Good morning,

 

Mediation sessions will begin in June, a little later than we would like, but scheduling is somewhat problematic. We remain committed to doing this as expeditiously as possible.

 

Meanwhile all of the city's

Members of the Boston Police Patrolman's Association picketed Commissioner Edward Davis's speech last week at the BTU Hall using these signs

other unionized employees remain without a contract.(*) Last week the police department scheduled a meeting for officers and others at the BTU, and members of the Boston Police Patrolman's Association held a picket line for Commissioner Edward Davis as he entered the hall. Their pickets signs show the same feeling and frustration that we all have.

Our goal in mediation remains as it was during negotiations: we want a contract that is good for students, affordable to the city, and fair to our members.

[ (*) Yesterday we were informed that there have been recent, tentative settlements reached with an AFSCME local and an SEIU local. Each local has approximately 1200 members. Neither organization has ratified its contract yet. We will keep you informed.]
 

Transfer and Open Posting Lists Out 
The transfer and open posting lists were out as of April 18. If you have any questions, please email or call Caren or Michael at the office. Open posted positions will be up until they are filled. For questions on Para-related issues, please email Jenna.

Teacher excess pools are tentatively scheduled for the end of the month. The teacher mock pool will be held on May 24 from 4-6 PM at the BTU. 

Note: A few calls have come in to the BTU office regarding transfers. Teachers (nurses, and so on) do NOT need the permission of their building administrator to transfer from a building. Any questions, please email Caren or Michael. 

The BTU's membership meeting is this week, Wednesday at 4 PM. Elizabeth Warren, BTU-endorsed Senate candidate, will speak at the BTU at 5 PM. Shortly thereafter candidate Warren will appear at SEIU Headquarters, which is around the corner from the BTU. See here. Refreshments will be served.

THE RETIREMENT BOARD HAS CHANGED THEIR MAY 9 MEETING TO MAY 22 at 10 AM

As you know, May 22 is the date of the Spring Luncheon, so we realize some of you who planned to attend the Retirement Board meeting have signed up to attend the RTC luncheon. Several members of the RTC Legislative Committee plan to attend the meeting at City Hall and will attend the luncheon immediately afterward. If you are still willing to attend the meeting on this new date, please be at the BTU at 9 AM. We will carpool to City Hall. If you plan to go on your own, please go to the Retirement Board Room 816 and they will inform you where the meeting will be held.

A FREE SOCIAL AND NETWORKING EVENT ON THURSDAY, MAY 17 
Boston Gay Lesbian Bisexual, Transgender and Ally Educators, Administrators and Central Office Staff: In collaboration with the Boston Teacher Residency, the Office of Equity and GLSEN (Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network), the newly forming GLBT Educators Network of Boston (GEN-BPS) is hosting a free social and networking event onThursday, May 17 from 5-7 PM at the Savin Bar and Kitchen (located at 112 Savin Hill Ave in Dorchester).

An RSVP is not necessary. Just come on out and bring a friend or ally! Contact Frank Pantano with questions by email or at 617-756-3341.

A familiar-sounding story reared its head this week in Worcester as the teachers association and the school board fought 

Worcester teachers stage protest at School Board meeting

about the wholesale reshuffling of teachers as a strategy for school turnaround. You may remember that the state released a report last week that suggests that forced staff turnover shows no evidence of helping school improvement. See an article about the Worcester developments here. 

 

ANNUAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD - APRIL 30 THROUGH MAY 11
SICK LEAVE DONATION PROGRAM FOR ADMINISTRATIVE GUILD, BASAS, BTU, AND MANAGERIAL EMPLOYEES

Consistent with information contained in Superintendent's Circular HRS-PP15, forms to be used for enrollment in the above-referenced sick leave donation programs have been forwarded to all schools and departments.

Please note that this is the only opportunity for employees in these groups to express an interest in enrolling in sick bank programs for the 2012-2013 school year. Therefore, it is imperative that these forms be circulated to appropriate staff for review and sign-off. Forms must be returned to the Office of Human Resources by the close of business on Monday, May 14. Late forms will not be accepted. Contact: Deborah Pullen, 617-635-9649. DEADLINE:  Monday, May 14.

The Horace Mann School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing will host their 17th Annual Golf Benefit on Monday, June 18 in Pinehills Golf Club in Plymouth. Funds raised by the Golf Benefit are targeted for the advancement of the school's Whole School Improvement Plan.

• Registration and Networking at 9:30 AM
• Shotgun start at 11 AM
• Scramble Style tournament
• Reception at 4 PM with dinner and silent auction to follow
• Auction items and gift certificates are greatly appreciated
• Call the school at 617-635-8534 for more information

Have you been thinking about quitting smoking? Then join the FREE Stop Smoking Group available for BPS Employees! This 6-week group session will include free nicotine patches (for those who medically qualify) and counseling.

Where: DC 35 Union Building, 25 Colgate Road in Roslindale
When: Six Mondays beginning May 14, from 4-5 PM

Please contact Jaime Lederer with questions by email or at 617-635-6644, x41253. 

Lombardo's, 6 Billings Street in Randolph
Thursday, June 7, 6 until 11PM
Florian Hall at 55 Hallet Street in Dorchester

Cost per person: $50 (includes gift, meal, and DJ). Please make checks payable to "Joseph Lee Sunshine Fund" and mail to: Joseph Lee School, Attn: Sara Smith, 155 Talbot Avenue, Dorchester, MA 02124. Please RSVP by May 17.

 

Friday, June 15 at 4 PM
Winthrop Arms Hotel at 130 Grovers Avenue in Winthrop

$30 includes dinner & gift. Cash or check payable to the O'Donnell School. Please RSVP by June 1 to Barbara Grato at 617-635-8454.

June 9 at 1:30 PM
Maggiano's Little Italy, 4 Columbus Avenue in Boston
$60 per person includes appetizers, lunch, dessert and gifts for the retirees. Cash bar and discounted parking will be available.

Please make checks payable to "JoAnn Brown-Henderson Retirement" and submit to JoAnn Brown, Henderson School, 1669 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester, MA 02125 no later than May 9.

The Boston Teachers Union regrets to inform the passing of the father of Eileen Franklin, a teacher at the Otis. Eileen's father passed away last Friday in South Carolina. The wake and funeral will this Friday and Saturday, respectively. Notices will be in the Globe and Patriot Ledger on Friday, May 11. The Boston Teachers Union sends its most sincere condolences to Eileen and her family.

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