Contract Between
Edison Tp B/E-Middlesex
- and -
Edison Tp EA
* * *
07/01/2008 thru 06/30/2011


CategorySchool District
UnitAides, Clerical, Other, Security Guards

Contract Text Below
AGREEMENT

for

NON-CERTIFICATED EMPLOYEES

between

BOARD OF EDUCATION
EDISON TOWNSHIP
NEW JERSEY

and

EDISON TOWNSHIP
EDUCATION ASSOCIATION


July 1, 2008 – June 30, 2011


















10/22/08


TABLE OF CONTENTS

ARTICLE PAGE

Preamble 3
I Recognition 3
II Negotiations of Successor Agreement 3
III Board Policies 4
IV Grievance Procedure 5
V Employee and Board Rights 8
VI Association Rights and Privileges 9
VII Employment 10
Salary Guides 14
VIII Employee Work Year 21
IX Employee Work Day 25
X Assignments and Transfers 28
XI Promotions and Vacancies 29
XII Employee Evaluation 30
XIII Leaves of Absence 31
XIV Health Insurance 35
XV Staff Development Workshops 37
XVI Deduction from Salary 38
XVII Miscellaneous Provisions 39
XVIII Duration 40
Index 41
Glossary 44
-3-
PREAMBLE
This Agreement signed this day of October, 2008, by and between the Board of Education of Edison Township, Edison, New Jersey, hereinafter called the "Board" and the Edison Township Education Association, hereinafter called the "Association".
W I T N E S S E T H :
WHEREAS, the Board has an obligation, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 34:13A-1 et. seq., to negotiate with the Association as the representative of employees hereinafter designated with respect to the terms and conditions of employment, and
WHEREAS, the parties have reached certain understandings which they desire to confirm in this Agreement,
In consideration of the following mutual covenant, it is hereby agreed as follows:
ARTICLE I
RECOGNITION
Unit
The Board hereby recognizes the Association as the exclusive and sole representative for collective negotiations concerning the terms and conditions of employment for full-time, and part-time non-certificated employees, whether under contract, on leave, or employed by the Board, including attendance investigators, library aides, library assistants, paraprofessionals, teacher aides, administrative secretaries, school secretaries, clerical aides, security officers, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and excluding all other employees.
Definition of Employee
    Unless otherwise indicated, the term "employee” when used hereinafter in this Agreement, shall refer to all non-certificated employees represented by the Association in the negotiating unit as above defined.
    When a reference is made to a specific classification of employee (example: security officer) the reference shall apply exclusively to that classification of employee.
    Administrative Secretaries are all secretarial and clerical personnel in the Central Office, Adult Education, Enrollment Center, Maintenance and Transportation, with the exception of any Class III secretary and clerical aides.
ARTICLE II
NEGOTIATIONS OF SUCCESSOR AGREEMENT
Legal Authority
Exchange of Information
During negotiations, the Board and the Association shall present relevant data, exchange points of view, and make proposals and counter-proposals. The Board shall make available for inspection by the Association by November 30, salary guides, scatter grams, a health insurance profile, and other pertinent records.
Representation
Neither party in any negotiations shall have any control over the selection of the negotiations representatives of the other party. The parties mutually pledge that their representatives be empowered to make proposals, consider proposals, and make counter-proposals in the course of negotiations.
Modification of Agreement
    Representatives of the Board and the Association's negotiation committee shall meet upon the request of either party for the purpose of reviewing the administration of and/or amending this Agreement, and to resolve problems that may arise. These meetings are not intended to bypass the grievance procedure.
    Each party shall submit to the other at least three (3) days prior to the meeting an agenda covering matters it wishes to discuss.
    All meetings between the parties shall be regularly scheduled, whenever possible, to take place when the employees involved are free from assigned responsibilities unless otherwise agreed.
    Should a mutually acceptable amendment to this Agreement be negotiated by the parties, it shall be reduced to writing, be signed by the representatives of the Board and the Association, and be submitted for ratification to the Board and to the Association.
Maintenance of Benefits
Except as this Agreement shall hereinafter otherwise provide, all terms and conditions of employment applicable on the effective date of this Agreement to employees covered by this Agreement shall continue to be applicable during the term of this Agreement.
ARTICLE III
BOARD POLICIES
Implementation
This article concerns the implementation of policies, not the policies themselves.
Review and Enforcement
    All Board of Education policies will be upheld and enforced by all Board employees who are party to this Agreement, as well as by all Administrators/Principals/Supervisors.
2. All Board of Education policies and revisions will be available for review in the office of the principal, the school library, and the Association office.
    3. All Board of Education policies will be available for review at a site conveniently accessible to employees in the Education Center.
ARTICLE IV
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
Definition
A grievance is a claim by an employee (or a group of employees similarly situated, or the Association) that he/she has suffered harm by the interpretation, application, or violation of policies, agreements, or administrative decisions affecting an employee’s terms and conditions of employment.
Purpose
    The purpose of this procedure is to secure at the lowest possible level equitable solutions to the problems which may from time to time arise affecting the welfare, or terms and conditions of employment, of employees. Both parties agree that these proceedings will be kept as informal and confidential as may be appropriate at any level of the procedure.
    Nothing herein contained shall be construed as limiting the right of any employee having a grievance to discuss the matter informally with any appropriate member of the administration and having the grievance adjusted without intervention of the Association, provided the adjustment is not inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement, and that the Association has been given the opportunity to be present at such adjustment and to state its views.
Procedure
1. Pre-Grievance Intervention
    An employee, who has a concern/problem/issue that is based on contractual language, or Board policy or procedures, or an administrative decision, should first arrange an appointment with the principal or immediate supervisor involved, to discuss the matter. The grievance may choose to have the Association’s designated representative discuss the grievance in question. The discussion should commence no later than ten (10) working days after the concern/problem/issue became known.
    The attendance of an Association Representative should be considered if the problem may involve more people than the individual involved; if the matter is disciplinary in nature; if it involves an observation or evaluation, or if it involves working conditions for a group of people. In such matters, it is advisable to have an Association Representative in attendance for advice and guidance as to the Association’s viewpoint.
    A pre-grievance conference is meant to be informal in nature. The concern/problem/issue should be clearly presented, and solutions or suggestions to address the concern may be offered by the individual. Every effort should be made to consider all reasonable solutions put forth, and to resolve the matter at this level. The Association Representative however is charged with representing the views of the Association with regard to any resolution to the matter.
2. Level I
If the concern/problem/issue is not resolved satisfactorily through the Pre-Grievance Intervention, then the aggrieved employee may move to the Level I grievance procedure. The procedure will be as follows:
      A formal written grievance shall be filed with the principal or immediate supervisor by the aggrieved employee or the Association representative. The grievance must be filed within twenty (20) calendar days after the concern/problem becomes known to the employee. A grievance may not be filed later than six (6) months after the occurrence of the concern/problem regardless of when the employee became aware of the concern/problem.
      The aggrieved employee or the Association representative must fill out an Initial Complaint Form and send the completed form to the Association office and principal/supervisor in order to formally initiate the Level l procedure.
      A conference will be held between the principal/supervisor, the aggrieved employee, and the Association representative in an effort to address the aggrieved employee’s concerns.
      The response of the principal/supervisor will be communicated in writing to the aggrieved employee and the Association representative within ten (10) school days after the conference has been held.
      If the response of the principal/supervisor is not acceptable to the aggrieved employee and the Association, then the aggrieved employee/Association Representative may forward a copy of the principal’s/supervisor’s response to the Grievance Committee within ten (10) calendar days of the decision.
3. Level II
Within fifteen (15) school days after receiving the written grievance, the Grievance Committee may refer the grievance to the Superintendent of Schools. The Superintendent, or his/her designee will confer with the President and/or Grievance Chairperson of the Association, and if deemed necessary by the Superintendent, the aggrieved employee. A decision, in writing, shall be delivered within ten (10) school days to the aggrieved employee and the Association Office.
4. Level III
      If the Grievance Committee is not satisfied with the disposition of the grievance at Level ll, or if no decision has been rendered within ten (10) school days after the grievance was delivered to the Superintendent, the Grievance Committee and/or an official designee(s) of the Association may refer the grievance to the Board of Education within ten (10) school days. The Board may, in its discretion, conduct a hearing within thirty (30) school days of the Board’s receipt of the grievance. The Board shall render its decision, in writing, within thirty (30) school days from receipt of the grievance, or if a hearing is held from the date of the hearing. The Board’s decision shall be delivered to the Association office and the Superintendent of Schools.
      If requested by the Association, an opportunity to present any, or all, Level III grievances shall be availed the Association President, and/or the Association Grievance Chairperson.
      All grievance hearings shall be at a mutually agreed-upon site in Edison Township.
5. Level IV: Arbitration
If the Association is not satisfied with the decision of the Board, the Association may appeal the decision to binding arbitration. Notice of a demand for binding arbitration shall be filed with the Public Employment Relations Commission within thirty (30) calendar days of the last appropriate date for a decision to be rendered by the Board with a copy of such notice to be sent to the Board.
      The parties will arrange to have arbitration meetings at mutually agreed upon sites in Edison Township.
      The arbitrator shall be without power or authority to make awards contrary to or inconsistent with the terms of the Agreement or of applicable law, rules or regulations having the force and effect of law.
      The award of the arbitration shall be binding. To the extent permitted by law, only the Board and the Association shall be given copies of the arbitrator’s report of findings and award. This shall be accomplished within thirty (30) calendar days of the completion of the arbitration hearings.
      The arbitrator’s fee shall be shared equally by the Board and the Association.
      The Board agrees that it will apply to all substantially similar situations the decision of the arbitrator.
      The Association agrees that it will not bring or continue any grievance which is substantially similar to a grievance denied by the arbitrator.
6. Communications
Within ten (10) school days after the final resolution, whether at Level III, or IV the final resolution shall be communicated in writing to all appropriate administrative/supervisory personnel.

7. Since it is important that a grievance be processed as rapidly as possible, the number of days indicated at each level should be considered as a maximum and every effort should be made to expedite the process. The time limits specified may, however, be extended by mutual written agreement.
Rights of Employees to Representation
    Any party in interest may be represented at all stages of the grievance procedure by himself or herself or, at his/her option, by a representative elected, or approved, by the Association. When an employee is not represented by the Association, the Association shall have the right to be present and to state its view at all stages of the grievance procedure.
    No reprisals of any kind shall be taken by the Board, or by any member of the administration, against any party in interest, any building representative, any member of the Grievance Committee, or any other participant in the grievance procedure by reason of such participation.
Miscellaneous
    If, in the judgment of the Grievance Committee, a grievance affects a group or class of employees in more than one building, the Grievance Committee may submit such grievance in writing to the Superintendent directly, and the processing of such grievances shall commence at Level II. The Grievance Committee may process such a grievance through all levels of the grievance procedure even though the aggrieved person does not wish to do so.
    Decisions rendered at Levels I, II, and III shall be communicated in writing, on forms previously adopted (see 5. below), and any denial shall specify the reason/basis for denial. Copies will be sent to the parties in interest, including all grievants, and to the Association, Attn: Grievance Committee. The Superintendent shall inform all administrative staff of any decision rendered, and the Association shall inform all Association Representatives.
    Unless otherwise mutually agreed upon, all meetings and hearings under this procedure shall not be conducted in public and shall include only such parties in interest and the designated or selected representatives heretofore referred to in this Article.
    Any employee in the Edison Township School System, or any other person under the supervision or control of the Edison Township Board of Education, if required by the Association and the Board, shall be made available for appearance at any arbitration, grievance, or P.E.R.C. hearing as requested by the Association or the Board without any loss of pay while attending such hearings.
    Forms for filing grievances, serving notices, taking appeals, making reports and recommendations, and other necessary documents shall be prepared jointly by the Superintendent and the Association and given appropriate distribution so as to facilitate operation of the grievance procedure.






