Contract Between
Closter B/E-Bergen
- and -
Closter EA
* * *
07/01/2004 thru 06/30/2007


CategorySchool District
UnitAides, Clerical, Custodians, Teaching/Professional Staff

Contract Text Below
AGREEMENT

BETWEEN THE

CLOSTER BOARD OF EDUCATION

AND THE

CLOSTER EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

FOR THE

2004-2005

2005-2006

AND

2006-2007

SCHOOL YEARS31

TABLE OF CONTENTS


ARTICLE TITLE PAGE

I. RECOGNITION 1

II. DEFINITIONS 1

III. REPRESENTATION FEE 2

IV. NEGOTIATIONS OF SUCCESSOR AGREEMENT 3

V. ASSOCIATION RIGHTS 4

VI. SALARIES AND OTHER REMUNERATION 4

VII. TEACHER WORK YEAR 7

VIII. TEACHER PREPARATION TIME 7

IX. SICK LEAVE 7

X. PERSONAL LEAVE 10

XI. PROFESSIONAL DUES AND CREDIT UNION 12

XII. LUNCH SUPERVISION 12

XIII. GRIEVANCE POLICY 13

XIV. PART-TIME EMPLOYEES 13

XV. HOURS OF WORK OF SECRETARIES 13

XVI. SUMMER HOURS FOR THE SECRETARIES 14

XVII. HOURS OF WORK FOR TEACHERS 15

XVIII. HOURS OF WORK FOR CUSTODIAL AND MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL 16

XIX. COMPENSATION FOR CUSTODIAL AND MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL 16

XX. HOLIDAYS FOR CUSTODIAL AND MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL 18

XXI. VACATIONS FOR CUSTODIAL AND MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL 18

ARTICLE TITLE PAGE

XXII. DISCHARGE OF CUSTODIAL AND MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL 19

XXIII. PERSONNEL POLICIES FOR PARAPROFESSINALS 19

XXIV. PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES 20

XXV. DURATION 21

SCHEDULE TITLE PAGE

A. TEACHERS’ SALARY GUIDE 22

          A-1 2004-2005 SALARY GUIDE 23

          A-2 2005-2006 SALARY GUIDE 24

          A-3 2006-2007 SALARY GUIDE 25

B. SECRETARIAL SALARY GUIDE 26

C. CHILD STUDY TEAM CHAIRPERSON’S SALARY GUIDE 27

D. MAINTENANCE SALARY GUIDE 28

E. CUSTODIAL SALARY GUIDE 29

F. PARAPROFESSIONAL SALARY GUIDE 30

          F-1 2004-2005 SALARY GUIDE 30

          F-2 2005-2006 SALARY GUIDE 30

          F-3 2006-2007 SALARY GUIDE 30

G. POST SCHOOL ACTIVITY PROGRAM 31

H. INDIVIDUAL GRIEVANCE POLICY AND PROCEDURES end

This AGREEMENT, made this ___th day of December, Two Thousand and Four, by and between:


BOARD OF EDUCATION

BOROUGH OF CLOSTER, NEW JERSEY


hereinafter referred to as the “Board”; and

CLOSTER EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

hereinafter referred to as the “Association.”

WHEREAS, the parties have heretofore conducted collective bargaining negotiations covering the matters hereinafter mentioned;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and the mutual covenants herein contained,

IT IS AGREED AS FOLLOWS:


ARTICLE I

RECOGNITION


The Board recognizes the Association as the sole and exclusive representative for the purpose of collective bargaining negotiations concerning the terms and conditions of employment of all regularly employed and certificated teaching personnel exercising non-supervisory positions; the Child Study Team Chairperson; the secretaries (except the secretary to the superintendent and the secretaries to the Business Administrator); the regularly employed paraprofessionals; and the custodial and maintenance personnel, with the exception of the Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds, employed by the Board.

ARTICLE II

DEFINITIONS


Whenever used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
      “Teacher” shall mean only regularly employed and certificated teaching personnel exercising non-supervisory positions and shall include the Child Study Team Chairperson except when this Agreement specifically provides to the contrary.

      “Secretaries” shall mean only the secretaries employed by the Board (except the secretary to the Superintendent and secretaries to the Business Administrator).

      “Custodial and Maintenance Personnel” shall mean only the custodial and maintenance personnel employed by the Board.

“Paraprofessionals” shall mean only regularly employed paraprofessionals.
      “All employees” or “all personnel” shall mean teachers, Child Study Team Chairperson, secretaries, paraprofessionals, custodial and maintenance personnel covered by this Agreement.
ARTICLE III

REPRESENTATION FEE


A. If an employee included within the Recognition clause of this Agreement does not, for any year during the term of this Agreement, become a member of the Association, such employee will be required to pay a representation fee to the Association for that membership year to offset the costs of services rendered by the Association as majority representative.
B. Amount of Fee
      Prior to the beginning of each membership year, the Association will notify the Board in writing:
(1) of the amount of the regular membership dues, initiation fees and assessments charged by the Association to its own members for the membership year; and
(2) of the amount which, in the determination of the Association, is the maximum fee permitted by law.
      The representation fee to be paid by non-members will be equal to the maximum allowed by law.
C. Deduction and Transmission of Fee
      The Board agrees to deduct from the salary of any employee covered by this Agreement who is not a member of the Association for the current membership year the full amount of the representation fee set forth in Section B above and promptly will transmit the amount so deducted to the Association.

      The Board agrees to deduct the representation fee in equal installments, as nearly as possible, from the paychecks paid to such employee during the remainder of the membership year in question. The deductions will begin with the first paycheck after October 1 in the school year for employees previously employed or 30 days after a new employee begins his or her employment in a bargaining unit position.

D. Termination of Employment
      If an employee who is required to pay a representation fee terminates his or her employment with the Board before the Association has received the full amount of the representation fee to which it is entitled under this Article, the Board will deduct the unpaid portion of the fee from the last paycheck paid to said employee during the membership year in question and promptly forward same to the Association.
E. Mechanics
      Except as otherwise provided in this Article, the mechanics for the deduction of representation fees and the transmission of such fees to the Association will, as nearly as possible, be the same as those used in the deduction and transmission of regular membership dues to the Association.
F. Hold Harmless Clause
      The Association will indemnify and hold the Board harmless against all claims, suits and liability, including the cost of reasonable legal fees, arising out of the Board’s actions in compliance with the terms of this Article.
ARTICLE IV

NEGOTIATIONS OF SUCCESSOR AGREEMENT


A. The Association and the Board mutually agree to initiate negotiations in accordance with the terms of the Public Employment Relations Act.
B. The Association and the Board shall meet on a mutually agreed upon time and date and negotiate in good faith with respect to salaries and other terms and conditions of employment.
C. Either party may, if it so desires, utilize the services of outside consultants to assist in the negotiations.
D. When an agreement is reached on salaries and other terms and conditions of employment, it shall be embodied in writing and signed by the duly authorized representatives of the Board and the Association and be subject to ratification by the Board and the Association.
E. This Agreement shall not be modified in whole or in part by the parties except by an instrument in writing duly executed by the Board and the Association.
F. If during the process of collective bargaining meetings are scheduled during the working hours of any employee who is a member of the negotiating committee, each such employee shall not suffer any loss in pay nor shall he or she be required to make up this time.
ARTICLE V

