This week your PAT bargaining team is THANKFUL for all the work you and your colleagues have done to settle our contract. From wearing blue on Tuesdays to attending school board meetings, your collective efforts are having an impact!

Last week we had two days of mediation with the District and it feels like bargaining has finally begun. Although we have had substantive discussions, and were even able to exchange proposals back and forth, no new agreements were reached.

We will continue to push for a fair settlement that addresses the issues that matter most to PAT members, such as:

• Competitive compensation, so PPS can attract and retain great educators
• Safer schools for students and staff
• Restoring early retirement benefits, so every educator has a bridge to Medicare
• Protecting due process rights for PPS employees
• Concrete improvements in special education, such as more time for case management and flexibility scheduling IEP meetings
• Providing materials in the language of instruction
• Respecting educators and honoring our agreements

We have to keep up the pressure over the next few weeks, so find out more about the key issues on the PAT website and talk to your building organizer about how you can get involved. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Suzanne Cohen
PAT President