Contract Between
Westwood Reg B/E-Bergen
- and -
Westwood Bldg/Grnd Staff Assn
* * *
07/01/2004 thru 06/30/2007


CategorySchool District
UnitBus Drivers, Custodians, Other

Contract Text Below









AGREEMENT

BETWEEN

THE WESTWOOD BUILDING AND GROUNDS ASSOCIATION

AND

THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE WESTWOOD REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT





JULY 1, 2004 - JUNE 30, 2007

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ARTICLE
TITLE
PAGE
1
Recognition
1
2
Successor Agreement
1
3
Grievance Procedure
2
4
Employee Rights
5
5
Association Rights
5
6
Employment Procedures
6
7
Work Year
8
8
Compensation
10
9
Deductions from Salary
12
10
Insurance Benefits
14
11
Sick Leave
15
12
Temporary Leave of Absence - Paid
16
13
Miscellaneous
16
14
Duration of Agreement
18
Schedule A
19

19
ARTICLE 1

RECOGNITION

A. Unit

The Board hereby recognizes the Association as the exclusive and sole representative for collective negotiations concerning terms and conditions of employment for all personnel employed or to be employed by the Board, such personnel being specifically identified as follows: custodians, grounds keepers, maintenance workers, mini-bus drivers.

B. Definition of Employee

Unless otherwise indicated, the term “employee”, when used hereinafter in this Agreement, shall refer to all employees represented by the Association in the negotiating unit as above defined, and references to male employees shall include female employees.

ARTICLE 2
SUCCESSOR AGREEMENT

A. Successor Agreement

The Board agrees to negotiate with the Association over a Successor Agreement. Any agreement so negotiated shall apply to all members of the negotiating unit and shall be reduced to writing and signed by the parties.

B. Modification

This Agreement shall not be modified in whole or in part by the parties except by an instrument in writing duly executed by both parties.

C. Maintenance of Benefits

Except as this Agreement shall otherwise provide, all terms and conditions of employment applicable on the signing date of this Agreement shall continue to be so applicable during the term of this Agreement.

ARTICLE 3
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

A. Definition

1. Grievance

A grievance is a claim by an employee or the Association based upon the interpretation, application or violation of this Agreement, policies or administrative decisions affecting an employee or a group of employees.

2. Aggrieved Person
          An “aggrieved person” is the person or persons on behalf of whom the Association is making the claim.

B. 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 employees. Both parties agree that these proceedings will be kept informal through Level One and confidential throughout the procedure.

C. Time Limits

The number of days indicated at each level shall 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 agreement in writing.

D. Procedure

Commencing at Level Two, grievances shall be filed on the grievance form, a copy of which is attached hereto. Persons filing a grievance shall submit copies of the grievance form to the Secretary of the Board and the Officer designated by the Association (if filed by an individual employee) as well as the employee’s immediate supervisor. If filed by the Association, the form shall be filed with the Secretary of the Board, the grievant’s immediate supervisor and a copy provided to the grievant. Completion of the grievance form in its particulars shall be required prior to proceeding to each successive step of the grievance procedure. The immediate supervisor referred to herein shall be the Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds.

1. Level One - Principal or Immediate Supervisor
          Within twenty-five (25) calendar days of the occurrence of an event which gives rise to a grievance, an employee shall present his grievance at Level One. An employee with a grievance shall first discuss it with his Principal or immediate supervisor, through the Association’s designated representative, with the objective of resolving the matter informally. The immediate supervisor referred to herein shall be the Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds.

2. Level Two - Superintendent

If the Association is not satisfied with the disposition of the grievance at Level One, or if no decision has been rendered within five (5) calendar days after presentation of the grievance, the Association may refer it to the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee (School Business Administrator).

3. Level Three - Board of Education

If the Association is not satisfied with the disposition of the grievance at Level Two, or if no decision has been rendered within ten (10) calendar days after the grievance was delivered to the Superintendent, it may refer the grievance to the Board of Education. The Board of Education may hold a hearing with the Association’s representatives prior to rendering a decision.

