
VOTE NOVEMBER 3, 2020

https://mailchi.mp/7baa2a64089f/bargaining-updatestart-of-school-year
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Resolution – Black Lives Matter
Natomas Teachers Association (NTA) stands in solidarity with the family, friends, and loved ones of George Floyd, with the Black community, and with everyone demanding police accountability and justice.
WHEREAS, on May 25, 2020, a Minneapolis police officer murdered 46-year-old George Floyd, kneeling on his neck for nearly nine minutes while he pleaded to be allowed to breathe; and
WHEREAS, three other police officers aided and abetted the death of George Floyd; and
WHEREAS, the Black community repeatedly faces the deaths of loved ones at the hands of the police; and
WHEREAS, the core principle of unions and the labor movement – “An Injury to One is An Injury to All” – requires all working people of conscience to take a stand for justice; and
WHEREAS, Black Lives Matter.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that NTA will engage in an ongoing dialogue of compassion and understanding that brings to life a vision for our community and schools that is culturally engaged, globally aware, safe for all points of view, and actively involved in supporting equal access to education, healthcare, and other fundamental needs. NTA acknowledges the existence of institutionalized racism and commits to actively confront the racism that exists in our systems and structures. We are committed to being part of the solution by promoting diversity hiring, awareness of history and data, and teaching students using anti-racist curriculum.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we call on our membership to safely participate in or otherwise support actions called by those seeking justice for George Floyd and all other victims of police brutality.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that NTA will issue a statement to our entire membership to the effect of the resolution above.
Hi everyone,
Congrats to all the NUSD retirees. May your retirement years be wonderful and restful.
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
Between Natomas Teachers Association And Natomas Unified School District
CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE
Blue Language Represents: Distance Learning for Students with an IEP
This memorandum is agreed between Natomas Unified School District (“District”) and the Natomas Teachers Association (“NTA”), collectively referred to hereinafter as “the parties”, concerning the District’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic.
This Memorandum of Understanding sets forth the protocol and terms that the District and NTA have agreed upon to govern working conditions for NTA bargaining unit members due to the COVID-19 public health emergency.
The District and NTA recognize the importance of maintaining safe learning opportunities for the benefit of the students and communities served by the District and its teachers and staff.
The Parties agree that continuity of District instruction is important for and provisions should be made for District employees who are impacted by the epidemic.
Defining “Distance Learning”
In the light of the fact that the District has called for school closures, NTA members are certain to be impacted in their professional and personal lives. In an effort to alleviate those impacts, the District wishes to allow teachers–as long as their services are not otherwise required as Disaster Service Workers–and students to engage in a unique education delivery model (Distance Learning) that will provide teachers an alternative method of delivering instructions that does not require them to physically report to work and ensure that students are able to continue learning with minimal interruption.
In the interest of implementing Distance Learning, the parties agree:
In order for NUSD to do their best to meet the summary of Federal and State Guidance for Implementing Distance Learning for Students with an IEP, as feasible the teacher may virtually communicate with related service providers and classified staff to develop and monitor plans for students based on IEP amendments as necessary and appropriate.
4. While staff may not have a set daily schedule in light of the challenges presented during this pandemic related to things impacting them personally (i.e. childcare), staff will be expected to consistently provide instruction, resources and support to students through Distance Learning. Staff (including Special Education staff) will consistently communicate when they will be available to students and families for that week, to be the equivalent of one hour per day via email and/or other virtual platforms to respond to and support students’ needs.
5. Distance learning activities provided to students shall include enrichment, engagement, and review. The activities provided will not require summative assessments or grading. In addition, students will be held “harmless”, and will not receive a lesser grade than their current grade as a result of engaging in Distance Learning during this unprecedented time. This aligns with the State Superintendent of Public Instruction’s recent statements that assessments should not be used during this time as a summative measure, but rather as a formative measure to gauge instruction and where students need support. Students will, however, be able to earn a higher grade as a result of engaging in Distance Learning, and if appropriate, may be assigned APEX as an option for credit recovery.
6.Current collectively bargained timelines for staff evaluations and related components shall be suspended for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. In addition, it is recognized that staff may be developing activities to be delivered via a new modality, and as such, they shall not be evaluated or disciplined based on the “quality” of those lessons and instruction during this crisis.
7. School Psychologists may provide appointments to students for social emotional needs as possible. Any appointments scheduled can be conducted virtually or by district provided cell phone/equipment.
SpEd addendum:
8. Counselors may provide appointments to students for academic counseling as possible. These appointments or conversations may be conducted via email or when appropriate via tools such as Google Hangout.
9. Unit members who are exposed to the coronavirus and are required to be quarantined or who self-quarantine shall be placed on paid leave, which shall not be deducted from the member’s sick, personal, or extended illness leave. Unit members who are not available to work remotely may use any available sick leave or other applicable leaves consistent with the CBA.
10. Specific provisions related to offering Special Education services are not included in this MOU and will be addressed as more federal and state guidance is provided in a separate agreement. See blue language for appropriate Special Education services provisions in this MOU.
11. Specific provisions related to some of our specialty secondary programs are not included in this agreement and may still need to be negotiated, such as IB requirements.
12. Bargaining unit members’ compensation and benefits shall not be reduced as a result of the emergency school closure.
13, Other items regarding school closures and the crisis may still need to be negotiated.
14. This MOU shall expire on June 30, 2020, but may be extended by mutual written agreement.