ASSOCIATION RIGHTS


A. Pursuant to Chapter 303, Public Laws of 1968, the Board hereby agrees that every employee shall have the right to freely organize, join and support the Association and its affiliates for mutual aid and protection. The Board agrees that it shall not directly or indirectly discourage or deprive any employee in the employment of the Board of any rights conferred by Chapter 303 and Chapter 123, Public Laws of 1974 or other Laws of New Jersey or the Constitutions 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 the employee’s membership in the Association and its affiliates, collective negotiations with the Board, or the employee’s institution of any grievance, complaint or proceeding under this Agreement or otherwise with respect to any terms or conditions of employment.
B. The Association shall have the right to use the inter-school mail facilities and school mail boxes.
ARTICLE VI

SALARIES AND OTHER REMUNERATION


A. The salaries of all personnel covered by this Agreement during the period from July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2005 shall be in conformity with the charts appearing as Schedules “A-1” (Teachers), “B” (Secretaries), “C” (Child Study Team Chairperson), “D” (Custodial), “E” (Maintenance), and “F” (Paraprofessionals) hereby annexed.
      The salaries of all personnel covered by this Agreement during the period from July 1, 2005 to June 30, 2006 shall be in conformity with the charts appearing as Schedules “A-2” (Teachers), “B” (Secretaries), “C” (Child Study Team Chairperson), “D” (Custodial), “E” (Maintenance) and “F” (Paraprofessionals) hereto annexed.

      The salaries of all personnel covered by this Agreement during the period from July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007 shall be in conformity with the charts appearing as Schedules “A-3” (Teachers), “B” (Secretaries), “C” (Child Study Team Chairperson), “D” (Custodial), “E” (Maintenance) and “F” (Paraprofessionals) hereto annexed.

B. Effective July 1, 1995, the MA 45 salary guide shall be eliminated; provided, however, that any employee who qualified for advancement to MA 45 prior to or during the term of the Agreement between the Closter Board of Education and the Closter Education Association for the 1995-1996, 1996-1997 and 1997-1998 School Years shall be paid at the appropriate step of the MA 45 salary guide.
C. All contractual stipends shall, for the duration of this agreement, remain at the same rate as set for the 2003-2004 school year
D. (1) In addition to the salary described in Paragraph 1 of this Article, any teacher who has completed fifteen (15) years shall receive a longevity stipend of $1,000. Any secretary or custodial or maintenance employee who has completed ten (10) years or more of service in the Closter Public Schools shall receive a longevity stipend of $650.00. Such stipend shall be paid in the same number of installments as the salary of the employee.
(1)
(2) In addition to the salary described in paragraph I of this Article, and the Longevity Stipend described in Paragraph 2(a), any teacher who has completed twenty (20) years shall receive a total longevity stipend of $2,000. Any secretary or custodial or maintenance employee who has completed fifteen (15) years or more of service in the Closter Public Schools shall receive a total longevity stipend of $1,300. Any secretary or custodial or maintenance employee who has completed twenty (20) years or more of service to the Closter Public Schools shall receive a total longevity stipend of $2,000. Such stipends shall be paid in the same number of installments as the salary of the employee.
(3) In addition to the salary described in Paragraph One (1) of this Article, paraprofessionals shall receive total longevity stipends as follows:
· $350 after ten (10) years of service to the Closter Pubic Schools
· $700 after fifteen (15) years of service to the Closter Public Schools
          Such stipends shall be paid in the same number of installments as the salary of the employee.
(4) A part-time employee, other than a paraprofessional, who qualifies for such longevity stipends shall receive a stipend prorated in accordance with the number of full days worked by such employee during the year in which such stipend is payable.
E. In order to be recommended for increment or salary schedule, each teacher, other than a teacher who has attained the M.A. plus 60 credits, must successfully complete five (5) educational credits, said credits to be secured within a period of three (3) consecutive years conforming to the “Policy on Financial Remuneration for Professional Improvement” as adopted on June 21, 1967.
(1) For the 2004-2005 through 2006-2007 school years, the Board will reimburse each teacher for tuition expenses for approved credits attained by the teacher in his or her three (3) year period, but any such reimbursement shall not exceed $750.00 per teacher for the applicable three (3) year period. Each part-time teacher shall be required to complete similar education credits, but the number of credits required, and the applicable reimbursement, shall be prorated in accordance with the full time equivalent days worked by such teachers.
(2) For the 2004-2005 through 2006-2007 school years, the Board will reimburse each secretary for tuition fees for approved courses or workshops attending during a designated three (3) year period, but any such reimbursement shall not exceed $400.00 for the applicable three-year period.
F. The remuneration policy for the post-school program for each of the school years during the term of this contract will be in conformity with Schedule “G” hereto annexed. To qualify for reimbursement for workshop presentations, a teacher must present instruction for the equivalent time of one (1) credit, which is fifteen (15) hours, or for pro­rated credit based upon approval of the Superintendent.
G. Each Middle School Teacher assigned to the Advisor/Advisee program shall receive an annual stipend of $233.
H. Any teacher covered by this Agreement who participates in an overnight educational field trip approved by the Board will receive additional remuneration at the rate of $50.00 per overnight.
I. The Board will provide and pay for the health benefits consisting of hospital care benefits and surgical and diagnostic benefits and also Major Medical Insurance as described under the State Health Benefits Program. The coverage will extend (a) to all teachers, secretaries and custodial and maintenance employees covered by this Agreement; (b) to all paraprofessionals who work twenty (20) or more hours per week for ninety (90) or more working days in a school year; and (c) to the dependents of teachers, secretaries, paraprofessionals and custodial and maintenance employees as defined in the respective certificates and contracts.
J. Dental insurance shall be provided for individual employees and their families.
K. Any staff member assigned to more than one school building in a single day shall, upon approval of the superintendent of schools, be reimbursed at the rate of thirty-six cents ($.36) per mile for travel between schools.
L. Commencing 1 July 2002, members of the Child Study Team (CST) may be called to work additional days beyond their contractual responsibilities when schools are not in session. Such days shall be at a mutually agreed upon time but must occur within the legal time constraints of the specific case(s) for which they are required. Child Study Team members who work these days shall be compensated at their daily rate for each day they are called in, not to exceed five (5) days unless required by legal process.
M. Commencing 1 July 2002, Middle School Guidance Counselors and all Technology Coordinators shall each work five (5) additional days, at a mutually convenient time, above their contractual responsibilities when schools are not in session. Their salaries shall be increased 2.5% over the amount indicated in Schedules A-2 and A-3 in recognition of this additional service.
ARTICLE VII

TEACHER WORK YEAR


The teachers’ work year shall consist of 183 days, which shall include 180 pupil contact days, one (1) teacher orientation day and two (2) staff workshop days.

The Board shall work cooperatively with the professional development committee (“PDC”) and the PDC shall designate the two (2) staff workshop days in the plan developed by the PDC for the district for the purpose of teachers meeting their requirement for continuing education under the Continuing Education Code.