4. Level Four - Arbitration
          a. If the Association is not satisfied with the disposition of the grievance at Level Three or if no decision has been rendered within fifteen (15) calendar days after the grievance was delivered to the Board, it may within ten (10) calendar days after the decision by the Board or twenty (20) calendar days after the grievance was delivered to the Board, whichever is sooner, submit its grievance to arbitration provided the subject matter of the grievance alleges a violation of the written terms of this Agreement.
          b. The Association may request a list of arbitrators from the Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC). The parties shall then be bound by the rules and procedures of the Public Employment Relations Commission.
          c. The arbitrator so selected shall confer with the representatives of the Board and the Association and hold hearings promptly and shall issue his decision not later than twenty (20) days from the date of the close of the hearings or, if oral hearings have been waived, then from the date of the final statements and proofs on the issues are submitted to him. The arbitrator’s decision shall be in writing and shall set forth his findings of fact, reasoning and conclusions on the issues submitted. The arbitrator shall be without power to add to, subtract, or modify the terms of this Agreement. The decision of the arbitrator shall be submitted to the Board and the Association.
Decisions of the Board at Level Three in the following matters shall be final and such decisions shall not be subject to arbitration under this Agreement:

1) any matter for which a method of review is prescribed by law.

2) any rules or regulations of the State Commissioner of Education.

3) any matter which, according to law, is either beyond the scope of Board authority or is limited to action by the Board alone.
          4) a complaint of an employee which arises by reason of his/her not being re-employed, including, but not limited to, his/her non- reappointment to any position which is not-tenurable under law.
          The arbitration, pursuant to this paragraph, shall be advisory provided, however, in the event the Board of Education shall refuse to accept or implement three (3) awards on different issues made by the arbitrator pursuant to this contract, then any subsequent arbitration shall be a binding arbitration for the duration of the term of this Agreement. Effective with mutual ratification of the 1999-2002 Agreement, the decision of the arbitrator shall be final and binding on the parties. The authority of the arbitrator is limited to the interpretations, application or the compliance with the provision of this Agreement, and the arbitrator shall have no authority to modify, add to, subtract from, or in any way alter any of the terms of this Agreement, and shall be bound by all applicable New Jersey and Federal Statutes, the Constitutions of the State of New Jersey and of the United States, and all decisions of the Commissioner of Education, the State Board of Education, the Courts of the State of New Jersey and the Federal Courts having jurisdiction over matters arising within the State of New Jersey.
          d. The costs for the services of the arbitrator, including per diem expenses, shall be shared by the Board and the Association equally. Any other expenses incurred shall be paid by the party incurring same.

          e. Any aggrieved person shall be represented at all stages of the grievance procedure by a person selected or approved by the Association.

ARTICLE 4

EMPLOYEE RIGHTS

A. Just Cause Provision

No employee shall be disciplined, reprimanded or reduced in rank, classification or compensation without just cause. Any dismissal may be considered disciplinary action and subject to the grievance procedure.

B. Progressive Discipline

The Board agrees to utilize the concepts of progressive discipline in the application of the Article, consistent with the circumstances surrounding the infraction and the and the disciplinary history of the employee. Disciplinary action may include the following:

1. verbal reprimand;
2. written reprimand;
3. suspension;
4. withholding of increment;
5. termination where permitted by law.

C. Right to Representation

Whenever any employee is required to appear before any administrator or supervisor, Board or any committee or member thereof concerning any matter which could adversely affect the continuation of that employee in his office, position or employment or the salary or any increments pertaining thereto, then he/she shall be given prior written notice of the reasons for such meeting or interview and shall be entitled to have representative(s) of the Association present to advise and represent him/her during such meeting or interview.

ARTICLE 5

ASSOCIATION RIGHTS

A. Transacting Official Business

Representatives of the Association may be permitted to transact official business on school property when school is in session, upon notice to the building principal, provided that this shall not interfere or interrupt normal school operations.