ARTICLE V
EMPLOYEE AND BOARD RIGHTS
Rights and Protection in Representation
Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 34:13A-1 et. Seq., the Board hereby agrees that every employee of the Board shall have the right to freely organize, join and support the Association and its affiliates for the purpose of engaging in collective negotiations. The Board undertakes and agrees that it shall not directly, or indirectly, discourage, or deprive, or coerce any employee in its employment of any rights conferred by N.J.S.A. 34:13A-1 et. Seq., or other laws of New Jersey or the Constitution of New Jersey and the United States; that it shall not discriminate against any employee with respect to hours, wages or any terms or conditions of employment by reason of his/her participation in any activities of the Association and its affiliates, collective negotiations with the Board, or his/her institution of any grievance, complaint or proceeding under this Agreement, or otherwise with respect to any terms or conditions of employment.
Just Cause Provision
    No employee shall be disciplined, reprimanded, reduced in rank or compensation, or deprived of any professional advantage, or denied renewal of contract without just cause pursuant to N.J.S.A. 34:13a-29, et seq. Any such action asserted by the Board, or any agent or representative thereof, shall be subject to the grievance procedure.
    It is expected that all parties will exhibit professional behavior at all times.
    If the necessity for an oral reprimand occurs, it should be done in a professional manner and in a private location, such as the Administrator's office, or any other location affording privacy of communication.
Required Meetings or Hearings
Whenever any employee is required to appear before the Superintendent, Board, or any committee, or member thereof, concerning any matter which could adversely affect the continuation of that employee in his/her office, position or employment, or the salary or any increments pertaining thereto, he/she may request a written notice of the reasons for such meeting or interview and shall be entitled to have a representative of the Association present to advise him/her, and represent him/her during such meeting or interview if he/she so desires.
Responsibility and Authority of the Board
Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement and under the provisions of N.J.S.A. 34:13A-1 et. seq., the Association recognizes that the Board has the responsibility and authority to manage and direct, on behalf of the public, all the operations and activities of this school district to the extent authorized by law.
ARTICLE VI
ASSOCIATION RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES
Information
The Board agrees to furnish to the Association in response to reasonable requests all available information that is a matter of public record.
Released Time for Meetings
When any representative of the Association, or any employee, is mutually scheduled by the parties to participate during working hours in negotiations, grievance proceedings or hearings arising from the grievance procedure, conferences or meetings, he/she will suffer no loss in pay. The parties may mutually agree to meet at other times.

    School Visitations by Association Representatives
Representatives of the Association, the Middlesex County Education Association, the New Jersey Education Association, and the National Education Association, shall be permitted to transact official Association business on school property at all reasonable times with the approval of the principal and/or Superintendent, provided that this shall not interfere with or interrupt normal school operations.
Use of School Buildings
The Association and its representatives shall have the right to use school buildings at all reasonable hours for meetings upon the approval of the principal and/or Superintendent.
Use of School Equipment
The Association shall have the right to use school facilities and equipment at such reasonable times when such equipment is not otherwise in use. The Association shall pay for the reasonable cost of all materials and supplies incident to such use.
Bulletin Boards
The Association shall have in each school building exclusive use of a bulletin board in each lounge and employee’s dining room. The Association will also be assigned adequate space, if available, on the bulletin board in the central office for Association notices. Copies of all materials to be posted on such bulletin boards shall be given to the building principal.
Mail Facilities and Mailboxes
The Association shall have the right to use the inter-school mail facilities and school mailboxes as it deems necessary.
Leave for Association President
The President shall be granted leave(s) of absence during his/her term of office as president. The rate of pay for the presidential leave(s) shall be mutually established for each contract year and shall be based on a twelve (12) month work year. Upon returning to full-time employment, full credit for each year of the leave of absence will be granted for seniority and salary guide placement purposes. All other benefits granted to full-time employees shall be granted to the Association President during such leave(s) of absence.
Exclusive Rights
The rights and privileges of the Association and its representatives as set forth in this Agreement shall be granted only to the Association as the exclusive representative of the employees and to no other organizations.






ARTICLE VII
EMPLOYMENT
Common Unit Language
The following language is common to more than one (1) unit in the Non-Certificated contract. Units will be identified where appropriate.
    Tenure—Attendance Investigators, Security Officers, Library Aides, Library Assistants, Paraprofessionals, Secretaries, Clerical Aides, Registered Nurses, and Licensed Practical Nurses.
Effective September 1, 1999 tenure shall be acquired after employment in the district for: (a) three (3) consecutive calendar years; or (b) three (3) consecutive academic years together with employment at the beginning of the next succeeding academic year; or (c) the equivalent of more than three (3) academic years within a period of any four (4) consecutive academic years. Employees currently serving in these positions as of September 1, 1999, who have completed one (1) of the above requirements, shall be deemed to have tenure. Current employees with less than the required district service shall acquire tenure after having reached the above threshold, with accrued time served in the district counted toward that acquisition. Employees hired after September 1, 1999 shall begin computing seniority toward tenure acquisition from their first day of employment.
    Probationary Period—Attendance Investigators, Security Officers, Library Aides, Library Assistants, Paraprofessionals, Secretaries, Teacher Aides, Clerical Aides, Registered Nurses, and Licensed Practical Nurses.
The above named personnel shall be hired on a ninety (90) calendar day probationary period. During the probationary period, such employee may be discharged or suspended for any reason, with or without cause, and such discharge or suspension shall not be subject to the grievance and arbitration provisions of this Agreement. Upon completion of the probationary period such employee shall have access to the grievance procedure.
    Seniority—Attendance Investigators, Security Officers, Library Aides, Library Assistants, Paraprofessionals, Teacher Aides, Secretaries, Clerical Aides, Registered Nurses, and Licensed Practical Nurses.
      Seniority shall be defined as service to the school district as a member of the bargaining unit.
      Seniority shall not be accumulated during the period of layoff. Upon recall, employees shall have their accumulated seniority restored to the date of layoff.
      An employee shall only lose school district seniority if he/she resigns or is discharged for cause, irrespective of whether he/she is subsequently rehired by the school district.
      For purposes of layoff and recall, all tenured personnel cited above shall be credited with seniority equal to the amount of time employed in their current job classifications. An employee may not "bump" any employee in any other classification unless the employee has worked in that classification. When an employee has worked in more than one classification, the employee's seniority shall continue to accrue in all former classifications. Example: Employee A is hired as a security officer and works in this classification for four years. Employee A then becomes a secretary and remains in this position for five years. Employee A now has five years seniority as a secretary and nine years seniority as a security officer. Note: Teacher aides may accrue seniority, but not tenure.
    Step Increment Credit
      10-month employees—Attendance Investigators, Library Aides, Library Assistants, Paraprofessionals, Teacher Aides, Secretary II, Secretary III, Secretary III-B, Registered Nurses, and Licensed Practical Nurses: Personnel cited above whose date of appointment for a full work day by September 30 shall receive a full increment step in the salary guide. Personnel whose date of appointment is between October 1 and February 1 inclusive shall receive one-half (1/2) step increment in the salary guide. Personnel whose date of appointment is after February 1 shall receive no increment in the salary guide.
      12-month employees—Administrative Secretaries, Secretary I, Clerical Aides and Security Officers: Personnel employed for a full work day by August 31st shall receive a full increment step in the salary guide. Personnel cited above whose date of appointment for a full work day by August 31 shall receive a full increment step in the salary guide. Personnel whose date of appointment is between September 1 and January 1 inclusive shall receive one-half (1/2) step increment in the salary guide. Personnel whose date of appointment is after January 1 shall receive no increment in the salary guide.
      A 10-month employee (as cited in a. above) shall receive a full step increment if the employee, during the course of a school year, accumulates less than thirty (30) calendar days of requested unpaid leave. A 10-month employee shall receive a one-half step increment if the employee, during the course of a school year, accumulates thirty (30) or more calendar days but no more than one-hundred fifty (150) calendar days of requested unpaid leave. A 10-month employee shall receive no step increment if the employee accumulates more than one-hundred fifty (150) calendar days of requested unpaid leave during the course of a school year.
      A 12-month employee (as cited in b. above) shall receive a full step increment if the employee, during the course of a school year, accumulates less than sixty (60) calendar days of requested unpaid leave. A 12-month employee shall receive a one-half step increment if the employee, during the course of a school year, accumulates sixty (60) or more calendar days but no more than one-hundred eighty (180) calendar days of requested unpaid leave. A 12-month employee shall receive no step increment if the employee accumulates more than one-hundred eighty (180) calendar days of requested unpaid leave during the course of a school year.
    Resignation Notice—Attendance Investigators, Security Officers, Library Aides, Library Assistants, Paraprofessionals, Teacher Aides, Secretaries, Clerical Aides, Registered Nurses, and Licensed Practical Nurses
      Any non-certificated employee who is resigning is expected to give thirty (30) days' notice but may give a minimum of fifteen (15) days' notice.
    Tuition Reimbursement—Attendance Investigators, Security Officers, Library Aides, Library Assistants, Paraprofessionals, Teacher Aides, Secretaries, Clerical Aides, Registered Nurses, and Licensed Practical Nurses.
The Board will pay the full cost of tuition incurred in connection with any course, workshop, training sessions or other job-related sessions an employee is required or permitted to attend by the administration. Courses eligible for consideration shall include those offered at institutions of higher education, and/or the Edison Adult School, provided such courses involve skills or knowledge related to job requirements. When an employee is required to attend a training session outside working hours, compensation for actual time in attendance shall be paid at regular straight-time rate of pay. The Board will pay the full cost of tuition for any state-required certification/re-certification programs for security guards.