ARTICLE VIII

TEACHER PREPARATION TIME


A. Elementary school teachers shall be entitled to a minimum of 175 minutes of preparation time per week.
B. Middle school teachers shall be entitled to a minimum of the equivalent of one (1) period of preparation time per day per week.
C. Preparation time will be prorated for teachers who work less than one (1) full week.
D. Preparation time shall be in addition to team planning.
E. Each teacher denied preparation time due to unforeseen circumstances shall be compensated at the rate of one sixth (1/6) of the substitute rate of pay per 42 minutes period prorated.
ARTICLE IX

SICK LEAVE


The parties agree that the following constitutes the policy with respect to sick leave:

A. (1) Teachers, secretaries and paraprofessionals covered by this Agreement shall receive ten (10) days of sick leave annually without loss of pay.
(1)
(2) Custodial and maintenance personnel covered by this Agreement shall receive twelve (12) days of sick leave annually without loss of pay.
B. Any sick leave days that are not used in any school year accumulate to provide a reserve sick leave over the initial days set forth in Paragraph A.
C. This sick leave applies only to the personal illness or incapacity of the individual employee and does not cover members of the family as reasons for absence.
D. Any person who has exhausted his or her sick leave granted pursuant to Paragraph 1 during any school year during the term of this contract shall have the right to utilize, for purposes of sick leave, any then available temporary non-cumulative personal days of absence granted under Article IX. At the election of the employee, by notice to the Superintendent, such personal days may be used prior to utilization of any reserve sick leave accumulated from prior periods of employment.
E. Any employee who is continuously absent because of illness for more than four (4) days may be required to submit a doctor’s certificate; in case of prolonged illness the Board may require a doctor’s certificate periodically through the period of illness.
F. At the opening of each school year, the Board will provide each employee covered under this Agreement with a statement as to his or her accumulated sick leave, including the ten days for the ensuing school year.
G. Personnel should not schedule personal medical appointments during the school day.
H. When absence for sick leave exceeds the annual sick leave and accumulated sick leave, an employee may request extended payment and the Board may pay any such person each day’s salary less the pay of a substitute for such length of time as may be determined by the Board in each individual case, in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:30-6.
I. Any employee covered by this Agreement who is ill for four (4) or more consecutive days may be directed to undergo a physical examination by a physician named by the Board. The Board shall pay for such examination.
J. In order to encourage attendance by staff members, to discourage absenteeism, and to reward longevity of service, the Board and Association agree on the following compensation to be paid to any staff member who retires according to the provisions of the TPAF or PERS:
(1) A teacher, secretary or custodial and maintenance employee who has had fifteen (15) or more continuous years of service in the Closter Public Schools and who gives the notice in the manner hereafter prescribed shall be paid an amount equal to $70.00 times the accumulated sick leave days standing to the credit of such employee at such termination, but in no event shall the amount paid to such employee exceed $12,600.00. A paraprofessional who meets such service standards shall be paid an amount equal to $7.00 times the accumulated sick leave days standing to the credit of such employee at termination, but in no event shall the amount paid to such paraprofessional exceed $1,260.00. Employees may elect to receive payment after July 1 or after January 1.
(2) A teacher, secretary or custodial and maintenance employee who has had ten (10) or more, but less that fifteen (15) continuous years of service in the Closter Public Schools and who gives the notice in the manner hereafter prescribed shall be paid an amount equal to $65.00 times the accumulated sick leave days standing to the credit of such employee at such termination, but in no event shall the amount paid to such employee exceed $5,850.00,

          A paraprofessional who meets such service standards shall be paid an amount equal to $3.50 times the accumulated sick leave days standing to the credit of such employee at termination, but in no event shall the amount paid to such paraprofessional exceed $630.00.
(3) During the 2004-2005 school year:
          The teacher, secretary, custodial and maintenance employee seeking remuneration under Paragraph “J” shall submit a voucher for such payment in the form prescribed by the Board of Education and such voucher shall be due and payable no earlier than July 1,2004 or, at the option of the employee, no earlier than January 1, 2005. In no event shall such payment be made later than June 30, 2005. Unless the employee elects to be paid later than January 1, 2005, the Board shall have the right, on a case-by-case basis, to pay such an amount to an eligible employee prior to July 1, 2004.
(4) During the 2005-2006 school year:
          The teacher, secretary or custodial and maintenance employee seeking remuneration under Paragraph “J” shall submit a voucher for such payment in the form prescribed by the Board of Education and such voucher shall be due and payable no earlier than July 1, 2005 or, at the option of the employee, no earlier than January 1, 2006. In no event shall such payment be made later than June 30, 2006. Unless the employee elects to be paid later than January 1, 2006, the Board shall have the right, on a case-by-case basis, to pay such an amount to an eligible employee prior to July 1, 2005.
(5) During the 2006-2007 school year:
          The teacher, secretary or custodial and maintenance employee seeking remuneration under Paragraph “J” shall submit a voucher for such payment in the form prescribed by the Board of Education and such voucher shall be due and payable no earlier than July 1, 2006 or, at the option of the employee, no earlier than January 1, 2007. In no event shall such payment be made later than June 30, 2007. Unless the employee elects to be paid later than January 1, 2007, the Board shall have the right, on a case-by-case basis, to pay such an amount to an eligible employee prior to July 1, 2006.
      To be eligible for such a payment an employee must have given notice to the Board of his or her intention to terminate his or her service at least 60 days prior to termination of employment, but the Board may waive this notice requirement on a case-by-case basis.

      The amount paid to any such employee shall be reduced by any deductions required to be made by law and by the amount, if any, of any pension contribution required to be made by the Board on account of such payment.

      On the same terms and conditions as are applicable to full-time employees, any part-time employee meeting the requirements of this paragraph shall have the right to be compensated for accumulated sick leave provided that the applicable maximum compensation for such employee shall be prorated in accordance with the number of full days worked by such employee at the date of termination.

ARTICLE X

PERSONAL LEAVE


The parties agree that the following constitutes the policy with respect to personal leave:
      Personnel covered by this agreement shall be entitled to personal days of absence with full pay as follows:

      An allowance up to three (3) days for teachers, secretaries, custodial and maintenance employees and paraprofessionals in each year during the term of this Agreement shall be granted for matters of a personal nature with five (5) days’ written prior notification to the school Principal and the Superintendent of Schools for any of the following reasons, viz:

(1) Personal business which cannot be handled outside of school hours.
(2) Legal business which cannot be handled outside of school hours.
(3) Household or family matters which cannot be handled outside of school hours.
(4) Any other emergency or urgent reason not included above if approved by the Superintendent of Schools and Principal. In cases of death or illness in the immediate family (defined as household members or parents and/or spouse’s parents), the determination of the length of personal leave is discretionary with the Superintendent of Schools, which shall in no event exceed five (5) days. A written statement of the reason for such emergency leave shall be submitted to the building Principal prior to the emergency leave or immediately following such emergency leave.
(5) In case of a death in the “immediate family,” a paraprofessional shall receive three (3) days leave of absence with pay, provided that if the employee has not used his/her personal leave days at the time of such death one of the three days leave under this paragraph shall be deemed to be a personal leave day. (“Immediate Family” means household members or parents and/or spouse’s parents.)
In cases of emergency, the required five (5) days’ prior notification may be waived.

Prior notice should state the category under which such leave is requested and the date or dates the individual will be absent. Upon giving such notice, the employee may be entitled to be absent for the reason or purpose stated without further explanation to the administration, unless the administration determines that it is necessary to verify the purpose of such leave because of the employee’s pattern of absences or the employee’s requested absence would result in excessive staff absenteeism in a school building, which determination shall not be arbitrary, capricious or unreasonable.