B. Use of School Buildings

The Association and its representatives may have the right to use school buildings for meetings upon notification to the building principal.

C. Use of School Equipment

The Association will have the right to use school facilities when not in session and equipment is not otherwise in use and be responsible for said equipment when in their use. The Association shall pay the reasonable cost of all materials.

D. Use of Mail Boxes

The Association shall have the right to use the inter-school mail facilities and the school mail boxes to communicate with its members.
    ARTICLE 6

    EMPLOYMENT PROCEDURES

    A. Posting Positions

    All vacancies or promotional opportunities shall be posted to allow bargaining unit members to apply and be interviewed for said positions before formal Board action on said vacancies.

    B. Uniforms

    Each employee shall receive a clothing allowance for uniforms equivalent to the cost of three (3) uniforms of equal to or better quality than brand name Dickies in each year of the contract. These items, to be purchased by the Board, may include rain gear, shoes, etc. The cost of these uniforms shall be deducted from the salary of an employee who leaves employment or who is terminated prior to the completion of one year of continuous employment in the district. Employees will receive their uniforms by August 1 for the school year beginning in September.

    C. New Employees

    New employees shall have a probationary period of ninety (90) days before a contract is issued. During the probationary period, the services of a new employee may be terminated upon one (1) week notification by either the employer or the employee. The employee shall pay all fees for fingerprinting and record search for all employees.

    D. Fair Dismissal
        1. The Board shall provide each employee either a written offer of contract for employment for the next succeeding year or a written notice that such employment will not be offered. If the employee decides to accept such employment, the employee shall notify the Board of such acceptance in writing within ten (10) days of the offer of employment.

        2. Any employee who receives a notice that his employment shall be terminated or whose contract is not renewed shall be entitled to a review as follows:
        Joint conference with:
        1. Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds;
        2. School Business Administrator;
        3. Superintendent of Schools;
        4. Board of Education.
    E. Duty-Free Lunch

    Except during his duty free lunch period, no employee may leave a work assignment without the permission of an appropriate administrator. Employees may not leave
    the site unless there is coverage.

    F. Immediate Supervisor

    For purposes of work assignment and day-to-day operations, the Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds shall be recognized as the immediate supervisor of all supportive staff personnel. The Board Secretary or Superintendent, however, may supersede the direction of the building principal. The Board will establish an organizational structure setting forth a chain of command.

    G. Reduction in Force

    Reduction in force and recall will be based upon seniority and evaluation.

    H. Salary

    An increase to the next step of the salary guide shall be based upon the following formula and upon the recommendation of the Superintendent for satisfactory service.

    I. Increment

    Employment between 1 day and 6 months - no increment increase.

    Employment between 6 months and 1 day and 12 months - full increment increase.

    Custodial and maintenance stipends added as per Schedule A-1.

    . Training Stipend

    Any member of the custodial or maintenance staff who attends a school offering a minimum of seventy-two (72) hours of class work for the purpose of improvement of job skills directly applicable to the employee’s assignment in the Westwood Regional School District shall receive a stipend of $250 upon completion of this course and upon presentation of a certificate stating that the course has been satisfactorily completed.

    All requests for courses shall have prior approval from the Superintendent of Schools.

    Black Seal licenses shall be obtained by all employees within two years of employment. Present employees shall obtain a Black Seal license within two years of the inception of this Agreement.

    A stipend of $600 shall be paid annually to each employee who holds a Black Seal license. This shall be included in the employee’s annual salary.


    ARTICLE 7

    WORK YEAR

    A. Holidays

    There are twelve (12) holidays: July 4, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Lincoln’s Birthday, Washington’s Birthday, Good Friday, and Memorial Day. Employees will work 1/2 day the day before Christmas and
    New Year' unless school is in session in which case they will work a full day.

    If July 4, Christmas, New Years, or Lincoln’s Birthday falls on a Saturday or Sunday either the adjacent Friday or Monday, respectively, shall be declared the holiday.