      Direct Deposit—Attendance Investigators, Security Officers, Library Aides, Library Assistants, Paraprofessionals, Teacher Aides, Secretaries, Clerical Aides, Registered Nurses, and Licensed Practical Nurses.
The Board shall provide a voluntary direct deposit banking program.
Specific Unit Language
This language applies only to the unit cited.
    Attendance Investigators and Security Officers
      Reimbursement for Loss of Personal Property: The Board shall reimburse attendance investigators and security officers for the reasonable cost of any clothing or other personal property damaged or destroyed while the attendance investigator or security officer was acting in the discharge of his/her duties within the scope of his/her employment with approval of the Principal and Superintendent. Reimbursements for clothing or uniforms made under these circumstances shall be in addition to, and not covered by, the annual clothing allowance cited in subparagraph c. below.
      Reimbursement for Mileage: Security officers shall receive the maximum mileage rate per mile permitted under the Internal Revenue Service Rules for Business Use of Automobiles.
      Clothing Allowance: Security Officers shall receive an annual clothing voucher of six hundred seventy-five dollars ($675) for 2008-09, seven hundred ($700) dollars for 2009-2010, and seven hundred twenty-five dollars ($725) for 2010-2011. The uniform shall be determined by the Board of Education.
      Car Allowance: Attendance Investigators shall receive a car allowance of three hundred seventy-five dollars ($375.00) per month or three thousand, seven hundred fifty dollars ($3,750.00) per year. For any period of time not worked during the school year, that exceeds five consecutive work days, a per diem deduction will be made starting from the first day of absence.
      Stipend—Head Attendance Investigator: The Head Attendance Investigator shall receive a stipend of eight hundred fifty dollars ($850.00) per year.
      Stipend—Head Security Officer: The stipend for each Head Security Officer shall be two thousand seven hundred fifty dollars ($2,750.00) per year.
      Night Differential: Security Officers shall receive a night differential of thirty cents ($.30) per hour for any shift beginning at 3:00 PM or later.
    Library Aides and Library Assistants
      Employment Criteria: Members assigned to the school libraries shall be designated as library assistants if the member has sixty (60) college credits or more and has successfully completed the Rutgers University online Library Assistant Training Program. Members assigned to the school libraries who have not met these requirements shall be designated as library aides.
    Paraprofessionals/Teacher Aides
      Notification of Employment: The Board agrees to notify employees prior to the close of the school year as to their employment status for the succeeding school year.
      Assignment:
        Assignment of a paraprofessional/teacher aide to a specific school shall be confirmed no later than one (1) week prior to the start of the school year.
        Assignment of a teacher aide will be determined by district needs.
        To avoid the necessity of multiple transfers of the same paraprofessional, it shall be the general practice that, where feasible, a paraprofessional, who is returning to the district, shall be reassigned on the opening day of school to the same school to which he/she was assigned as of the closing day of the previous year, and for the same amount of time. As soon as paraprofessional needs for the new school year are firm, (usually five (5) days after school opening), paraprofessionals will be reassigned, in seniority order, to available positions. Preference of paraprofessionals, who wish to remain in their previous assignment, even though the time may be reduced, will be honored, if at all feasible.
      Certification: Any paraprofessional employed prior to July 1, 1978, shall not be required to fulfill any additional certification requirements unless mandated by the State.
      Seniority: In making seniority determinations, the following procedures shall be used:
        Paraprofessionals and teacher aides shall be granted seniority in two (2) categories: (a) Regular and (b) Special Education.
        Regular seniority shall include all continuous (or RIF) time served as a paraprofessional or teacher aide in the Edison schools.
        The initial special education seniority list shall include all those paraprofessionals and teacher aides presently assigned to special education classes. These employees shall be placed on the list according to their total years of service in the Edison schools.
        In assigning paraprofessionals for each school year, regular assignments shall be based on the "regular" list and special education assignments shall be based on the "special education" list.
        In making paraprofessional assignments for each school year, the member's total seniority on both lists will be considered. Unless the paraprofessional requests otherwise, he/she will be given the assignment from either list which will provide him/her with the higher percentage of employment.
        If a paraprofessional who does not have "special education" seniority requests a special education assignment, such request will be granted, provided the member's total seniority would entitle him/her to such assignment. In accepting this assignment, the member will be required to serve a probationary period of 120 calendar days. If at any time during this probationary period the building principal, in consultation with the special education supervisor, determines that the member's services are not satisfactory, he/she shall be removed from the position and shall be required to wait for further employment until a regular position is available.
      Facilities: Every effort will be made to provide Paraprofessionals and Teacher Aides with adequate storage space or a file cabinet, and a full-sized chair in their classrooms.
      Traveling Paraprofessionals: Paraprofessionals and Teacher Aides who are assigned to more than one (1) school shall be given a minimum of forty (40) minutes or the equivalent of one (1) instructional period for inter-school travel time, except within the James Madison Complex.
      Mileage Allowance: When paraprofessionals/teacher aides are required to travel from one work station to another in the course of their work day, they shall be reimbursed for mileage at the maximum mileage rate per mile permitted under the Internal Revenue Service Rules for Business Use of Automobiles.
4. Secretary Employment
      Secretarial Classifications:
Administrative Secretary Secretarial and clerical aides in the Central Office, Adult Education, Enrollment Center, Maintenance and Transportation, with the exception of personnel classified as Exempt, and any Class III secretary.
Class I Secretary to principal (secondary school)
Class II Secretary to principal (elementary school)
Class III All other secretaries who are not employed for a one hundred eighty one (181) day work year.
Class III-B All other secretaries who are employed for a one hundred eighty one (181) day work year including general aides/staff assistants and paraprofessionals who were assigned secretarial and/or clerical duties prior to August 31, 1993. In addition, this section shall not be interpreted as permitting the reduction of the work year of a Class III secretary to that of a Class III-B secretary without negotiations pursuant to Article II of this agreement.
      Seniority:
        When a member transfers from administrative secretarial classification to school secretarial classification, the seniority will be credited toward the new position. For purposes of layoff and recall, all employees shall be credited with seniority equal to the amount of time employed in the Edison Township School District.
        Class III-B secretaries shall be a separate seniority classification for purposes of layoff and recall. This category is comprised of all secretaries who are employed for a one hundred eighty-one (181) day work year, including general aides/staff assistants and paraprofessionals who were assigned secretarial and/or clerical duties prior to August 31, 1993.
      Stipends: In each year of this agreement, the following additional pensionable compensation shall be given to the positions indicated below:
High school head secretaries $1,000
Middle school head secretaries $600
Elementary school head secretaries $600
5. Registered Nurses/Licensed Practical Nurses
Certification: Registered nurse certification from the State of New Jersey is required.
C. Salary Guides
Half-Step Increments: Each salary guide includes half-steps which are calculated midpoint between two full steps. Any member that does not meet the requirements for a full-step increment, but does qualify for a half-step increment, will receive fifty per cent (50%) of their full- step increment.
ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARIES
7/1/08 7/1/09 7/1/10
STEP 6/30/09 6/30/10 6/30/11
1 41,049 41,870 42,917
2 41,780 42,616 43,681
3 42,510 43,360 44,444
4 43,574 44,445 45,556
5 45,144 46,047 47,198
6 46,837 47,774 48,968
7 49,766 50,761 52,030
8 50,123 51,125 52,404
9 50,480 51,490 52,777
10 50,837 51,854 53,150
11 51,051 52,072 53,374
12 51,265 52,291 53,598
13 51,480 52,509 53,822
14 51,694 52,728 54,046
15 51,908 52,946 54,270
16 52,123 53,165 54,494
17 52,338 53,384 54,719
18 52,553 53,604 54,944
19 52,767 53,823 55,168
20 52,982 54,042 55,393
21 53,197 54,261 55,617
22 53,412 54,480 55,842
23 53,627 54,699 56,067
24 53,842 54,918 56,291
25 54,056 55,137 56,516
CLERICAL AIDES
7/1/08 7/1/09 7/1/10
STEP 6/30/09 6/30/10 6/30/11
1 25,166 25,669 26,439
2 26,678 27,212 28,028
3 28,295 28,861 29,727
4 31,658 32,291 33,260
5 32,542 33,193 34,189
6 34,526 35,217 36,274
7 35,218 35,922 37,000
8 35,922 36,640 37,739
9 36,640 37,373 38,494
10 37,774 38,529 39,685
11 39,856 40,653 41,873
12 40,646 41,459 42,703
13 41,450 42,279 43,547
14 42,270 43,115 44,408
15 43,107 43,969 45,288
16 45,297 46,203 47,589
17 46,196 47,120 48,534
18 47,111 48,053 49,495
19 48,044 49,005 50,475
20 48,999 49,979 51,478
CLASS I SECRETARIES
7/1/08 7/1/09 7/1/10
STEP 6/30/09 6/30/10 6/30/11
1 36,828 37,565 38,504
2 38,617 39,390 40,374
3 40,155 40,958 41,982
4 42,376 43,223 44,304
5 48,256 49,221 50,452
6 48,451 49,420 50,656
7 48,615 49,618 50,858
8 48,840 49,817 51,062
9 49,034 50,015 51,266
10 49,229 50,213 51,469
11 49,424 50,413 51,673
12 49,620 50,612 51,878
13 49,816 50,812 52,082
14 50,011 51,011 52,287
15 50,207 51,211 52,491
16 50,401 51,409 52,694
17 50,596 51,607 52,898
18 50,790 51,806 53,101
19 50,984 52,004 53,304
20 51,179 52,202 53,507
21 51,373 52,400 53,710
22 51,567 52,599 53,914
23 51,762 52,797 54,117
24 51,956 52,995 54,320
25 52,150 53,194 54,523
CLASS II SECRETARIES
7/1/08 7/1/09 7/1/10
STEP 6/30/09 6/30/10 6/30/11
1 33,369 34,037 34,888
2 35,074 35,775 36,669
3 36,537 37,268 38,200
4 38,765 39,540 40,528
5 44,884 45,782 46,926
6 45,080 45,981 47,131
7 45,275 46,180 47,335
8 45,470 46,380 47,539
9 45,666 46,579 47,743
10 45,862 46,779 47,949
11 46,057 46,978 48,152
12 46,251 47,176 48,356
13 46,446 47,375 48,559
14 46,640 47,573 48,763
15 46,835 47,772 48,966
16 47,030 47,970 49,170
17 47,225 48,169 49,373
18 47,419 48,368 49,577
19 47,614 48,566 49,781
20 47,809 48,765 49,984
21 48,004 48,964 50,188
22 48,198 49,162 50,391
23 48,393 49,361 50,595
24 48,588 49,560 50,799
25 48,783 49,758 51,002
CLASS III SECRETARIES & ATTENDANCE INVESTIGATORS
7/1/08 7/1/09 7/1/10
STEP 6/30/09 6/30/10 6/30/11
1 32,554 33,205 34,035
2 34,022 34,702 35,570
3 35,735 36,450 37,361
4 37,884 38,641 39,607
5 44,241 45,125 46,254
6 44,437 45,326 46,459
7 44,633 45,526 46,664
8 44,829 45,725 46,869
9 45,025 45,926 47,074
10 45,221 46,125 47,278
11 45,416 46,325 47,483
12 45,612 46,525 47,688
13 45,808 46,724 47,892
14 46,004 46,924 48,097
15 46,200 47,124 48,302
16 46,396 47,323 48,507
17 46,591 47,523 48,711
18 46,787 47,723 48,916
19 46,983 47,923 49,121
20 47,179 48,122 49,325
21 47,375 48,322 49,530
22 47,570 48,522 49,735
23 47,766 48,721 49,939
24 47,962 48,921 50,144
25 48,158 49,121 50,349
CLASS III-B SECRETARIES
7/1/08 7/1/09 7/1/10
STEP 6/30/09 6/30/10 6/30/11
1 29,616 30,208 30,963
2 30,950 31,569 32,358
3 32,510 33,160 33,989
4 34,465 35,154 36,033
5 40,247 41,052 42,078
6 40,441 41,250 42,281
7 40,636 41,448 42,485
8 40,831 41,648 42,689
9 41,025 41,846 42,892
10 41,221 42,045 43,096
11 41,416 42,244 43,300
12 41,611 42,443 43,504
13 41,806 42,642 43,708
14 42,000 42,841 43,912
15 42,196 43,040 44,116
16 42,390 43,238 44,319
17 42,585 43,437 44,523
18 42,780 43,635 44,726
19 42,974 43,834 44,930
20 43,170 44,033 45,134
21 43,364 44,231 45,337
22 43,559 44,430 45,541
23 43,753 44,628 45,744
24 43,948 44,827 45,948
25 44,143 45,026 46,152