In cases where personal leave exceeds three (3) days for teachers, secretaries and custodial and maintenance employees, and paraprofessionals, such absences in excess of these limits may be without pay. It shall be the responsibility of the Superintendent to decide whether extenuating circumstances are evident and to extend the applicable limit.

In addition to the previously stated leave days, teachers, secretaries and custodial and maintenance employees covered under this Agreement, with the prior approval of the administration, shall be entitled to professional leave days with full pay for the following reasons, viz:

(1) To attend professional meetings; conferences or workshops.
(2) To engage in professional visitations to other schools or educational systems.
Personal leave days unused during the year shall be accrued to a separate individual sick leave bank to be used by the individual employee after he or she has exhausted his or her annual and accumulated sick days. Such days shall be accumulative from year to year. However, such days shall not be added, at termination of employment, to the employee’s accrued sick leave for reimbursement purposes.

For any employee employed in the district prior to July 1, 1992, any personal leave days accrued from July 1, 1987 to June 30, 1992 to the credit of the individual employee, shall be used only upon voluntary termination of the individual’s employment, in the following manner: one-third of the accrued personal leave days may be added, at termination of employment, to the employee’s accrued sick leave for reimbursement purposes. In no event shall the total of accrued sick leave and personal leave days exceed the maximum allowable under Article IX, Paragraph “J” of this Agreement. Accrual shall commence with personal days granted for the 1987-1988 school year.


ARTICLE XI

PROFESSIONAL DUES AND CREDIT UNION


A. Personnel covered by this Agreement may direct the Board to deduct Association dues from their remuneration and the Board agrees to remit the dues so deducted directly to the Association. Such direction shall be made in writing prior to opening school day in September 2004 for the 2005-2005 school year, prior to September 2005 for the 2005-2006 school year and prior to September 2006 for the 2006-2007 school year; and having once been made cannot be changed for the balance of the school year for which the deduction is authorized.
B. Personnel covered by this Agreement may direct the Board to deduct specified sums from their remuneration for deposit in the Paragon Federal Credit Union and the Board agrees to remit such deductions directly to the Credit Union for deposit in the respective teachers’ accounts. Any changes shall be made in writing and shall be limited to twice during any school year.
ARTICLE XII

LUNCH SUPERVISION


Teaching staff members shall be entitled to a duty-free lunch of the same duration as they received during the 2000-2001 school year, except that the Board shall be allowed, for every day that school is in session, to assign teaching staff members in each District school building to supervise students during the students’ lunch/recess period.

The teaching staff members assigned to lunch supervision shall each be entitled to a duty-free lunch period of their own during either the student lunch period or the student recess period, which periods shall be of the same duration as existed during the 2000-2001 school year.

Each teaching staff member assigned to lunch supervision shall be responsible for supervising student lunch/recess activities during the portion of the student lunch/recess period when the other teaching staff member(s) assigned to lunch supervision that day are taking their lunch period.

The Superintendent or his designee shall establish a schedule for each day’s lunch supervision.

The Board shall first seek volunteers from among the teaching staff to perform the lunch supervision. Teaching staff members may volunteer for both lunch supervision assignments available per day. Teaching staff members who volunteer for both lunch supervision assignments in a single day shall not receive any additional duty-free time for lunch.

In the absence of sufficient volunteers, lunch supervision shall be assigned among the teaching staff on an equitable rotating basis. No teaching staff members shall be involuntarily assigned to more than one (1) lunch supervision assignment per day.

The Board reserves the right to assign lunch supervision outside the terms of this provision in cases of emergency.

Teaching staff members shall be paid the highest hourly rate paid for school paraprofessionals for each student lunch period or recess period supervision assignment they perform. This compensation shall be paid in accordance with the payroll schedule established for all teaching staff members by the parties’ collective negotiations agreement. Teaching staff members who perform both lunch supervision assignments in a single day shall not receive additional compensation in lieu of a duty-free lunch period or any other compensation beyond that which is described in this section.

Notwithstanding the other terms of this provision, nothing shall prohibit the Board from assigning teaching staff members to supervise student lunch/recess periods, without additional compensation, as part of their contractual obligation to perform non-teaching duties. Such a duty assignment may only be made if it does not interfere with a teaching staff member’s preparation time and duty-free lunch period. The lunch period shall be the same duration which existed during the 2000-2001 school year.


ARTICLE XIII

GRIEVANCE POLICY


The parties agree that a grievance is defined as a complaint based upon an event or condition which affects the welfare or working conditions of an employee or group of employees covered under this Agreement, which is contrary to established policy or administrative regulation governing or affecting employees”; they further agree that any grievance will be dealt with in accordance with the Grievance Procedure adopted by the Board on June 29, 1966, which is attached hereto as Schedule “H”.

ARTICLE XIV

PART-TIME EMPLOYEES


Effective July 1, 1995, a part-time employee shall, upon the same terms and conditions as apply to full-time employees, be given credit, for salary purposes only, on this guide, for a full year of experience for each school year in which such employee was employed by the Board. The salary of such part-time employee shall be pro-rated in accordance with the number of full days worked by such employee.

ARTICLE XV

HOURS OF WORK OF SECRETARIES


The workday for secretaries shall be seven (7) hours and forty-five (45) minutes, Monday through Thursday. The workday on Friday shall be seven (7) and one half (½) hours.

Secretaries shall be given a compensatory day during the twenty (20) days they work over the summer for each day that they worked from September 1, through June 30, in excess of one hundred and ninety one (191) days.


ARTICLE XVI

SUMMER HOURS FOR THE SECRETARIES


The secretaries and clerks who work during the summer (July 1 - August 31) shall have the following hours: 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with an hour for lunch.

For each additional week of employment during the summer months, school secretaries shall be compensated at the rate of 2.5% of their salary as determined by the provisions of this Agreement.


ARTICLE XVII

HOURS OF WORK FOR TEACHERS


The work day for teachers shall be seven (7) hours and fifteen (15) minutes, Monday through Thursday, the first thirty (30) minutes of which shall be used for team planning. The workday on Friday shall be six (6) and one half (½) hours. The following chart reflects the school days for the period 2004-2005 through the 2006-2007 school years:
Hillside Elementary School
Day(s)Events 2004-2007
Monday -

ThursdayTeachers Arrive8:00 a.m.

Planning8:00 a.m.-8:30 a.m.
Instruction

(less 60 minutes for lunch)8:35 a.m.-3:10 p.m.

Teachers May Leave3:15 p.m.
FridayTeachers Arrive8:30 a.m.
PlanningNA
Instruction

(less 60 minutes for lunch)8:35 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Teachers May Leave3:00 p.m.
Tenakill Middle School
Day(s)Events 2004-2007
Monday -

ThursdayTeachers Arrive7:55 a.m.

Planning7:55 a.m.-8:25 a.m.
Instruction

(less 55 minutes for lunch)8:30 a.m.-3:10 p.m.

Teachers May Leave3:10 p.m.
FridayTeachers Arrive8:25 a.m.
PlanningNA
Instruction

(less 55 minutes for lunch)8:30 a.m.-2:55 p.m.