    In the event that work is required on a paid holiday, an employee shall be paid 2 times his/her basic hourly rate. If mutually agreeable, the employee shall be given the equivalent time on a work day in lieu of payment. This time shall be agreed upon by the employee and the Board.

    To be eligible for a paid holiday, the employee must work the last working day before the holiday and the first working day following the holiday.

    B. Work Week

    The work week is 40 hours.

    One high school custodian’s work week shall consist of the following: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (3:30 p.m. - 12:00 midnight) and Saturday (7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. or 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.). These days and hours shall be from September through June. In July and August, this custodian shall work a regular Monday through Friday schedule.

    If the custodian mentioned above is a current employee, there shall be an extra stipend of $2,000. If there are no volunteers for this position from the current staff, the Board shall advertise for this position with no additional stipend.

    If a paid holiday is celebrated on a Monday, that custodian will have off the next day (Tuesday) in lieu of the holiday.

    The middle shift elementary custodian’s hours shall be from 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

    Effective after mutual ratification of the 1998-2001 Agreement, the duty-free lunch period for employees shall be 45 minutes in length.

    C. Overtime

    An employee shall be paid at the rate of one and one-half (1 1/2) times regular hourly pay for time worked in excess of forty (40) hours per week or eight (8) hours in one (1) day. A minimum of four (4) hours scheduled is required when employee is called back to work. Supervisor will provide overtime form to include work that is expected to be completed. Time worked on a Sunday or holiday shall be compensated at double the regular hourly pay.

    Every effort will be made to pay overtime in the pay period following the accrued overtime.

    Job category overtime roster shall be established alphabetically and shall be maintained pursuant to the present rules and regulations.

    D. Call-In
        1. An employee called to return to work outside his regular scheduled shift shall be compensated for the actual time worked, but not less than four (4) hours/

        Snow removal and preparation for commencement will be considered call back and not before shift.

        2. After shift - one hour minimum.

        3. Before shift - two times actual time worked. Effective after mutual ratification of the 1998-2001 Agreement, this shall be one and one-half (1 1/2) times actual time worked.
    E. All Association personnel shall report to duty within 2 hours of the employee’s starting time of work at times of emergency.

    F. Vacation

    Employees for a full year, July 1 of any given year to June 30 of the next year shall receive a vacation of two weeks (10 working days) during the following July or August unless otherwise arranged. Employees of less than a full year on June 30 shall receive a vacation determined on the basis of one day of vacation for each full month of employment with a maximum of 2 weeks (10 working days).

    Employees shall be entitled to three (3) weeks vacation upon completion of seven (7) years continuous service as of June 30 of a given school year.

    Additional vacation days will be given or paid for perfect attendance in any given work year, according to the following guidelines: Employee working 1-5 years will be given an additional 2 days to be used in the following school year; employees working 6-10 years receive 3 additional days, employees working 11+ years will receive 5 days. This does not include personal time or bereavement time.

    Effective upon the mutual ratification of the 1998-2001 Agreement, employees shall submit a proposed vacation schedule by February 1 each year and approved vacation schedules shall be issued by the District by March 1 each year. Vacation schedules must have the prior approval of the Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds. Effective July 1, 2000, vacation may not be taken during the work week before school opens.

    ARTICLE 8
    COMPENSATION
    A. Compensation Schedule

    The salary of each employee covered by this Agreement is set forth in Section A which is attached hereto and made part hereof.

    B. Method of Payment

    Each twelve (12) month employee shall be paid in twenty-four (24) semi-monthly installments. Ten (10) month employees employee shall be paid in twenty (20) semi-monthly installments.
      C. Compensation - Travel

          Employees who may be required to use their own automobiles in the performance of their duties and/or who are assigned to more than one (1) school per day shall be reimbursed for all such travel at the IRS rate.
      D. Accumulated Sick Leave

          Effective July 1, 1989, an employee retiring from Westwood after having completed ten (10) years of continuous service in the Westwood Regional School District shall be compensated for the sick leave which he/she has earned in Westwood. The employee shall receive sixty-five dollars ($65) for a maximum of one hundred (100) days. Effective July 1, 1999, the maximum number of days shall be 140. Payment for this benefit shall be made thirty (30) days following his/her notice to retire or at retirement whichever date shall be later.