LIBRARY AIDES
7/1/08 7/1/09 7/1/10
STEP 6/30/09 6/30/10 6/30/11
1 20,593 21,005 21,530
2 21,930 22,369 22,928
3 23,361 23,828 24,424
4 25,153 25,656 26,297
5 27,116 27,657 28,349
6 27,348 27,895 28,592
7 27,579 28,131 28,834
8 27,810 28,367 29,076
9 28,042 28,603 29,318
10 28,274 28,839 29,560
11 28,505 29,075 29,802
12 28,736 29,311 30,044
13 28,968 29,548 30,286
14 29,201 29,785 30,529
15 29,433 30,021 30,772
16 29,608 30,200 30,955
17 29,783 30,378 31,138
18 29,959 30,558 31,322
19 30,133 30,736 31,505
20 30,309 30,916 31,689
21 30,483 31,093 31,870
22 30,658 31,271 32,053
23 30,833 31,450 32,236
24 31,008 31,628 32,419
25 31,183 31,807 32,602
LIBRARY ASSISTANTS
7/1/08 7/1/09 7/1/10
STEP 6/30/09 6/30/10 6/30/11
1 29,616 30,208 30,963
2 30,950 31,569 32,358
3 32,510 33,160 33,989
4 34,465 35,154 36,033
5 40,247 41,052 42,078
6 40,441 41,250 42,281
7 40,636 41,448 42,485
8 40,831 41,648 42,689
9 41,025 41,846 42,892
10 41,221 42,045 43,096
11 41,415 42,243 43,300
12 41,611 42,443 43,504
13 41,806 42,642 43,708
14 42,001 42,841 43,912
15 42,197 43,041 44,117
16 42,391 43,239 44,320
17 42,585 43,437 44,523
18 42,780 43,635 44,726
19 42,974 43,834 44,930
20 43,170 44,033 45,134
21 43,365 44,232 45,338
22 43,559 44,431 45,541
23 43,755 44,630 45,746
24 43,949 44,828 45,949
25 44,144 45,027 46,153
REGISTERED NURSES
7/1/08 7/1/09 7/1/10
STEP 6/30/09 6/30/10 6/30/11
1 33,369 34,037 34,888
2 35,074 35,775 36,669
3 36,537 37,268 38,200
4 38,765 39,540 40,528
5 44,884 45,782 46,926
6 45,080 45,981 47,131
7 45,275 46,181 47,335
8 45,471 46,380 47,539
9 45,666 46,579 47,743
10 45,862 46,779 47,949
11 46,056 46,978 48,152
12 46,251 47,176 48,355
13 46,445 47,374 48,558
14 46,640 47,572 48,762
15 46,835 47,772 48,966
16 47,029 47,970 49,169
17 47,225 48,169 49,373
18 47,419 48,368 49,577
19 47,613 48,566 49,780
20 47,809 48,765 49,984
21 47,999 48,955 50,174
22 48,189 49,145 50,364
23 48,379 49,335 50,554
24 48,569 49,525 50,744
25 48,759 49,715 50,934
LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSES
7/1/08 7/1/09 7/1/10
STEP 6/30/09 6/30/10 6/30/11
1 23,579 24,051 24,773
2 25,268 25,773 26,546
3 27,118 27,660 28,490
4 28,772 29,347 30,227
5 29,348 29,935 30,833
6 29,935 30,534 31,450
7 30,533 31,144 32,078
8 31,145 31,768 32,721
9 32,879 33,537 34,543
10 33,538 34,209 35,235
11 34,208 34,892 35,939
12 34,903 35,601 36,669
13 35,589 36,301 37,390
14 37,414 38,162 39,307
15 38,163 38,926 40,094
PARAPROFESSIONALS
7/1/08 7/1/09 7/1/10
STEP 6/30/09 6/30/10 6/30/11
1 20,972 21,391 22,033
2 22,232 22,677 23,357
3 23,579 24,051 24,773
4 26,381 26,909 27,716
5 27,118 27,660 28,490
6 28,772 29,347 30,227
7 29,348 29,935 30,833
8 29,935 30,534 31,450
9 30,533 31,144 32,078
10 31,472 32,101 33,064
11 33,207 33,871 34,887
12 33,864 34,541 35,577
13 34,535 35,226 36,283
14 35,219 35,923 37,001
15 35,917 36,635 37,734
16 37,742 38,497 39,652
17 38,489 39,259 40,437
18 39,254 40,039 41,240
19 40,031 40,832 42,057
20+ 40,826 41,643 42,892
Degree Differential 7/1/08 – 6/30/11
Bachelor’s Degree 1,000 each year of the contract
TEACHER AIDES (Hourly Rate)
7/1/08 7/1/09 7/1/10
STEP 6/30/09 6/30/10 6/30/11
1 11.80 12.25 12.75
2 12.05 12.50 13.00
3 12.30 12.75 13.25
4 12.55 13.00 13.50
5 12.80 13.25 13.75
6 13.05 13.50 14.00
7 13.30 13.75 14.25
8 13.55 14.00 14.50
9 13.80 14.25 14.75
10 14.05 14.50 15.00




SECURITY OFFICERS (Hired Prior to 7/1/96)
7/1/08 7/1/09 7/1/10
STEP 6/30/09 6/30/10 6/30/11
1 32,859 33,516 34,521
2 34,105 34,787 35,831
3 35,285 35,991 37,071
4 36,353 37,080 38,192
5 37,427 38,176 39,321
6 53,926 55,005 56,655
LONGEVITY
6 YRS 1,401 1,401 1,401
10 YRS 2,027 2,027 2,027
15 YRS 2,527 2,527 2,527
20 YRS 3,090 3,090 3,090
25 YRS 3,654 3,654 3,654
SECURITY OFFICERS (Hired After 7/1/96)
7/1/08 7/1/09 7/1/10
STEP 6/30/09 6/30/10 6/30/11
1 32,214 32,858 33,844
2 34,483 35,173 36,228
3 36,751 37,486 38,611
4 39,018 39,798 40,992
5 41,285 42,111 43,374
6 43,557 44,428 45,761
LONGEVITY
6 YRS 1,401 1,401 1,401
10 YRS 2,027 2,027 2,027
15 YRS 2,527 2,527 2,527
20 YRS 3,090 3,090 3,090
25 YRS 3,654 3,654 3,654
ARTICLE VIII
EMPLOYEE WORK YEAR
Attendance Investigators and Security Officers
    Work Year for Attendance Investigators
The work year for Attendance Investigators shall begin fifteen (15) working days prior to the start of the students’ school year and shall end five (5) working days after the end of the students’ school year.
    Work Year for Security Officers
The work year shall be from July 1 to June 30.



      Vacation for Security Officers:
      Vacation allowance for time served as a security officer as of July 1 shall be:
      Years of Service in the Position Vacation
      6 months - 1 year 5 days
      1 - 5 years 10 days
      6 - 10 years 15 days
      For every year past 10 years 1 day per year up to a maximum of 25 days
Any security officer hired after 7/1/2000 will receive a maximum of twenty (20) vacation days.
      The Board will attempt to reasonably arrange vacations to suit the wishes of the employees with the understanding that employees will be given a choice of vacation period in order of building seniority. All security officers are required to take their vacations when school is closed. All security officers must work the full week prior to the opening of school.
    Holidays for Security Officers
        The following days shall be paid holidays for security officers provided the schools are closed on that day:
Independence Day New Year's Day
Labor Day Martin Luther King's Birthday
Yom Kippur President’s Day
Thanksgiving Thursday Good Friday
Thanksgiving Friday Memorial Day
Christmas Eve Rosh Hashanah (2 days)
Christmas Day NJEA Convention (2 days)
New Year's Eve
        Security officers shall receive three (3) days of the four (4) days allowed during NJEA convention and Rosh Hashanah as holidays and shall be scheduled to ensure coverage during each of the four (4) days. Preference to days off will be based upon seniority.
        In the event that schools are in session on any of the days listed above, an alternate paid day off will be included in the school calendar.
        If any of the legal holidays fall on a Saturday or Sunday, it shall be celebrated and compensated accordingly on the day preceding or the day following such holiday, providing schools are closed, or on the next suitable day.
Library Aides/Library Assistants
    Work Year
The work year for library aides and library assistants in the Edison School System shall be one hundred eighty (180) days. library aides and library assistants may work beyond one hundred eighty (180) days within the school year provided the extension is approved by the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee. Any employee required to work beyond one hundred eighty (180) days shall be compensated at the rate of one and one-half (1½) times the daily rate.
    Holidays
The days which shall be considered holidays for library aides and library assistants shall be the school closing days as designated in the school calendar for the school term.
Paraprofessionals/Teacher Aides
The work year for paraprofessionals and teacher aides in the Edison school system shall be the same as that for teachers, in effect, the work year is the same as the calendar year for students with the addition of one (1) day before school opens. In addition, paraprofessionals will attend two (2) full in-service days during the school year. If required, teacher aides shall attend one (1) full in-service day during the school year and will be paid their normal hourly rate of pay. On conference days, paraprofessionals and teacher aides shall be permitted to leave fifteen (15) minutes after student dismissal.
Secretaries/Clerical Aides
    Work Year
      The work year for all secretaries categorized as Administrative or Class I secretaries and clerical aides shall be from July 1 to June 30.
      The work year for all Class II and Class III secretaries shall begin ten (10) working days prior to the start of the students' school year and shall end on June 30th.
      The work year for Class III-B secretaries shall be one hundred eighty one (181) days. This section shall not be interpreted as permitting the reduction of the work year of a Class III secretary to that of a Class III-B secretary without negotiations pursuant to Article II of this Agreement.
      Any secretary who works additional days beyond their contracted work year in their current position will be paid at their contracted daily rate of pay. Any other assignment will be paid at the substitute rate.
    Holidays
      The days which shall be considered holidays for school secretaries shall be the school-closing days as designated in the school calendar for the school term. July 4th and Labor Day shall also be a holiday if this day is part of the secretary's work year.
      Any secretary required to work on a holiday shall be compensated in accordance with the Article IX, Section D.3.
      Any employee required to work on a holiday shall be notified to that effect no later than three (3) days before the holiday.
      For Administrative Secretaries and clerical aides, the following days shall be paid holidays provided the schools are closed on that day.
Independence Day Christmas Eve
Labor Day Christmas Day
Rosh Hashanah (2 days) New Year’s Eve
Yom Kippur New Year’s Day
Election Day Martin Luther King's Birthday
NJEA Convention (2 days) President’s Day
Thanksgiving Day Good Friday
Thanksgiving Friday Memorial Day
        In the event that schools are in session on any of the days listed above, an alternate paid day off will be included in the school calendar. When the schools are open on any of the days listed above, the day will be paid at straight time. For employees who are required to work on the alternate day, that day shall be treated as a holiday within the meaning of Article VIII. Section D, Paragraph 2, b & c. of this contract. On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, the Education Center will close no later than 3:00 p.m. as long as school is on a single-session day.
        If any of the legal holidays fall on a Saturday or Sunday, it shall be celebrated and compensated accordingly on that day preceding or the day following such holiday, providing schools are closed, or on the next suitable day. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are excluded from this selection.
        At the discretion of the Superintendent, during the winter and spring school closings, all administrative secretaries and clerical aides shall be required to report to work on two (2) days during the Winter Break and two (2) days during the Spring Break. The two (2) work days per employee shall be scheduled in such a way that the offices are staffed on all business days during each break. If the Superintendent determines that the Education Center will be closed during Winter Break or Spring Break, all administrative secretaries and clerical staff will receive notification at least one (1) month prior to closing.
        A secretary or clerical aide may either substitute vacation days, earned compensatory time, or alternate days saved {Reference: Article VIII, D, 2, (1) & (2)} for the two (2) scheduled work days during the Winter Break and/or Spring Break.
    Vacations
      When a 10 month or 10.5 month employee transfers to an Administrative, Class I or Clerical Aide position, vacation time allowance shall accrue during time served in the 12-month position. No credit as a 10 or 10.5 month member shall be given.
      Vacation allowance for each Administrative and Class I Secretary and clerical aide as of July 1 shall be:
Years of Service Vacation
6 months - 1 year 5 days
1 - 5 years 10 days
6 - 10 years 15 days
For every year past 10 years 1 day per year up to a maximum of 25 days
Any Administrative or Class I secretary or clerical aide hired after 7/1/2000 will receive a
maximum of twenty (20) vacation days.
      Except for unusual circumstances, each Class I secretary shall receive and take his/her vacation at the time approved by his/her supervisor or administrator. An Administrative Secretary or clerical aide shall be allowed to take her/his vacation at any time during the contract year provided that the work load permits and there is approval by her/his immediate superior or administrator. A maximum vacation entitlement of five (5) days may be saved for utilization in the following contract year, by addition to that year's vacation.
      No vacation shall be taken the last full week prior to the opening of school.
      Vacation requests in a department of more than one (1) employee will be determined on a seniority basis.
Registered Nurses/Licensed Practical Nurses
    Work Year
      The work year for registered nurses and licensed practical nurses in the Edison school system shall be the same as that for teachers, in effect, the work year is the same as the calendar year for students with the addition of one (1) day before school opens and two (2) full in-service days during the school year. On single-session days, registered nurses and licensed practical nurses shall be permitted to leave fifteen (15) minutes after student dismissal.
      If required to work during the summer, registered nurses and licensed practical nurses will be paid an hourly rate of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per hour with a minimum of four (4) hours per day.
    Holidays
The days which shall be considered holidays for registered nurses and licensed practical nurses shall be the school closing days as designated in the school calendar for the school term.