Teachers May Leave2:55 p.m.
Team planning shall be used primarily for grade level or discipline teams of teachers, collaborative groups of teachers and pupil assistance committees. Certain teachers may volunteer to be involved in flexible scheduling so that their work day may begin and end earlier than other teachers; provided, however, that their work day shall not begin more than one hour before or end more than one hour after the work day for Teachers on a regular schedule as set forth in this Article. Those who volunteer for flexible time are those involved in special assignments, including, but not limited to: art, music, chorus, band, gifted and talented, ESL and remedial programs. No teacher may be required to work a longer full-time schedule than indicated in the above chart reflecting working hours for each year of this agreement. If a teacher’s flexible schedule ends earlier than other teachers or conflicts with the time a faculty meeting is scheduled, the teacher(s) shall be excused from the faculty meeting.

ARTICLE XVIII

HOURS OF WORK FOR CUSTODIAL AND MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL


The work day for custodial and maintenance personnel shall be eight (8) working hours. Each employee shall have a paid lunch period of one-half hour duration during the work day.

The work week for employees covered by this Agreement shall be five (5) working days of eight (8) working hours each.


ARTICLE XIX

COMPENSATION FOR CUSTODIAL AND MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL


A. Regular Pay.
      Each custodial or maintenance employee shall be compensated in accordance with Schedule “D” or “E,” which are annexed hereto and made a part hereof.

      The hourly rate to which any employee is entitled pursuant to schedules “D” or “E” is hereinafter designated as “straight time.”

B. Overtime Pay
      Each custodial or maintenance employee who is required to work in excess of forty (40) hours in any work week shall be paid for such excess hours at the overtime rate which is one (1) and one-half (½) times “straight time.”
C. Premium Pay
      Each custodial or maintenance employee who is required to work on Saturday shall be paid for such work at a premium rate which is one (1) and one-half (½) times “straight time.”

      Each custodial or maintenance employee who is required to work on Sunday or on Holidays hereinafter designated, shall be paid for such work at a premium rate which is two (2) times “straight time.”

      Any custodial or maintenance employee who is required to work on a Saturday, Sunday or Holiday, except in connection with a building check or a call back, shall be guaranteed four (4) hours’ work.

      No custodial or maintenance employee shall be entitled to premium pay for work on a Saturday, Sunday or Holiday unless such work has first been authorized by a supervisor.

D. Building Checks.
      Each custodial or maintenance employee who is required by the supervisor to check a building under rules prescribed by the supervisor, on weekends or holidays shall be guaranteed one (1) hour’s pay and shall be paid at the applicable overtime or premium rate.
E. Call Back Pay.
      Each custodial or maintenance employee who has worked for eight (8) hours in any day, has left the building and who is thereafter required to return to work shall be guaranteed at least two (2) hours’ work and shall be paid for such work at the overtime rate for weekdays or the premium rate for Saturdays, Sundays or Holidays.
F. Clothing Allowance.
      Each custodial or maintenance employee shall be entitled to reimbursement of the reasonable cost of one pair of safety shoes per year, such amount not to exceed $100.00 upon proof of expenditure to the Board.

      Each custodial or maintenance employee shall be provided one (1) winter coat every four (4) years at the expense of the Board.

      The Board is to provide foul weather gear consisting of waterproof hooded rain jackets and a pair of waterproof boots in each school building in sufficient supply.

ARTICLE XX

HOLIDAYS FOR CUSTODIAL AND MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL


Each custodial or maintenance employee shall have the following holidays:
Independence DayChristmas Day
Labor DayNew Year’s Eve
Columbus DayNew Year’s Day
Presidential Election DayMartin Luther King Day
Veteran’s DayWashington’s Birthday
Thanksgiving DayGood Friday
Day After ThanksgivingMemorial Day
Christmas Eve(1) N.J.E.A. Convention Day
A. If any of the above named holidays should fall on a Saturday, Sunday, or on a day when school is in session, the Board shall provide an offset day.
B. If a holiday should fall during a custodial or maintenance employee’s vacation period, such employee shall receive an extra day off, which day shall be scheduled on a day to be mutually agreed upon between the employee and the supervisor.
ARTICLE XXI

VACATIONS FOR CUSTODIAL AND MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL


Each custodial or maintenance employee shall have a paid vacation in accordance with the following schedule:
          Up to three full years continuous service 10 working days

          Four full years to ten full years continuous service 15 working days

Any custodial or maintenance employee with more than ten (10) full years of continuous service shall receive twenty (20) days vacation time. Said twenty (20) days of vacation time shall be taken as follows:
      Ten (10) days of vacation during the summer period and the additional ten (10) days of vacation to be taken during the regular school year when the schools are closed for other vacation periods.
All vacation schedules shall first be approved by the Supervisor.

ARTICLE XXII

DISCHARGE OF CUSTODIAL AND MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL


A. No employee covered by this Agreement shall, during the term hereof, be disciplined, discharged, or reduced in rank or compensation without just cause. If any of the above actions are taken, the employee shall be given the reason therefor and have the opportunity to appeal said action to the Board. In such appeals, the employee shall have the right to be accompanied by a representative. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this contract, the decision of the Board shall be final.
B. In the event that it is necessary to reduce the number of custodial and/or maintenance employees for economic reasons, the Superintendent of Schools shall take into consideration years of service when making his recommendation to the Board of Education. The Board’s decision is final.
ARTICLE XXIII

PERSONNEL POLICIES FOR PARAPROFESSIONALS


A. The Board agrees to post notice of vacancies in paraprofessional positions as they occur.
B. Paraprofessionals who desire to transfer to another building may file a written statement of such desire with the Superintendent. Such statements shall include the school or schools to which he or she desires to be transferred, in order of preference. In the determination of requests for voluntary reassignment and/or transfer, the best interests of the school system as determined by the Superintendent shall be the deciding factor.
C. No paraprofessional shall be discharged from his/her position except for inadequate job performance or other just cause as indicated by his/her building Principal.
D. Should a paraprofessional’s position be eliminated, the paraprofessional will be given first consideration for the next available paraprofessional position for which he/she may be qualified. The decision of the Superintendent as to qualifications shall be final.
E. All paraprofessionals shall be notified in writing by the Board no later than May 31 of each year regarding their employment status for the following school year.
F. The normal work year for paraprofessionals shall consist of days when pupils are in attendance plus up to three (3) additional days as may be required by the Board.
G. A paraprofessional’s hours that have been approved by the Board may not be changed without the express permission of the Board.
H. Any extra work requested beyond the paraprofessional’s contracted daily time, i.e. clerical, library, classroom, special education and noon-hour paraprofessional, should be first offered to the paraprofessional working in that school in that capacity, before being offered to another paraprofessional in a different work capacity.
I. Whenever applicable and with the Principal’s authorization, a paraprofessional may be afforded the opportunity to make up any time lost within the month through unpaid absence. No make-up time shall be allowed for the time for which a substitute has been paid.
J. Paraprofessionals shall receive longevity in accordance with the provisions of Article VI, Paragraph D3.
ARTICLE XXIV

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES


A. For the term of this Agreement, there shall be one (1) evening of parent-teacher conferences in the fall of each year, replacing one of three existing afternoon conference times and one (1) evening of parent-teacher conferences in the spring of each year. Each individual evening conference shall be 15 minutes in length and shall be held between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:15 p.m.
B. On the evening of such fall parent-teacher conference, all teaching and child study team personnel shall be available in their respective buildings for conferences during this time. On the evening of the spring parent-teacher conference, all personnel who have scheduled conferences shall be available.
C. In the event that the demand for evening conferences exceeds the time available, the building Principal shall establish procedures for determining priority of evening conferences.
D. On days when evening conferences are scheduled, all personnel who are scheduled for conferences shall be dismissed at 3:00 p.m.
ARTICLE XXV