          Effective July 1, 1999, if written notice of retirement is received by the District before the February 1 preceding a retirement which will take effect from the next July 1st through June 30th, the payment under this section shall be made within 30 days of the official date of retirement. However, at the employee’s option, said payment may be deferred to the January 1st following the official date of retirement or to the second July 1st following the official date of retirement.

          If written notice of retirement is received by the District after February 1 preceding a retirement which will take effect from the next July 1st through June 30th, the payment under this section shall be made in the July of the budget year following the year in which the official date of retirement occurs.

          Compensation for unused sick leave shall be paid to the employee’s estate in the event the employee becomes deceased while working for the Westwood Regional School District.
      E. Exceptions

          When a pay day falls on or during a school holiday, vacation or weekend, employees shall receive their pay checks on the last previous working day except in cases of emergency.
      F. Longevity

      Effective July 1, 2004, there shall be an annual longevity payment of $500 for custodians who have completed 15 years of continuous District service prior to July 1st in any year. The payment will begin on the July 1st following the 15th anniversary and will be paid out over the course of the year in equal installments.

      Effective July 1, 2004, there shall be an annual longevity payment of an additional
      $500 for custodians who have completed 20 years of continuous District service
      prior to July 1 in any year. The payment will begin on the July 1st following the 20th
      anniversary and will be paid out over the course of the work year in equal installments.

      ARTICLE 9
      DEDUCTIONS FROM SALARY

      A. Association Dues
          1. The Board agrees to deduct from the salaries of its bargaining unit members dues for the Westwood Building and Grounds Association, the Bergen County Education Association, the New Jersey Education Association and the National Education Association as said bargaining unit members individually and voluntarily authorize the Board to deduct. Such deductions shall be made in compliance with Chapter 233, N.J. Public Laws of 1969 (N.J.S.A. 52:14-l5.9e) and under rules established by the State Department of Education. Said monies together with current records of any corrections shall be transmitted to such person as may from time to time be designated by the Westwood Education Association by the 15th of each month following the monthly pay period in which deductions were made.
          2. 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 each change.

      B. Agency Fee
      1. Purpose of Fee

      If an employee does not become a member of the Association during any membership year (i.e. from September 1 to the following August 31) which is covered in whole or in part by this Agreement, said 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.


      2. Amount of Fee

      Prior to the beginning of each membership year, the Association will notify the Board in writing of the amount of the regular membership dues, initiation fees and assessments charged by the Association to its own members for that membership year. The representation fee to be paid by nonmembers will be equal to the maximum allowed by law.

      3. Deduction and Transmission of Fees

      The Board agrees to deduct from the salary of any employee who is not a member of the Association for the current membership year, the full amount of the representation fee set forth in Section 2 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 each bargaining unit member during the remainder of the membership year in question. The deductions will begin 30 days after the member begins his/her employment in a bargaining unit position.

      4. Termination of Employment

      If an employee who is required to pay a representation fee terminates his/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 bargaining unit member in question and promptly forward same to the Association.

      5. Mechanics

      Except as otherwise provided in this Article, the mechanics for the deduction of the representation fees and the transmission of such fees to the Association will, as nearly as possible, be the same as those used for the deduction and transmission of regular membership dues to the Association.

      6. Indemnification

      The Association will indemnify and hold harmless the Board of all legal costs, fees and other costs arising from any action brought by a bargaining unit member regarding the agency fee provision. Said indemnification is predicated on the Board complying with the contractual provisions and applicable law.
      C. Other Deductions

      The Board also agrees to deduct from the salary of any member in Westwood any of the following deductions authorized by said bargaining unit member:

      1. Washington National Insurance Program
      2. Voluntary Savings Deduction for deposit in the Paragon Federal Credit Union.