ARTICLE IX
EMPLOYEE WORK DAY
Attendance Investigators/Security Officers
    Work Day for Attendance Investigators
      The normal work day shall consist of seven and one-half (7½) assigned hours with a flexible starting and ending time.
      Attendance Investigators required to work more than thirty-five (35) hours per week, but no more than forty (40) hours per week, shall be paid at straight time or compensatory time at the discretion of the Superintendent. Attendance Investigators required to work more than forty (40) hours per week shall be paid at the rate of one and one half (1½) times his/her regular hourly rate, based upon the length of their work year and hours per day. All overtime must be pre-approved by the Superintendent or designee.
    Work Day for Security Officers
      Security Officers are entitled to two (2) fifteen (15) minute breaks during each work shift.
      The work day shall consist of eight and one-half (8½) hours including a one-half (1/2) hour meal break. On days when school is in session, the work day shall begin between 7:00 am and 8:00 am, or at 10:00 am, as determined for each security officer by the building principal or designee. The work day for the Adult School and/or Alternate School shall begin at 2:00 pm. The starting time for each security officer on school days and Adult School or Alternate School nights shall be fixed for the school year.
      On days when school is not in session the work day for all security officers shall be from 3:00 pm to 11:30 pm including the one-half (1/2) hour meal break. The time of the meal break will be determined by the Superintendent or designee.
      When schools are closed due to inclement weather, security officers will not be required to report for work and will suffer no loss of pay. On delayed openings for inclement weather all security officers assigned to start work between 7:00 am and 8:00 am will report for duty at the same delayed opening time which will be 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. For any delayed opening other than inclement weather, security officers shall report to work at their regular start time.
      One (1) security officer per building will be assigned to the 10:00 am to 6:30 pm shift. In addition, if needed, one (1) security officer will be assigned to the 2:00 pm to 10:30 pm shift.
        Assignment to both the 10:00 am shift and the 2:00 pm shift shall be on a voluntary basis, if no volunteers are found for the 10:00 am shift assignment, the 10:00 am shift assignment shall be given to the security officer with the least seniority in the building.
        The weekly scheduling of the 10:00 am to 6:30 pm shift and the 2:00 pm to 10:30 pm shift security officer will be determined by the Principal in consultation with the security chief.
      Throughout the entire school year, Board of Education authorized school related activities with the exception of Board meetings, requiring the use of township police will also be staffed with a security officer, or officers.
      A security officer required to work more than forty (40) hours per week shall be paid at the rate of one and one-half (1½) times her/his regular rate of pay. If required to work on the seventh day of the individual's work week or on a holiday, a security officer will be paid two (2) times her/his regular rate of pay.
      h. Overtime opportunities shall be rotated among qualified employees. Such overtime
      shall be accepted on a voluntary basis with rotation on a seniority basis. The use of seniority is limited to this issue. Assignments will be equally divided based upon seniority order.
      i. The immediate supervisor/principal must authorize any overtime. A list will be maintained of all hours of overtime authorized.
    Library Aides/Library Assistants
    The regular work day for all library aides and library assistants shall consist of seven (7) hours which includes a duty-free lunch period. The lunch period shall be of the same duration as a pupil lunch period (forty-five minutes) and shall be scheduled at a time designated as a pupil lunch period.
    Any library aide or library assistant required to work more than forty (40) hours per week shall be paid at the rate of one and one-half (1½) times the regular rate of pay. Hours between thirty-five (35) and forty (40) within the work week shall be paid at straight time or compensatory time.
Paraprofessionals/Teacher Aides
    The regular work day for full-time paraprofessionals and teacher aides shall consist of seven (7) hours which includes a duty-free lunch period. The lunch period shall be of the same duration as a pupil lunch period and shall be scheduled at a time designated as a pupil lunch period. Paraprofessionals and teacher aides in the middle schools and high schools only shall also be entitled to an additional fifteen (15) minute break.
    Where administratively possible, paraprofessionals assigned to individual teachers may be scheduled to share the same lunch period and preparation period.
    The work week for part-time paraprofessionals and teacher aides shall be determined proportionally.
    On the last school day of each school year, paraprofessionals and teacher aides shall be required to work hours which are proportionate, in terms of their daily work hours, to the number of hours teachers are required to work.
    Class Coverage
Except in emergencies, supervisory personnel shall make every effort to assign members of the unit only to duties appropriate to their position and consistent with their general job
description. If assigned to provide class coverage, the time involved will not be considered
as part of his/her normal work day.
      At the high schools and middle schools, any paraprofessional assigned to provide class coverage in any emergency situation shall be reimbursed at the rate of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per period. A coverage must be at least thirty (30) minutes in duration.
      At the elementary schools, any paraprofessional assigned to provide class coverage in any emergency situation shall be reimbursed at the rate of twelve dollars and fifty cents ($12.50) for each thirty (30) minutes of class coverage for classes of blocks of sixty (60) to one hundred and twenty (120) minutes in duration. For classes in excess of thirty (30) minutes, but less than sixty (60) minutes in duration, the rate of reimbursement is twenty-five dollars ($25.00). If assigned coverage of a .5 schedule, or a single Kindergarten schedule, the rate of reimbursement shall be twelve dollars and fifty cents ($12.50) for each thirty (30) minutes of class coverage.
      At the high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools, any paraprofessional assigned as a full-day substitute will be paid seventy-five percent (75%) of the current daily rate for substitutes. This amount is in addition to his/her normal rate of pay as a paraprofessional.
    Compensation for any work performed in excess of seven (7) hours in one (1) day or thirty-five (35) hours in one (1) week will be paid at straight time of twenty dollars ($20.00) per hour. Fractions of the hourly rate may be cumulative until an hour is achieved.
    Lunch Duty: Paraprofessionals are not to be used as lunch aides or to perform the duties of lunch aides. In an emergency, where no lunch aide is permanently assigned and no substitute lunch aide is assigned, they will be compensated at the class coverage rate of pay.
      Bus Duty: Paraprofessionals and teacher aides assigned to individual students will not have a bus assignment which conflicts with their ability to assist their student with transportation needs.
    Every effort will be made to assign paraprofessionals to instructional support settings only.
    If attendance at a faculty meeting becomes mandatory, paraprofessionals and teacher aides must be notified one (1) day in advance of the meeting.
    In schools where collaborative teams exist, paraprofessionals may be released to attend team meetings, if deemed necessary, and consideration will be given to include the paraprofessional in the team meeting. These periods shall not be scheduled during the paraprofessional’s lunch period, break period in the middle or high schools, or before morning homeroom or after student dismissal.
D. Secretaries/Clerical Aides
    The regular work day for all secretaries and clerical aides shall be seven (7) hours exclusive of one (1) hour lunch time.
    Secretaries and clerical aides required to work more than thirty-five (35) but not more than forty (40) hours will be paid at straight time or compensatory time. Any secretary or clerical aide required to work more than forty (40) hours per week shall be paid at the rate of one and one-half (1½) times her/his regular rate of pay.
    Any secretary or clerical aide required to work on a holiday shall be compensated time and one half (1½) compensatory time or one and one half (1½) times her/his regular rate of pay.
    Compensatory Time Usage
      The immediate supervisor must authorize any compensatory time or overtime. A list will be maintained of all hours of compensatory time that employees accrue due to excess hours worked. To ensure equity in overtime scheduling, compensatory time/days will be implemented on a rotating basis for employees involved in a common work assignment/project.
        Prior to use of earned compensatory time, the immediate supervisor's approval is necessary. The employee must schedule any/all dates with her/his supervisor in advance. Compensatory time/days must be used by the close of the school year (June 30), unless earned after May 31st, which time/days must then be used by August 15th, with approval of the immediate supervisor or they will be compensated according to 4. c. below. A new list will be started on July 1 of each school year.
        If an agreed upon schedule for use of earned compensatory time is not established, the employee will be paid the current hourly wage for each hour of unused overtime, and/or for each additional hour in excess of earned compensatory time scheduled.
5. Inclement Weather Days
During the school year, for the first three (3) days in which schools are closed due to
    inclement weather, administrative secretaries and clerical aides shall not be required to report for work. If more than three (3) inclement weather school closing days are necessary, administrative secretaries and clerical aides shall be required to report for work on those days. In lieu of working that day, administrative secretaries and clerical aides shall be permitted to use a personal day, vacation day, previously earned compensatory time, or an alternate holiday if available. In the event that the school calendar is less than 183 days, a Family Illness day for each unscheduled inclement weather day will be granted.
On delayed opening days for schools for inclement weather, the Superintendent will institute the district’s phone notification system to notify all Education Center employees, regardless of classification, of the delayed opening and, unless otherwise directed by the Superintendent, the predetermined fixed start time as indicated by the Superintendent. For any delayed openings other than inclement weather, all Education Center employees will report to work at their regular start time. When the schools are closed early due to inclement weather, the Superintendent or his/her designee will determine the closing time for the Education Center.
The regular work day for all school secretaries shall be seven (7) hours exclusive of one (1) hour for lunch time. Schools may require secretaries to work staggered hours to accommodate student/staff needs. The following are suggested starting and ending times.
7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Registered Nurses/Licensed Practical Nurses
    The regular work week for full time registered nurses and full time licensed practical nurses shall be thirty-five (35) hours per week, seven (7) hours per day, including a thirty (30) minute lunch period.
    The specific arrival and departure time for all registered nurses and licensed practical nurses shall be designated by the school principal.
    Any registered nurse or licensed practical nurse required to work more than forty (40) hours per week shall be paid at the rate of one and one-half (1½) times his/her regular rate of pay.
    Registered nurses and licensed practical nurses required to work more than thirty-five (35) but not more than forty (40) hours will be paid at straight time or compensatory time.
ARTICLE X
ASSIGNMENTS AND TRANSFERS
A. Paraprofessionals, Teacher Aides, Library Assistants, Library Aides
1. Any known paraprofessional, teacher aide, library assistant or library aide vacancy for the following school year shall be posted no later than April 30. Members of the unit who wish to apply for said vacancy must do so within fifteen (15) working days.
2. Voluntary Transfer
Paraprofessionals, teacher aides, library assistants, and library aides who desire to transfer to another school for the following school year shall file a written statement of such desire with the Superintendent no later than March 1.
      Any member that applies for a voluntary transfer will be sent an email confirmation of their application.
      Any member notified of an available position or an involuntary transfer after the March 1 deadline shall be allowed to make a request for a voluntary transfer up to and including the last day of the current school year.
3. Involuntary Transfer
Determination of transfers, both voluntary and involuntary, will be made only after the best interest of the employee and the school system are taken into consideration.
      Employees being recommended for involuntary transfer will receive written notification from the Superintendent by August 1. Employees shall be notified prior to final action by the Board.
      Any employee receiving notice of a recommendation for involuntary transfer shall have a meeting with his/her Association representative, appropriate supervisor and principal prior to the transfer.
      A list of open positions will be posted when they become available. If positions are posted between March 1 and the start of the new school year, personnel may apply for such positions.
      Employees who are involuntarily transferred shall receive written notification of the Board’s action. The Association shall be sent a copy of the notice on the same day that it is sent to the employee.
      These guidelines may be waived in emergencies or unanticipated staffing needs such as resignations, enrollment changes, etc.
B. Secretaries
1. Temporary Assignment
Any secretary assigned to work temporarily in a higher classification shall be compensated an additional twenty-five ($25) dollars per day beginning on the sixth consecutive working day of the assignment, retroactive to the first day of the assignment.
Administrative Secretary Secretarial and clerical personnel in the Central Office, Adult School, Enrollment Center, Maintenance and Transportation, with the exception of any Class III secretary.
      Class I Secretary to principal (secondary school)
      Class II Secretary to principal (elementary school)
      Class III All other secretaries who are not employed for one hundred eight one (181) day work year.
      Class III-B All other secretaries who are employed for a one hundred eighty one (181) day work year including general aides/staff assistants and paraprofessionals who were assigned secretarial and/or clerical duties prior to August 31, 1993. In addition, this section shall not be interpreted as permitting the reduction of the work year of a Class III secretary to that of a Class III-B secretary without negotiations pursuant to Article II of this agreement.
2. Transfers
Any individual interested in a lateral transfer should make her/his interest known by submitting a letter to the office of the Superintendent indicating same.

