placement on the Salary Schedule
• Advancing on the Salary Schedule
• Make Time for Mandatory Trainings
• How to Raise Issues with Your Administration
• Using Professional Development Funds
• Two Great Professional Development Opportunities
• Help Us Address Class Size
• Oregon Writing Project - The Politics of Teaching THIS Election
• PAT Members Speak Out on Housing Crisis

Before I was PAT President, I taught 7th grade Math and Science at Peninsula, back when it was a K-8. Despite being a Title 1 school, we didn’t have a counselor. 

If Measure 97 passes, we secure an additional $6 billion in stable funding for education, healthcare, and senior services. If it fails, we are facing a $1-2 billion shortfall next budget cycle. Oregonians have been waiting for two decades for the legislature to fix our revenue system, and we won’t get another opportunity like this. 

Your bargaining team continued its work over the summer and into the new school year.  However, many key discussions will be put on hold until after November 8th.  On that day, voters can decide to add significant new educational funding for K-12 schools by voting yes on Measure 97.  This would mean that the District would have financial resources to lower class sizes, reduce caseloads, improve safety, add instructional time, and restore the services to kids that have been eroded over 25 years of defunding Oregon schools.  We are also delaying discussions on compensation and benefits.  If Measure 97 fails, we expect renewed proposals for cuts to staffing and programs.

The PAT-PAC Board met and has voted to take no position in the race for Portland City Commissioner Position 4. The PAT-PAC Board is recommending Dr. Sharon Meieran for Multnomah County Commissioner District 1, and Tawna Sanchez for House District 43. A complete voter’s guide with all PAT-PAC recommendations will come out October 12th.

Did you take classes over the summer that you want to use to advance on the salary schedule? If you want the salary increase to be retroactive to the beginning of the school year, it's your responsibility to make sure that PPS Human Resources Department receives verification that you successfully completed the courses by October 31. If PPS receives verification after October 31, the salary adjustment will be made effective the second month following the month in which proof is received. Read more here to see what is required.

Are you new to PPS? Do you have past teaching experience or degrees that you want to count towards your initial placement on the salary schedule? Please be aware that placement depends on PPS' receipt of official verification of your teaching or work experience, and it is your responsibility to make sure they receive it. To get credit for your experience retroactive to your start of employment, PPS Human Resources Department must receive that verification within 60 days of your start. Read more here to see what is required.

Each year educators are required to complete mandatory online trainings on topics such as Emergency Preparedness and Prevention and Reporting. This year’s mandatory trainings are estimated to require 3 hours and 15 minutes. Our contract requires administrators to provide time during the workday for all mandatory trainings. Educators required to complete mandatory trainings on their own time should be paid at their hourly rate.

Did you know that every PAT member has the contractual right to raise issues and concerns with the building administration?  All you have to do is talk with your building representatives, and they can present your idea or issues as part of their monthly meetings with the building administration.  Don’t let little issues become big problems.  Talk with your PAT Building Rep so they can make sure administrators are aware of problems and can correct possible violations.  

The PAT/PPS contract provides funds for professional development as well as tuition reimbursement. The Professional Improvement Fund allows educators to spend $1500 over three years for transportation, meals, lodging, and registration costs to attend a conference, provided it has a legitimate pedagogical purpose. Please note that temporary teachers are not currently eligible for the Professional Improvement Fund.