      ARTICLE 10

      INSURANCE BENEFITS

      A. Health Insurance

      The Board of Education shall pay the full premium for health care insurance protection for all employees of the Board and for family or other dependents of said members, where applicable. The health care insurance protection shall be combined Blue Cross/Blue Shield (including Rider "J") and Major Medical Insurance encompassing all the provisions under the New Jersey State Health Benefits Plan.
        B. During the term of this contract, the Board agrees to maintain the level of insurance coverage provided by the existing dental and optical plans at no cost to individual bargaining unit members of the Association.

        C. The Board agrees to maintain the level of insurance coverage provided by the prescription plan at a $7/$4 co-pay - (Brand/Generic) to the employee.

        D. Voluntary Health Incentive Waiver Plan
            1. Effective July 1, 1999. there shall be a voluntary insurance incentive plan, if available, covering each coverage under A., B. and C. above.

        2. Employees who are eligible to receive any enrollment level above single for insurance under A. above, and those who are eligible to receive any enrollment level under B. or C. above are eligible to participate in this insurance waiver incentive plan.

        3. An employee waiving coverage under A. (health/hospitalization) must provide proof of alternative coverage or the waiver will not be allowed. Employees who have no other dental, prescription or vision coverage may waive any or all of those coverages.

        4. Employees may waive one or more of the insurances in A., B. and C. above.

        5. Each potentially eligible employee will receive a form from the administration. It will contain a final return date and waiver of coverage, and will specify the incentive payment which will be received.

        6. Employees who are eligible for any enrollment above single coverage under A. above or who are eligible for any enrollment level under B. or C. above, and who waive all coverage for any of the four types of insurance for a full year shall receive 25% of the premium cost of the waived insurance(s).

        7. An employee who waives coverage may re-enroll in such coverage at the open enrollment periods, subject to carrier rules. The only exception is that, if a spouse’s health/hospitalization coverage under A. above is terminated during an insurance year, the employee may re-enroll immediately in the District’s plan. If such re-enrollment occurs during the insurance year, no incentive payment will be made to the employee for that year.

        8. The payment shall be made in the July of the year following the waiver.

        9. In order, to protect all employees from Federal and State taxation of existing benefits if this plan is in effect, the District will set up a Section 125 account.

        10. The provisions of D. expire at the close of business on June 30, 2001 unless extended by the parties in writing.”
          E. Effective after the mutual date of ratification of the 1998-2001 Agreement, any newly-hired unit member, otherwise eligible for insurance, shall be covered by any available plan under A., B. and C. above at the single enrollment level if permissible for the first two (2) years of employment. On the first of the month following the second anniversary of employment in the unit, he/she will be enrolled at any enrollment level (e.g. single, husband/wife, family, etc.) on the same basis as all other unit members. During the first two (2) years, the employee may enroll in a higher enrollment level in any available plan by paying the premium difference between single coverage and the enrollment level.

          F. The Board will permit retirees to remain in the dental, optical and/or prescription plan by the paying the Board the appropriate monthly premium(s) in advance. The Board and the Association shall be saved harmless in the event that this benefit cannot be implemented.

          ARTICLE 11

          SICK LEAVE
            A. Allowance

            All twelve (12) month employees shall be entitled to twelve (12) sick leave days per year. Said sick leave days which are not used shall be accumulated from year to year. Ten (10) month employees shall be entitled to ten (10) sick leave days per year.

            B. Absence

            An employee who does not report for work due to illness or who reports to work but must leave work due to illness prior to completing a four hour shift shall be charged with the use of one (1) sick day. An employee who reports to work but leaves work prior to the end of a full shift but after working a four hour shift shall be charged with the use of one-half (1/2) sick day.




            ARTICLE 12

            TEMPORARY LEAVE OF ABSENCE - PAID
              A. Bereavement - Immediate Family

              An employee shall be granted up to five (5) days for the death and/or death connected illness of a member of the immediate family. Immediate family shall be defined as follows: parents, spouse, children, brother, sister, father-in-law, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, grandparents, grandchildren.