DURATION


This Agreement shall be effective July 1, 2004 and shall continue in effect until June 30, 2007. Any amendments agreed upon by the parties shall be in writing.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be signed by their respective Presidents and attested by the respective secretaries, the day and year first above written.
BOARD OF EDUCATION OF

THE BOROUGH OF CLOSTER

WITNESS:


_______________________________
Joan C. Dunn
Board Secretary/Business Administrator

Dated: ___________________________



By: ____________________________
Bibi Hameed
Board President

Dated: ___________________________
CLOSTER EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
WITNESS:


_______________________________



Dated: ___________________________




_______________________________
Kathleen Olsen
President

Dated: ___________________________

SCHEDULE A - TEACHERS’ SALARY GUIDE

The following notes shall apply to Schedules A-1, A-2 and A-3:

1. Full credit may be granted for outside teaching experience.
2. Credit for time spent in the Armed Services may be granted up to three years.
3. Normal increments will be granted based upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools.
4. Initial placement on this salary guide is negotiable between the Superintendent, the Board and the prospective employee. Upon issuance of a contract the employee cannot claim credits earned previous to employment in the Closter Public Schools for purposes of remuneration.
5. Salary distribution shall be computed based upon Step 1BA.

      Effective July 1, 1999 and each year thereafter for the duration of the agreement, provisionally certificated teachers shall remain on the initial step they were hired for the second year of their employment as presently required by State law.

SCHEDULE A-1 - 2004-2005 SALARY GUIDE - TEACHERS

Step
BA
BA+15
BA+30
MA
MA+15
MA+30
MA+45
MA+60
0
38,793
40,427
42,468
46,144
48,594
51,044
-------
55,944
0.950
0.990
1.040
1.130
1.190
1.250
1.370
1
40,835
42,468
44,510
48,185
50,635
53,086
-------
57,986
1.000
1.040
1.090
1.180
1.240
1.300
1.420
2
43,040
44,673
46,715
50,390
52,840
55,291
-------
60,191
1.054
1.094
1.144
1.234
1.294
1.354
1.474
3
45,245
46,879
48,920
52,595
55,046
57,496
-------
62,396
1.108
1.148
1.198
1.288
1.348
1.408
1.528
4
47,450
49,084
51,125
54,801
57,251
59,701
-------
64,601
1.162
1.202
1.252
1.342
1.402
1.462
1.582
5
49,655
51,289
53,331
57,006
59,456
61,906
-------
66,806
1.216
1.256
1.306
1.396
1.456
1.516
1.636
6
51,860
53,494
55,536
59,211
61,661
64,111
-------
69,011
1.270
1.310
1.360
1.450
1.510
1.570
1.690
7
54,066
55,699
57,741
61,416
63,866
66,316
-------
71,216
1.324
1.364
1.414
1.504
1.564
1.624
1.744
8
56,271
57,904
59,946
63,621
66,071
68,521
-------
73,421
1.378
1.418
1.468
1.558
1.618
1.678
1.798
9
58,476
60,109
62,151
65,826
68,276
70,726
-------
75,626
1.432
1.472
1.522
1.612
1.672
1.732
1.852
10
60,681
62,314
64,356
68,031
70,481
72,931
-------
77,832
1.486
1.526
1.576
1.666
1.726
1.786
1.906
11
62,886
64,519
66,561
70,236
72,686
75,136
-------
80,037
1.540
1.580
1.630
1.720
1.780
1.840
1.960
12
65,091
66,724
68,766
72,441
74,891
77,341
79,792
82,242
1.594
1.634
1.684
1.774
1.834
1.894
1.954
2.014
13
67,051
68,929
70,971
74,646
77,096
79,547
81,997
84,447
1.642
1.688
1.738
1.828
1.888
1.948
2.008
2.068
14
-------
71,135
73,176
76,851
79,302
81,752
84,202
86,652
1.742
1.792
1.882
1.942
2.002
2.062
2.122
15
-------
73,340
75,381
79,057
81,507
83,957
86,407
88,857
1.796
1.846
1.936
1.996
2.056
2.116
2.176
16
-------
75,545
77,587
81,262
83,712
86,162
88,612
91,062
1.850
1.900
1.990
2.050
2.110
2.170
2.230
SCHEDULE A-2 – 2005-2006 SALARY GUIDE - TEACHERS
Step
BA
BA+15
BA+30
MA
MA+15
MA+30
MA+45
MA+60
0
39,614
41,282
43,367
47,120
49,622
52,124
-------
57,128
0.950
0.990
1.040
1.130
1.190
1.250
1.370
1
41,699
43,367
45,452
49,205
51,707
54,209
-------
59,213
1.000
1.040
1.090
1.180
1.240
1.300
1.420
2
43,951
45,619
47,704
51,457
53,959
56,460
-------
61,464
1.054
1.094
1.144
1.234
1.294
1.354
1.474
3
46,202
47,870
49,955
53,708
56,210
58,712
-------
63,716
1.108
1.148
1.198
1.288
1.348
1.408
1.528
4
48,454
50,122
52,207
55,960
58,462
60,964
-------
65,968
1.162
1.202
1.252
1.342
1.402
1.462
1.582
5
50,706
52,374
54,459
58,212
60,714
63,216
-------
68,220
1.216
1.256
1.306
1.396
1.456
1.516
1.636
6
52,958
54,626
56,711
60,464
62,965
65,467
-------
70,471
1.270
1.310
1.360
1.450
1.510
1.570
1.690
7
55,209
56,877
58,962
62,715
65,217
67,719
-------
72,723
1.324
1.364
1.414
1.504
1.564
1.624
1.744
8
57,461
59,129
61,214
64,967
67,469
69,971
-------
74,975
1.378
1.418
1.468
1.558
1.618
1.678
1.798
9
59,713
61,381
63,466
67,219
69,721
72,223
-------
77,227
1.432
1.472
1.522
1.612
1.672
1.732
1.852
10
61,965
63,633
65,718
69,471
71,972
74,474
-------
79,478
1.486
1.526
1.576
1.666
1.726
1.786
1.906
11
64,216
65,884
67,969
71,722
74,224
76,726
-------
81,730
1.540
1.580
1.630
1.720
1.780
1.840
1.960
12
66,468
68,136
70,221
73,974
76,476
78,978
-------
83,982
1.594
1.634
1.684
1.774
1.834
1.894
2.014
13
68,470
70,388
72,473
76,226
78,728
81,230
83,732
86,234
1.642
1.688
1.738
1.828
1.888
1.948
2.008
2.068
14
72,640
74,725
78,478
80,979
83,481
85,983
88,485
1.742
1.792
1.882
1.942
2.002
2.062
2.122
15
74,891
76,976
80,729
83,231
85,733
88,235
90,737
1.796
1.846
1.936
1.996
2.056
2.116
2.176
16
77,143
79,228
82,981
85,483
87,985
90,487
92,989
1.850
1.900
1.990
2.050
2.110
2.170
2.230

