Goodrich-On Monday night the school board of trustees voted 7-0 to ratify a agreement with no wage increases with the Goodrich Education Association.
In 2014 the Goodrich Education Association membership ratified a two-year contract with the district. Both parties had agreed to a reopening clause for wages and benefits for the upcoming 2015-16 school year’starting in April. Wages and salaries total about 80 percent of the school district’s $17 million budget.
GEA Union President Ed Oset, who represents about 90 district teachers, responded to the new contract.
‘We have taken concessions since 2005 and understand the financial concerns of the district,? he said. ‘Through the concessions we have made we’ve become a stronger school district. I’m proud to be an educator here at Goodrich. This is the fourth year of the wage freeze, I can’t help but think of many of my colleagues’for the third year, a teacher with three years of experience is getting paid the same amount as a new hire. My heart goes out to those teachers.?
Michelle Imbrunone, district superintendent, emphasized the need to change school funding.
‘We have worked very hard to establish a very strong environment for students and staff for appropriate, not just adequate, school funding,? she said. ‘We need to impress upon our lawmakers that our schools need appropriate funding if our students are to compete in a now international marketplace.?
Following the vote, David Cramer, school board president, commended the GEA. ‘The relationship between the GEA and the board has been much improved over the last few years,? said Cramer. ‘They have worked with us and understand the financial aspects of school funding. The steps have been frozen and I feel for them. We do understand what the teachers have gone through. It’s unfortunate, but has been necessary. I encourage lawmakers to find a way to restore compensation that is appropriate.?
‘The district does have a fund balance, but we can’t spend everything just to make payroll,? he said. ‘It’s not enough to just carry a fund balance. We need to have appropriate funding to provide at least raises to match the rate of inflation for teachers. We encourage the citizens of our district to contact your state lawmakers and demand changes in funding for our schools.?