ARTICLE XI
PROMOTIONS AND VACANCIES
A. Positions and Procedures
Promotional positions are defined as positions paying a salary differential and/or positions on the administrative-supervisory levels of responsibility. Vacancies shall be defined as all open and newly created positions. All vacancies, including those programs funded by the Federal Government, shall be adequately publicized in accordance with the following procedure:
To the extent possible, when school is in session, notice of new positions or vacancies shall be posted in each school as far in advance as practicable, ordinarily at least fifteen (15) school days before the final date when applications must be submitted and in no event less than ten (10) days before such date. A copy of said notice shall be made available to the Association at the time of posting. Qualified employees who desire to apply for any vacancy shall submit their applications in writing to the Superintendent's office within the limit specified in the notice, and acknowledgment shall be given to all such applicants.
Employees who desire to apply for any vacancy which may be filled during the summer period when school is not regularly in session shall submit their names to the Superintendent, together with the position(s) for which they wish to apply and an address where they can be reached during the summer. The Superintendent's office shall notify such employees of any vacancy as far in advance as is practicable, ordinarily at least fifteen (15) days before the final date that the application must be submitted, and in no event fewer than ten (10) days before such date. A list of any vacancies to be filled during the summer period will be posted at the administration office and in each school and a copy of said notice shall be made available to the Association.
The district email system may be used in conjunction with, but not as a substitute for, the existing posing requirements and procedures stated elsewhere in this Article.
B. Criteria for Notice
In both situations set forth in Section A above, qualifications for the position, its duties and rate of compensation shall be clearly set forth. Any change of qualifications set forth for a particular position shall be similarly posted and made available to the Association.
C. Application Procedures
All qualified employees shall be given adequate opportunity to make application, and no positions shall be filled until all properly submitted applications have been considered. The Board agrees to give due consideration to the background and attainments of all applicants and other relevant factors. In filling any vacancy, preference shall be given to qualified employees already employed by the Board, if it is in the best interest of the school district. Announcements of appointments shall be made by posting a list in the central administrative office and in each school building and a list made available to the Association.
D. Appointment Procedures
Subject to, and consistent with the language of this Agreement, the final determinations as to the filling of any vacancy shall remain in the discretion of the Board.
ARTICLE XII
EMPLOYEE EVALUATION
A. Evaluation Guideline
All monitoring or observation of the work performance of any employee shall be conducted openly and with full knowledge of the employee.
Mid-year evaluations are required for non-tenured employees.
Final evaluations for ten (10) month employees will be completed by June 1st. Final evaluations for twelve (12) month employees will be completed by July 1st.
B. Copies of Evaluation
Any employee shall be given a copy of any observation or evaluation report prepared by the evaluator at least one (1) day before any conference to discuss it. No such report shall be submitted to the central office, placed in the employee's file or otherwise acted upon without the knowledge of the employee. The employee shall sign and return his/her completed evaluation. A signature shall not imply agreement with the contents of the evaluation.
C. Rebuttal
The employee shall also have the right to submit a written response to such material and his/her answer shall be reviewed by the Superintendent or designee and attached to the file copy.
D. Complaints
Any complaints regarding an employee to any administrator by any parent, student, or other person which are used in any manner in evaluating an employee will be promptly investigated and called to the attention of the employee. He/she shall be given an opportunity to respond and/or rebut any such complaint.




ARTICLE XIII
LEAVES OF ABSENCE
The following language is common to more than one (1) unit in the non-certificated contract.
Sick Leave
    Attendance Investigators, Security Officers, Library Aides, Library Assistants, Paraprofessionals, Teacher Aides, Secretaries, Registered Nurses, and Licensed Practical Nurses:
      Ten (10) month personnel shall be allowed ten (10) days and twelve (12) month employees shall be allowed twelve (12) days of sick leave in any school year without loss of pay. All days of sick leave not utilized shall be cumulative. Employees shall be given a written accounting of accumulated sick leave on their payroll stub. Sick leave is defined as absence from duty because of personal illness or quarantine for communicable disease. Upon request, the employee shall present a physician’s certificate of illness to the Superintendent or his/her designee.
      Unused personal days shall be converted to family illness days and may be accumulated year to year. At the discretion of the employee, unused family illness days may be converted to sick days and then added to the employee’s accumulated sick leave upon written notification.
      Members who retire from the PERS or pass away after having completed ten (10) years of service in Edison, will receive payment for sick days accumulated in Edison. Members leaving the district for any other reason after having completed fifteen (15) years of service in Edison, will receive payment for sick days accumulated in Edison. Payment for unused accumulated sick leave will be for one hundred percent (100%) of eligible days at the rate of thirty-five ($35.00) per day and, if applicable, payable to his/her estate.
      Administrative and Class I secretaries shall be allowed twelve (12) days of sick leave in any school year without loss of pay. Class II and Class III secretaries shall be allowed eleven (11) days of sick leave in any school year without loss of pay. Class III-B secretaries shall be allowed ten (10) days of sick leave in any school year without loss of pay. All days of sick leave not utilized shall be cumulative. Secretaries will be given a written accounting of accumulated sick leave days on their payroll stub.
      1. Upon depletion of annual and accumulated sick leave, each member will also have available thirty (30) days’ leave per year without loss of pay for personal illness. These days are non-accumulative, governed by the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:30-6, and shall only be available to members whose absence is caused by one of the following:
        Childbirth
        hospitalization or other confinement to a medical facility
        a serious injury or illness which is supported by medical verification
Requests which meet the criteria in subsections (1) and (2), as identified above, shall not be denied as long as the childbirth or hospitalization occurs during the same continuous period of absence for which the request is made. Decision of the Superintendent of Edison schools on requests pursuant to subsection (3), as identified above, shall be made based upon consistent and fair criteria and shall not be subject to appeal.
      1. Use of sick days granted in e. above shall be applied as follows:
If an employee has been continuously employed in the school system for at least six (6) years and has accumulated sixty (60) days leave without pay deduction for personal illness, and such employee becomes ill for one hundred (100) days, the employee’s sick leave days shall be used in the following manner and sequence:
        The ten (10) accumulative sick leave days allowed for the current school year shall be used;
        The sixty (60) sick leave days which had been previously accumulated shall be used; and
        The thirty (30) non-accumulative sick leave days, if allowed for the current school year, shall be used. At such time, the employee is no longer entitled to additional sick leave days without pay deduction. When the employee has used all of his/her sick leave days, the employee may then request the Board to pay such employee each day’s salary less the pay of a substitute in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:30-6. The decision as to whether such request will be granted and the extent of any such grant shall be at the sole discretion of the Board.
        Language cited in A.1.e. and f. may be adjusted so as to apply to members who have accumulated sick leave in excess of sixty (60) days, and whose absence as indicated in A.1.e. exhausts the number of days accumulated.
Personal Leave
    Attendance Investigators, Library Aides, Library Assistants, Paraprofessionals, Teacher Aides, Registered Nurses, and Licensed Practical Nurses:
      Employees may be absent from their school duties for two (2) days each year without loss of pay. No reason need be given.
    Security Officers, Secretaries, and Clerical Aides:
      Security Officers may be absent from their school duties for three (3) personal days' leave each year.
      Secretaries may be absent from their duties for two (2) personal days each year without loss of pay. No reason need be given. Secretaries classified as Class II and Class III may be absent for two and one half (2½) personal days. In addition to the days specified above, secretaries classified as Administrative or Class I and clerical aides may be absent for a third personal day. All unused personal days will convert to family illness days.
Bereavement Leave for Attendance Investigators, Security Officers, Library Aides, Library Assistants, Paraprofessionals, Teacher Aides, Secretaries, Clerical Aides, Registered Nurses, and Licensed Practical Nurses
    Any bereavement leave shall be taken within fourteen (14) days of the death of the relative.
    Personnel may be absent from school without loss of pay for a period not to exceed five (5) days due to the death of a parent, spouse, domestic partner, child or sibling. A domestic partner is defined as a person of the same sex with whom a person has entered into a domestic partnership and received a Certificate of Domestic Partnership from the State of New Jersey or a valid certification from another jurisdiction that recognizes same-sex domestic partners, civil unions, or similar same-sex relationships. Personnel may carry one (1) day of a five-day bereavement leave for up to one (1) year. The Superintendent may grant exceptions.
    Personnel may be absent from school for a period not to exceed four (4) days due to the death of a grandparent, grandchild, parent-in-law, grandparent-in-law, daughter-in-law, or son-in-law.
    Personnel may be absent from school without loss of pay for a period not to exceed three (3) days due to the death of a sibling-in-law.
    Personnel may be absent from school without loss of pay for a period of one (1) day due to the death of a near relative or other relative living in the household. A near relative shall be defined as an uncle, aunt, niece, nephew or first cousin.
    Leave for Temporary Disability for Attendance Investigators, Security Officers, Library Aides, Library Assistants, Paraprofessionals, Teacher Aides, Secretaries, Clerical Aides, Registered Nurses, and Licensed Practical Nurses
    The Board shall grant an unpaid leave of absence of up to one (1) year to any employee who is temporarily unable to perform his/her duties because of disability resulting from illness, injury, pregnancy or similar condition. Additional leave may be granted at the discretion of the Board. In no case may such leave extend beyond the expiration date of a non-tenured employee's contract.
    All requests for leave under this paragraph shall be accompanied by a statement from the employee's physician confirming the existence of the disabling condition and indicating the probable duration of the period of disability. For pregnancy, unless a specific medical condition exists, the postpartum disability period for maternity shall not exceed six (6) calendar weeks.
    Where an employee can anticipate the need for disability leave in connection with a specific future event, such as surgery or childbirth, he/she shall notify the Superintendent as soon as the employee is aware of the pending condition, and shall submit to the Superintendent or designee a statement from a physician of his/her continuing fitness to perform his/her assigned duties. If at any time after filing a statement, the employee gives evidence of inability to perform assigned duties, he/she may be required by the Superintendent or designee to submit further physician's certification of fitness at intervals of not less than one (1) month. Where a specific date for commencement of disability leave cannot be determined, the employee may request leave in advance of the anticipated date so that a qualified replacement can be selected.
    For the purposes of this Article, "Temporary Disability" will mean from the date that unpaid medical leave begins. Medical, dental and prescription coverage will continue for one (1) year after the temporary disability begins. Thereafter, to remain on the group insurance, the employee must reimburse the Board for all applicable premiums. If the employee returns after two (2) years on Temporary Disability, the Board will reimburse the employee for COBRA costs incurred during the second year of Temporary Disability. The amount of reimbursement will be prorated upon the amount of time worked the third year. If the member does not return after two (2) years of temporary disability, the employee may remain on the group health insurance plan provided he/she reimburses the Board of Education for applicable premiums until termination or return to work but shall receive no other benefits except as provided in Section I of this Article.
    At the option of the employee, any or all of the employee's accumulated sick leave may be used in connection with the disability in which case unpaid disability leave shall not commence until after such sick leave has been applied.
    An employee returning from disability leave shall file with the Superintendent or designee a certificate from his/her physician certifying his/her fitness to resume assigned duties.
    Should the situation requiring disability leave change, e.g., if surgery is postponed, or a pregnancy results in miscarriage or stillbirth, the Superintendent may authorize early termination of the leave.
Infant Care Leave for Attendance Investigators, Security Officers, Library Aides, Library Assistants, Paraprofessionals, Teacher Aides, Secretaries, Clerical Aides, Registered Nurses, and Licensed Practical Nurses
    The Board shall grant to any employee, male or female, an unpaid leave of absence to provide necessary care for his/her infant child, natural or adopted, who is no more than six (6) months of age at the time such leave is requested. The length of an infant care leave may not exceed one (1) year unless a one-year leave would expire during the last three months of the school year, in which case the leave shall be extended until June 30 of that school year, or the employee requests a one-year extension in writing of the leave prior to April 1 of the school year, in which the initial infant care leave is taken. Once a one-year extension of an infant care leave is granted, the employee must notify the Superintendent not later than April 1 of the school year during which the extended leave occurs of his/her intention to return to active employment. Failure to submit the required notice of intention to return to active employment will automatically place the employee on a third year of unpaid leave. Employees on infant care leave shall be entitled to no benefits while on such leave except as may be required by law. Current laws allow a twelve (12) week extension of medical benefits at no cost to the employee. An employee on infant care leave who wishes to continue health insurance coverage beyond the twelve (12) week extension may purchase any or all available coverage by paying to the Board the group premium rates which the Board is charged.
    Notice for the commencement of infant care leave shall not be less than sixty (60) days, shall be forwarded to the employee's immediate superior and shall include the commencement and termination dates for said leave. Application for anticipated infant care leave may be included in the same request with application for disability leave for pregnancy.
    Employees on infant care leave shall be eligible for substituting.
Leaves of Absence Due to Illness in Family for Attendance Investigators, Security Officers, Library Aides, Library Assistants, Paraprofessionals, Teacher Aides, Secretaries, Clerical Aides, Registered Nurses, and Licensed Practical Nurses
    A leave of absence without pay for up to one (1) year may be granted for the purpose of caring for an employee's spouse, child (natural or adopted), parent/guardian, mother-in-law, father-in-law who may be incapacitated for reason of illness. To the extent possible the request must be provided to the Superintendent at least thirty (30) days in advance of the leave. The employee must notify the Superintendent no later than sixty (60) days prior to the employee's intended return to work.
    An employee on family illness leave may continue health care coverage by purchasing this through the Board at the going premium rates that are charged to the Board. Only those benefits required by law will be continued at Board expense. Additional leave may be granted at the discretion of the Board.
Military Leave for Attendance Investigators, Security Officers, Library Aides, Library Assistants, Paraprofessionals, Teacher Aides, Secretaries, Clerical Aides, Registered Nurses, and Licensed Practical Nurses
The Board shall, as required by law, allow the time necessary for persons called into temporary active duty with any unit of the U.S. Reserves, etc., provided such obligations cannot be fulfilled on days when school is not in session. An employee shall be paid his/her regular pay in addition to any pay which he/she receives from the State or Federal Government (38:23-1).
Other Leaves of Absence for Attendance Investigators, Security Officers, Library Aides, Library Assistants, Paraprofessionals, Teacher Aides, Secretaries, Clerical Aides, Registered Nurses, and Licensed Practical Nurses
    A leave of absence without pay may be granted by the Board of Education.
    A leave of absence without pay for the purpose of student teaching shall be granted by the Board of Education for any paraprofessional that has worked at the Edison Public Schools for at least five (5) years.
Leave Benefits for Attendance Investigators, Security Officers, Library Aides, Library Assistants, Paraprofessionals, Teacher Aides, Secretaries, Clerical Aides, Registered Nurses, and Licensed Practical Nurses
All benefits to which an employee was entitled at the time his/her leave of absence commences including unused accumulated sick leave, will be restored to him/her upon his/her return and the employee shall be assigned to the same position held at the time of commencement of the leave, if available, or, if not, to a substantially equivalent position.
Jury Duty for Attendance Investigators, Security Officers, Library Aides, Library Assistants, Paraprofessionals, Teacher Aides, Secretaries, Clerical Aides, Registered Nurses, and Licensed Practical Nurses
    Personnel granted leave for the purpose of serving on jury will not be required to return to the Board any monies received from the County or State for such duties. Personnel shall be paid all regular salary during the term of such duty. If on any day during the period of jury duty the employee is not required to report for such duty, he/she shall report for work on that day.
    If, in the case of an employee being requested to call the court system during the work day for assignment, said employee will not be required to report to work that day.
A. Observation Absence for Attendance Investigators, Security Officers, Library Aides, Library Assistants, Paraprofessionals, Teacher Aides, Secretaries, Clerical Aides, Registered Nurses, and Licensed Practical Nurses
    Personnel, with prior approval of the Superintendent or designee, shall be permitted a maximum of two (2) days absence from school duties without loss of pay for the purpose of visiting and observing teaching methods in another school, or to attend meetings or conferences of an educational or professional nature, or to visit a new school when a transfer occurs.
    Personnel, with prior approval of the Superintendent or designee, shall be permitted a maximum of two (2) days absence from school duties without loss of pay for the purpose of observations, meetings, or requirements to attain a teacher certificate.
    Following the observation or meeting, a written report must be submitted to the Superintendent or designee.
ARTICLE XXIV
HEALTH INSURANCE
Insurance Benefits
    Medical Coverage
      The Board shall provide a preferred provider organization (PPO) health benefits program, which includes hospitalization, medical-surgical, lab and diagnostic and major medical-type insurance. The co-payment for in-network office visits will be twenty-eight dollars ($28.00) per visit. The co-payment for emergency room visits will be fifty dollars ($50.00) per visit, and the deductibles for supplemental in-network and out-of-network benefits will be three hundred dollars ($300.00) individual and six hundred dollars ($600.00) family.