SCHEDULE A-3 – 2006-2007 SALARY GUIDE - TEACHERS

Step
BA
BA+15
BA+30
MA
MA+15
MA+30
MA+45
MA+60
0
40,473
42,177
44,307
48,141
50,698
53,254
-------
58,366
0.950
0.990
1.040
1.130
1.190
1.250
1.370
1
42,603
44,307
46,437
50,272
52,828
55,384
-------
60,496
1.000
1.040
1.090
1.180
1.240
1.300
1.420
2
44,904
46,608
48,738
52,572
55,128
57,684
-------
62,797
1.054
1.094
1.144
1.234
1.294
1.354
1.474
3
47,204
48,908
51,038
54,873
57,429
59,985
-------
65,097
1.108
1.148
1.198
1.288
1.348
1.408
1.528
4
49,505
51,209
53,339
57,173
59,729
62,286
-------
67,398
1.162
1.202
1.252
1.342
1.402
1.462
1.582
5
51,805
53,509
55,640
59,474
62,030
64,586
-------
69,699
1.216
1.256
1.306
1.396
1.456
1.516
1.636
6
54,106
55,810
57,940
61,774
64,331
66,887
-------
71,999
1.270
1.310
1.360
1.450
1.510
1.570
1.690
7
56,406
58,110
60,241
64,075
66,631
69,187
-------
74,300
1.324
1.364
1.414
1.504
1.564
1.624
1.744
8
58,707
60,411
62,541
66,375
68,932
71,488
-------
76,600
1.378
1.418
1.468
1.558
1.618
1.678
1.798
9
61,007
62,712
64,842
68,676
71,232
73,788
-------
78,901
1.432
1.472
1.522
1.612
1.672
1.732
1.852
10
63,308
65,012
67,142
70,977
73,533
76,089
-------
81,201
1.486
1.526
1.576
1.666
1.726
1.786
1.906
11
65,609
67,313
69,443
73,277
75,833
78,390
-------
83,502
1.540
1.580
1.630
1.720
1.780
1.840
1.960
12
67,909
69,613
71,743
75,578
78,134
80,690
-------
85,802
1.594
1.634
1.684
1.774
1.834
1.894
2.014
13
69,954
71,914
74,044
77,878
80,434
82,991
-------
88,103
1.642
1.688
1.738
1.828
1.888
1.948
2.068
14
74,214
76,345
80,179
82,735
85,291
87,847
90,404
1.742
1.792
1.882
1.942
2.002
2.062
2.122
15
76,515
78,645
82,479
85,036
87,592
90,148
92,704
1.796
1.846
1.936
1.996
2.056
2.116
2.176
16
78,816
80,946
84,780
87,336
89,892
92,449
95,005
1.850
1.900
1.990
2.050
2.110
2.170
2.230

Schedule B

Secretarial Salary Guide

Step
2004-05
2005-06
2006-07
1
27,712
27,939
29,260
2
28,751
28,986
30,357
3
29,829
30,072
31,496
4
30,948
31,200
32,678
5
32,110
32,370
33,905
6
33,795
33,585
35,179
7
35,485
35,635
36,501
8
37,180
37,685
38,551
9
38,875
39,735
40,601
10
40,570
41,785
42,651

1. All the secretaries who are employed by the Board of Education will be placed on the appropriate salary guide.
2. Up to three (3) years outside school (or equal) experience may be granted.
3. Full credit is granted for past Closter experience.
4. Normal increments will be granted based upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools and the School Principal.

AMOUNTS DO NOT INCLUDE ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION FOR ADDITIONAL FOUR WEEKS.

Schedule C

Child Study Team Chairperson’s Salary Guide


The annual salary of the Child Study Team Chairperson shall be determined as follows:

1. The base salary shall be determined by the terms of this Agreement and based upon the maximum step of the MA+60 scale, plus 1.5% of that salary, for each of the three (3) years of this Agreement.
2. Longevity, if applicable shall be calculated in accordance with Article VI (2) of this Agreement.
3. Commencing 1 July 2002, the position of Child Study Team Chairperson shall become a twelve (12) month position with twenty (20) non-cumulative vacation days to be taken during the period of 1 July through 31 August of each year. The salaries listed as C-1, C-2 and C-3 reflect the negotiated recognition of this additional service.
The annual salary for the Child Study Team Chairperson currently employed shall be:

C-1 2004-2005 Annual Salary - $103,671 including longevity stipend

C-2 2005-2006 Annual Salary - $105,822 including longevity stipend

C-3 2006-2007 Annual Salary - $108,073 including longevity stipend


Schedule D

Maintenance Salary Guide

Step
2004-05
2005-06
2006-07
1
39,067
39,662
40,334
2
40,552
41,169
41,866
3
42,093
42,734
43,457
4
43,692
44,358
45,109
5
45,352
46,043
46,823
6
47,076
47,793
48,602
7
48,865
49,609
50,449
8
50,722
51,494
52,366
9
52,649
53,451
54,356

1. All Closter maintenance personnel will be placed on this salary guide.
2. Credit for past experience shall be given at the discretion of the Board of Education.
3. A $100 differential shall be granted to employees holding a Black Seal Fireman’s License.
4. A $200 differential shall be granted to employees holding a Black Seal Fireman-in-Charge License, in addition to the differential indicated in paragraph 3.
5. Normal increments will be granted based upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools and/or the Business Administrator/Board Secretary.

Schedule E

Custodial Salary Guide

Step
2004-05
2005-06
2006-07
1
29,749
30,634
31,470
2
30,879
31,798
32,666
3
32,104
33,006
33,908
4
33,429
34,306
35,196
5
34,859
35,711
36,611
6
36,389
37,221
38,126
7
38,014
38,836
39,741
8
39,939
40,751
41,656
9
41,964
42,766
43,671
10
44,089
44,881
45,786

1. All Closter custodial personnel will be placed on this salary guide.
2. Credit for past experience shall be given at the discretion of the Board of Education.
3. A $100 differential shall be granted to employees holding a Black Seal Fireman’s License.
4. A $200 differential shall be granted to employees holding a Black Seal Fireman-in-Charge License, in addition to the differential indicated in paragraph 3.
5. Normal increments will be granted based upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools and/or the Business Administrator/Board Secretary.

SCHEDULE F

Paraprofessional Salary Guide


Schedule F-1 2004-2005

1. $11.41 per hour base salary
2. $13.62 per hour after one year of employment
3. $13.86 per hour after two consecutive years of employment
4. $14.75 per hour after three consecutive years of employment
5. $15.77 per hour after four consecutive years of employment
Schedule F-2 2005-2006

1. $13.19 per hour base salary
2. $13.70 per hour after one year of employment
3. $14.22 per hour after two consecutive years of employment
4. $15.10 per hour after three consecutive years of employment
5. $16.09 per hour after four consecutive years of employment
Schedule F-3 2006-2007

1. $13.85 per hour base salary
2. $14.38 per hour after one year of employment
3. $14.92 per hour after two consecutive years of employment
4. $15.49 per hour after three consecutive years of employment
5. $16.43 per hour after four consecutive years of employment