              B. Bereavement - Close friend or other relatives

              An employee shall be granted one (1) day to attend the funeral of a close friend or relative not in the immediate family.

              C. Bereavement - Extenuating Circumstances

              In case of extenuating circumstances the Superintendent may grant additional bereavement leave based on the individual employee’s request.

              D. Personal Business

              Written requests for personal leave with pay up to a maximum of five (5) days may be granted when the absence must occur on a working day. Examples: closing of a mortgage, court appearance, moving, etc. Prior approval must be obtained from the Superintendent of Schools.

              All visits for treatment, examination and/or evaluation to a member of the medical, dental, etc. profession shall be considered as sick leave and not personal leave.

              E. Other Leaves - Paid and Not Paid

              Such other leaves may be granted as approved by the Superintendent.

              ARTICLE 13

              MISCELLANEOUS

              A. Commitment

              The Board and the Association shall carry out the commitments contained herein and give them full force and effect for the term of this Agreement.

              B. Savings Clause

              Except as this Agreement shall otherwise provide, all terms and conditions of employment applicable on the effective date of this Agreement to members covered by this Agreement as established by the administrative procedures and practices in force on said date, shall continue to be so applicable during the terms of this Agreement.

              C. Separability

              If any provisions of this Agreement or any application of this Agreement to any employee or group of employees is held to be contrary to law, then such provision or application shall not be deemed valid and subsisting, except to the extent permitted in law, but all other provisions or applications shall continue in full force and effect.

              ARTICLE 14

              DURATION OF AGREEMENT

              This Agreement shall be effective as of July 1, 2004 and shall continue in effect until June 30, 2007, or until a subsequent Successor Agreement has been negotiated.

              Negotiations for a Successor Agreement shall begin not later than October 15, 2006 and shall be completed for signature by both parties by December 15, 2007.

              All present policies shall remain in effect except for such additions or changes as included in this Agreement.

              In witness whereof the Association has caused this Agreement to be signed by its President and Secretary and the Board has caused this Agreement to be signed by its President, attested to by its Secretary and its corporate seal to be placed hereon on this day of
              , 2004.


              Westwood Building and Grounds Westwood Board of Education
              Association



              ___________________________ ___________________________
              President President



              ___________________________ ___________________________
              Secretary Secretary
              SCHEDULE A

              SALARY GUIDE

              2004-2005, 2005-2006 and 2006-2007

              2004-2005
              2005-2006
              2006-2007
              STEP
              01-02
              SALARY
              STEP
              02-03
              SALARY
              STEP
              03-04
              SALARY
              1
              26745
              1
              27207
              1
              27528
              2
              27467
              2
              27943
              2
              28277
              3
              28745
              3
              29247
              3
              29605
              4
              30164
              4
              30695
              4
              31079
              5
              31756
              5
              32318
              5
              32732
              6
              33290
              6
              33883
              6
              34325
              7
              35017
              7
              35645
              7
              36118
              8
              36359
              8
              37015
              8
              37512
              9
              37891
              9
              38577
              9
              39103
              10
              39508
              10
              40227
              10
              40782
              11
              41408
              11
              42165
              11
              42756
              12
              43285
              12
              44080
              12
              44705
              13
              45472
              13
              46473
              13
              47498
              Off
              53180
              Off
              54263
              Off
              55428
              SCHEDULE A-1

              CUSTODIAL AND MAINTENANCE STIPENDS


              Head Building Custodian$3,000
              Head Night Custodian - High School$3,000
              Maintenance$3,000
              The Head Custodian in the High School shall receive a stipend of $7,000 beginning with those following the retirement of the current Head Custodian.

              The Head Custodian of the Upper Elementary School (5/6) shall receive a stipend equal to one and one half the times of the Maintenance stipend.


              Westwood Reg BE and Westwood Bldg Grns Staff Assn 2004.pdf