      Effective September 1, 2008, or as soon as possible, the Board shall provide the State Health Benefits Direct 10 Plan or equivalent which will include the major medical, surgical, hospitalization, etc. benefits as provided by the State of New Jersey. The current co-payment is ten ($10) dollars subject, however, to any changes implemented by the State Health Benefits Direct 10 Plan or equivalent during the term of this contract. The benefit package as provided can be accessed at the state’s website: www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/shbp.htm. The network of participating doctors and hospitals can be accessed at the Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield website: www.horizonblue.com/shbp.

        Until the effective date of the State Health Benefits Direct 10 Plan or equivalent, the catastrophic out-of-pocket amount for out-of-network and supplemental coverage will be twenty percent (20%) of four thousand dollars ($4,000.00) single/eight thousand dollars ($8,000.00) family. Catastrophic amounts are calculated on a calendar year basis.
      Mental health and substance abuse benefits will not contribute toward satisfying the catastrophic limit. For services that contribute towards the out-of-pocket amount, once the catastrophic limit is met, benefits will increase to one hundred percent (100%) of the reasonable and customary amount.
2. Dental Coverage:
      The Board shall provide dental insurance equal to the dental insurance carrier's Usual and Customary Rate Program, which shall include single and family coverage. The maximum benefit per calendar year, excluding Class IV dental services, shall be two thousand dollars ($2,000.00). The deductible shall be forty dollars ($40.00) individual and one hundred twenty dollars ($120.00) family. All deductibles are on all dental services except Class I diagnostic and preventive services.
      The Board will offer a voluntary dental plan HMO with no deductible and no maximum, but subject to applicable co-insurance amounts.
3. Prescription Plan:
      Until the effective date of the State Health Benefits Direct 10 Prescription Plan or equivalent, items a., b., and c. below will continue to be in effect:
      The Board shall provide a single and family prescription plan. The deductible will be thirty dollars ($30.00) individual and one hundred twenty dollars ($120.00) family.
      The co-payment will be ten dollars ($10.00) for generic drugs. For brand name prescriptions, the co-payment will be twenty-eight dollars ($28.00) until the effective date of the State Health Benefits Plan or equivalent.
      The Board shall provide Single and Family Diabetic Prescription plan with no co-pays for prescriptions, supplies, and equipment.
      Effective August 1, 2008, or as soon as possible, the Board shall provide the State Health Benefits Direct 10 Prescription Plan or equivalent. The current co-payment is ten ($10) dollars for band name and three ($3) dollars for generic, subject, however, to any changes implemented by the State Health Benefits Direct 10 Plan or equivalent during the term of this contract. The benefits and network information can be accessed at the websites listed above.
Effective July 1, 2008, the annual premiums for health and prescription coverage will be based on four categories: single, husband/wife (legally united by marriage certificate or certified civil union), parent/child (single parent with child(ren)), and family.