Schedule G

Post School Activity Program

Activity
2004-2005
2005-2006
2006-2007
Yearbook
1,409
1,409
1,409
Volleyball
1,054
1,054
1,054
Cross-Country
1,054
1,054
1,054
Track
2,111
2,111
2,111
Basketball –Boys
2,111
2,111
2,111
Basketball – Girls
2,111
2,111
2,111
Gymnastics
2,111
2,111
2,111
Drama
1,409
1,409
1,409
Cheerleading
1,409
1,409
1,409
Grade 6 Trip Coordinator
638
638
638
Grade 7 Trip Coordinator
638
638
638
Grade 8 Trip Coordinator
638
638
638
Interdisciplinary Team Leader (Grades 5, 6, 7, 8)
638
638
638
Department Chairs - (Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies) Same as Interdisciplinary Team Leader
638
638
638
Workshop/In-Service Instructor
682/credit
682/credit
682/credit
Clubs-minimum of 20 sessions (30 min. each)
Academic Pentathlon (T)
Computers (H)
Garden Club (H/T)
Kids Helping Kids (Grades 5, 6, 7, 8) (T)
Kids Against Pollution (H)
Math League (Grades 5 & 6) (Grades 7 & 8) (T)
Photography (T)
Production (T)
Rainbow Connection (H/T)
Scripta (T)
Service (T)
Student Council (H)
Writing (H/T)
341
341
341
Clubs-minimum of 40 sessions (30 mins. each)
Computers (H)(H/T)
Dance (T)
Student Council (T)
Tenakill Singers (T)
682
682
682

Grievance – Page 4

SCHEDULE H

INDIVIDUAL GRIEVANCE POLICY AND PROCEDURES


The effectiveness of the schools is largely dependent upon the existence of effective working relationships among all employees of the school system. It is desirable, therefore, to eliminate, as much as possible, those areas of disagreement and dissatisfaction that inevitably arise among persons working together in the schools. The satisfactory settlement of complaints and grievances not only promotes wholesome attitudes and feelings about the performance of professional services, but also increases the efficiency and effectiveness of the worker in his or her relationship to pupils and the community.

Any individual employee of the school system shall have the right to appeal the application of policies and administrative decisions affecting him or her through administrative channels, with assured freedom from restraint, interference, coercion, discrimination, or reprisal in presenting his or her appeal. He or she shall have the right to present his or her own appeal or designate representatives of the Closter Education Association or other group or persons of his or her own choosing to appear with him or her or for him or her at any step in his or her appeal.

1. Any employee who has a grievance shall discuss it first with his or her Principal in an attempt to resolve the matter informally at that level.
2. If, as a result of the discussion, the matter is not resolved to the satisfaction of the employee within five (5) school days, he or she shall set forth in writing his or her complaint to the Principal. The Principal shall communicate his or her decision to the employee in writing within three (3) school days of receipt of the written complaint.
3. The employee may appeal the Principal’s decision to the Superintendent of Schools. The appeal to the Superintendent must be made in writing and must set forth the grounds upon which the grievance is based. The Superintendent shall request a report on the grievance from the Principal, shall confer with the concerned parties, and upon request, with the employee or Principal separately. He or she shall attempt to resolve the matter as quickly as possible but within a period not to exceed ten (10) school days. The Superintendent shall communicate his or her decision in writing, along with supporting reasons, to the employee and the Principal.
4. If the grievance is not settled after reaching the Superintendent of Schools, the matter may then be referred to the Closter Education Association or other group or persons for consideration. This person, group or association shall make a determination as soon as possible, but within a period not to exceed ten (10) school days, notifying the employee in writing of that determination.

      If the Closter Education Association or group or persons determines that the grievance has or may have merit, it shall recommend that the grievance be heard by the Board of Education.

      If the Closter Education Association or other group or persons determines that the grievance is without merit, it will so advise the employee and a copy of its findings shall be sent to the Principal, the Superintendent of Schools and the Board of Education.

      An employee whose grievance has been determined to be without merit by the Closter Education Association or other group or persons shall retain the right to appeal in writing to the Board of Education.

5. When an employee requests a review by the Board of Education, the request shall be submitted in writing through the Superintendent of Schools who shall attach all related papers and forward the request to the Board of Education. The Board, or a committee thereof, shall review the grievance, hold a hearing with the employee if requested, and render a decision in writing within thirty (30) days. Its findings shall be sent to the Principal, the Superintendent of Schools and the employee.
A. Notice of this conference shall also be given to the Principal and to the Superintendent of Schools. The Principal and the Superintendent of Schools may be present at the conference and state their views.
6. If the grievance is not resolved as of the above mentioned step, the aggrieved employee may request a special convocation of a Board-Teacher Relations Committee or a similarly established group with a view to arriving at a mutually satisfying resolution of the complaint. The aggrieved employee and his or her representative, if any, shall be given at least three (3) school days’ notice of the conference and an opportunity to participate.
The committee shall:

A. Meet with the aggrieved employee to ascertain and discuss the problem.
B. Gather facts to provide evaluation.
C. Attempt to arrive at a solution.
D. Present conclusions and recommendations to the full Board of Education if a mutually acceptable conclusion or recommendation has been reached.
7. It is the intent of the parties to this Agreement that the arbitration procedure herein shall serve as a means for the peaceable settlement of grievances which are not settled under paragraph 6 that may arise between them.
A. In the event that the aggrieved employee is dissatisfied with the determination of the Board-Teacher Relations Committee, he/she may request that his/her grievance be submitted to arbitration. A request for arbitration shall be made within ten (10) days of the committee’s determination. The aggrieved employee and the Board may mutually agree to extend the period of time in which arbitration may be requested.
B. Within ten (10) days after such written notice of submission to arbitration, the Board and the Association shall attempt to agree upon a mutually acceptable arbitrator and shall obtain a commitment from said arbitrator to serve. If the parties are unable to agree upon an arbitrator or to obtain such a commitment within the specified period, a request for a list of arbitrators may be made to the Public Employment Relations Commission (hereinafter “P.E.R.C.”) by either party. The parties shall then be bound by the rules and procedures of P.E.R.C.
C. The arbitrator so selected shall limit his/herself to the issues submitted to him/her and shall consider nothing else. He/she can add nothing to nor subtract anything from this Agreement between the parties or any applicable policy of the Board. The only grievances which may be arbitrated are those alleging that there has been a violation of the express, written terms of the locally negotiated agreement. The arbitrator shall not have the authority to rule on grievances which concern the interpretation, application or alleged violation of the Board policies and administrative decision affecting terms and conditions of employment, or of statutes and regulations setting terms and conditions of employment. Such grievances may only be pursued before the Commissioner of Education, the State Board of Education, and last to the state courts.
D. The parties in interest shall be afforded a full opportunity to present any evidence, written or oral, which may be judged pertinent to the matter in dispute.
E. The decision of the arbitrator regarding the violation, interpretation or application of this Agreement shall be final and binding on both parties in all matters except those dealing with a managerial prerogative which shall not be subject to any arbitration proceeding.
F. The Arbitrator has no authority, express or implied, to add to or subtract from the language of the parties Agreement and the Arbitrator’s decision must be based solely on the content of this Agreement as written and agreed upon by the parties.
G. Each grievance will be arbitrated separately except those of a similar nature and when mutually agreed to by both parties.
H. All fees and expenses of the arbitrator and arbitration proceedings shall be shared equally between the Board and the Association. All other costs related to arbitration, such as the payment for legal services, shall be paid for by the respective parties.



Closter BE and Closter EA 2004.pdf