Upon the transition to the State Health Benefits Direct 10 Plan or equivalent, any increase in the annual premium for health or prescription will be allocated as follows: The Board of Education will bear the cost of the first 10% increase on health or prescription premiums annually. Any increase above 10%, up to an additional 10% annually, will be borne by the Association members in the form of a payroll deduction. Any premium increase over 20% will be borne by the Board. The payroll deduction will be calculated as a percent of the annual premium based on the member’s coverage classification (i.e., single, husband/wife, (legally united by marriage certificate or certified civil union), parent/child, (single parent with child(ren)), and family). The deduction will be cumulative annually and will be deducted under the Section 125 pretax IRS regulations.
Policy on Insurance Coverage: Rules and Regulations.
      Family Coverage: An employee who has a spouse or certified civil union partner and dependent children shall be eligible for full family coverage.
      Husband/Wife Coverage: An employee who has a spouse or certified civil union partner who does not have dependent children shall be eligible for husband/wife coverage.
      Single Coverage: An unmarried employee, divorced person, widow or widower who does not support a family with dependents shall be eligible for single coverage.
      Parent/Child Coverage: Any single employee with a dependent child or children shall be eligible for parent/child coverage.
      Retirees: Retirees shall be eligible to participate in all health benefits programs at group rates.
      It shall be the responsibility of the employee to fully furnish all essential evidence to establish eligibility.
      Employees who elect not to participate directly in the medical insurance coverage and prescription plan as outlined in Section A above shall receive two thousand five hundred ($2,500) dollars annually at the end of each contract year of non-participation. The Board shall reimburse the premium cost for continued enrollment in the alternate insurance plan for any employee who elects not to participate in the medical insurance coverage and prescription plan as outlined in Section A above should said employee lose insurance coverage through another source until said employee is eligible to re-enroll in the insurance coverage provided by the Board. An additional two hundred ($200) dollars will be paid if the employee also does not participate in the dental coverage. Any employee that elects not to participate in the health plans must complete the opt-out form annually and certify that they have alternate health insurance coverage.
      All employees shall notify the Board, without delay, when eligibility changes or ceases. Employees shall be subject to payroll deduction as necessary to reimburse the Board or its carrier for benefits erroneously paid.
      The Board will not change insurance plans/carriers without first discussing the proposed change with the Association. Any unilateral change in coverage shall be equal to or better than that currently in effect during the life of the contract.
      Whenever any change in insurance benefits occurs for any other association representing employees in the Edison Township School District, the Board and Association may agree to reopen negotiations.
      Voluntary HMOs may be made available by the Board.
      A voluntary Section 125 Flexible Spending Account may be made available by the Board.
ARTICLE XV
STAFF DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS
Professional Development Institute
Employees may apply toward salary guide credit for district approved Professional Development Institute (PDI) courses, which do not offer college, or university credit. Upon earning nine (9) Professional Development Institute Credits (PDIC’s), employees will receive salary guide credit of three hundred ($300) dollars. This amount will be included in the total salary for pension purposes.
    The Board will attempt to develop a minimum of two (2) new PDI course offerings per year over the life of this Agreement.
    The Board will prepare a catalog of PDI courses, specifying topics, locations, hours, and PDIC’s by course/program. A minimum of ten (10) different programs per year will be offered.
    The PDIC’s shall be compensated at three hundred ($300) dollars for nine (9) credits. All PDIC’s shall be cumulative. Employees shall be entitled to attain six (6) PDIC credits per year. A maximum of twelve (12) PDIC credits may be earned during the life of this contract. Up to three (3) PDIC credits may be carried over to the next contract.
    All such PDI courses will be voluntary as to attendance, and shall be offered after school, evenings, Saturdays or in the summer.
    For ten (10) month and ten and one-half (10½) month employees, salary guide credit will be adjusted twice (2 times) per year, at the same intervals used for tuition reimbursement (e.g. September, February).
    For twelve (12) month employees, salary guide credit will be adjusted two (2) times each year (July and January).
    PDI credits will be offered on the following basis:
      Three (3) one-hour sessions = one (1) PDIC
      Six (6) one-hour sessions = two (2) PDICs
      Nine (9) one-hour sessions = three (3) PDICs
    Employees who present PDI courses (with specific PDI credits) shall be compensated at the same rates as stated in Article XV, Section C.3. of the Professional Employees' contract.
    All PDICs earned prior to July 1, 2005 will be applied to the current contract.
ARTICLE XVI
DEDUCTION FROM SALARY
A. Dues
The Board agrees to deduct from the salaries of employees dues for the Edison Township Education Association, the Middlesex County Education Association, New Jersey Education Association, and the National Education Association as said employees individually and voluntarily authorize the Board to deduct. Such deductions shall be made in compliance with existing laws and under the rules established by the State Department of Education. Said monies together with records of any corrections shall be transmitted to the treasurer of the Edison Township Education Association by the fifteenth (15th) of the month following the monthly period in which the deductions were made. The Association treasurer shall disburse such monies to the appropriate association or associations.
Each of the Associations named above shall certify to the Board, in writing, the current rate of its membership dues. Any association which shall change the rate of its membership dues shall give the Board written notice prior to the effective date of such change.
Additional authorization for dues or other deductions may be received after August 1, under rules established by the State Department of Education.
An employee who wishes to withdraw from Association membership or to terminate deductions for other Associations’ services and programs must notify the payroll department prior to December 1 or May 31. Withdrawal will be effective thirty (30) days after proper notification is filed.
B. Representation Fee
Prior to December 31 of each academic year, the Association may elect to assess all employees covered by this Agreement, who are not members of the Association, a representation fee for services rendered by the Association at the maximum level permitted by law. Such fee will be deducted from salary and transmitted to the Association in the same manner as are dues of Association members.
The Association shall indemnify and hold the Board harmless against any and all claims, demands, suits and other forms of liability, including liability for reasonable counsel fees and other legal costs and expenses that may arise out of, or by reason of, any action taken or not taken by the Board in conformance with this provision.


ARTICLE XVII
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Board Policy
This Agreement constitutes Board policy for the term of said Agreement, and the Board shall carry out the commitments contained herein and given them full force and effect as Board policy.
Separability
If any provision of this Agreement or any application of the Agreement as it applies to any employee or group of employees is held to be contrary to law, then such provisions or applications shall not be deemed valid or subsisting except to the extent permitted by law, but all other provisions or applications shall continue in full force and effect.
Compliance
Any individual contract between the Board and an individual employee, heretofore or hereafter executed, shall be subject to and consistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement. If any individual contract contains any language inconsistent with this Agreement, the Agreement, during its duration, shall be controlling.
Non-Discrimination
The Board and the Association agree that there shall be no discrimination and that all practices, procedures and policies of the school system shall clearly exemplify that there is no discrimination in the hiring, training, assignment, promotion, transfer or discipline of employees or in the application or administration of the Agreement on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, domicile, marital status, or Association affiliation.
Printing
Copies of this Agreement shall be printed at the equal expense of the Board and the Association within thirty (30) days after the Agreement is signed and presented to all employees now employed, hereafter employed, or considered for employment by the Board.
Notification
Whenever any notice is required to be given by either of the parties to this Agreement to the other, pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, either party shall do so by telegram, certified mail, fax, e-mail, or hand delivery as follows:
    If by Association, to the Board and/or the Superintendent, at the offices of the Board Secretary.
    If by Board, to the Association President and/or the First Vice President at the Association office.
Strikes, Sanctions, Lockouts
During the term of this Agreement, the Association will refrain from striking or job action of an illegal nature. The Board shall refrain from locking out employees.
No Reprisal
The Association and the Board agree that they shall not discriminate against nor engage in any reprisals or repercussions of any nature against any member of the Association, any individuals or organizations engaged in activities or in support of activities related to contractual negotiations for any Agreement or any other issue of representation. Any such reprisals or repercussions shall be prohibited and both parties agree to enjoin their members, agents, and employees to be bound by these provisions and use their best efforts to ensure compliance.
ARTICLE XVIII
DURATION
A. Duration Period
This Agreement shall be effective from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2011.
B. Sidebar Agreements
This contract has incorporated all pre-existing sidebar agreements. Any pre-existing sidebar agreement not incorporated in this contract is null and void.
C. Witness
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused these agreements to be signed by their duly authorized officers and their seals to be hereto affixed, this day of day of October 2008.
ATTEST:
FOR THE ASSOCIATION: FOR THE BOARD:
Emil Ferlicchi, President David J. Dickinson, President
Shannon Marasco, Secretary Daniel P. Michaud, Business Administrator/
Board Secretary
6/12/08 / 7/28/08 7/29/08
Date ratified by ETEA: Date ratified by EBOE:
ETEA Negotiating Team: BOE Negotiating Team:
Emil Ferlicchi, President David J. Dickinson, Board President
Jeffrey Bowden Joseph Romano, Board Vice-President
Matthew Hrevnak Dr. Rose Traficante, Assistant Superintendent
Elaine Slicner Daniel P. Michaud, Business Administrator/
Diane Westover Board Secretary
Barbara Koblentz
Joseph Rucinski
Mark Grieco
A
addendum, 28
additional sick days, 29
adult school, 10
appointment
    date of, 9
arbitration, 4, 6, 8
assignment
    paraprofessional, 11
    teacher aide, 11

B

Board policy, 2

C

car allowance, 10
certification

    paraprofessional, 11
    registered nurse, 12
class coverage, 24
clothing allowance, 10
comp time usage, 25
compensation, 6, 10
    head secretary, 12
    holiday work, 20
    PDI credits, 36
    summer work, 22
complaints, 28
conferences, 7, 33
    evaluation, 28

D

degree differential, 17
delayed opening, 23, 25
direct deposit, 10
discrimination, 6, 37, 38
doctor's note. See physician's certificate
domestic partner, 31
dues, 36

E

email system, 27
employee, 1
employment

    library aides/assistants, 11
    paraprofessionals/teacher aides, 11
    secretary, 12
evaluation, 28
    date due, 28
    written response, 28

F

family illness days, 29
Flexible Spending Account, 35

G

grievance, 3, 6, 8

H

head secretary, 12
health insurance, 32, 34
holiday

    work on, 24
holiday work
    notification of, 21
holidays
    administrative secretary/clerical aide, 21
    library aide/assistant, 20
    nurses, 22
    school secretary, 20
    security officers, 19

I

inclement weather, 23, 25
in-service day, 20, 22

J

jury duty, 33
just cause, 6

L

layoff/recall, 8
leave of absence

    Association President, 7
    benefits, 33
    bereavement, 31
    disability, 31
    family illness, 32
    infant care, 32
    jury duty, 33
    maternity, 31
    military, 33
    observation, 33
    other, 33
    personal, 30
    sick, 29
    unpaid, 9
legal holidays, 20, 21
lockouts, 38
loss of personal property, 10
lunch aides, 24

M

meetings, 2, 5, 6, 7

    Board, 23
    faculty, 24
    transfer, 26
mileage, 10, 12

N

night differential, 10

O

observation, 28
overtime

    attendance investigator, 22
    clerical aide, 24
    library aide/assistant, 23
    nurse, 26
    paraprofessional, 24
    secretary, 24
    security officer, 23
    teacher aide, 24

P

paraprofessional

    degree differential, 17
personal days, 29
physician's certificate, 29, 31, 32
probationary period, 8
professional days, 33
Professional Development Institute, 35

R

released time, 7
representation fee, 37
representative, 2, 5, 6, 7
reprimand, 6
reprisal, 5, 38
required training, 10
resignation notice, 9

S

salary guide credit, 35
seniority

    paraprofessionals/teacher aides, 11
    secretary, 12
seniority, general, 8
shift assignment,security officer, 23
sick leave
    unused, 29
sidebar, 39
step increment, 9
stipend
    head attendance investigator, 10
    head secretary, 12
    head security officer, 10
strikes, 38

T

temporary assignment, 26
tenure, 8
transfer, 11, 12, 26, 37

    involuntary, 26
    lateral, 27
    voluntary, 26
tuition reimbursement, 10

U

unpaid leave, 9
use of

    bulletin board, 7
    school building, 7
    school equipment, 7
    school mail system, 7

V

vacancy, 26, 27, 28

    application, 28
    preference, 28
vacation
    secretary, 21
    security officier, 19

W

waiver of health insurance, 35
work day, 9, 12, 23, 25

    attendance investigator, 22
    library aide/assistant, 23
    nurse, 26
    paraprofessional, 23
    school secretary, 25
    secretary, 24
    security officer, 22
    teacher aide, 23
work year, 7, 12, 20, 22, 27
    additional days, secretary, 20
    attendance investigator, 19
    library aide/assistant, 20
    nurses, 22
    paraprofessional/teacher aide, 20
    secretary, 20
    security officier, 19
    winter/spring break, 21

















Glossary of Terms/Acronyms

AAA American Arbitration Association
BOE Board of Education
CBA Collective bargaining agreement
CCC Curriculum Coordinating Committee
CCL Core Content Leader
COBRA Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act
CRT Curriculum Resource Teacher
CST Child Study Team
EBOE Edison Board of Education
ESL English as a Second Language
ESSA Edison Special Services Association (refers collectively to guidance counselors, psychologists, learning disability teacher consultants, social workers, behavior specialists, special education transition specialists and speech language therapists))
EPSA Edison Principals and Supervisors Association
ETEA Edison Township Education Association
HMO Health maintenance organization
I&RS Intervention and Referral Services
LOA Leave of absence
LPDC Local Professional Development Committee
LTS Long-Term Substitute
MCEA Middlesex County Education Association
N.J.A.C. New Jersey Administrative Code
N.J.S.A. New Jersey Statutes Annotated
NEA National Education Association
NJDOE New Jersey Department of Education
NJEA New Jersey Education Association
PERC Public Employment Relations Commission
PERS Public Employees Retirement System
PDI Professional Development Institute (Edison)
PIP Professional Improvement Plan
PPO Preferred provider organization
PR&R Professional Rights and Responsibilities Committee
TPAF Teachers’ Pension & Annuity Fund
TSDE Teacher Self-Directed Evaluation


Edison Tp BE and Edison EA 2008.pdf