Cleveland Metropolitan School District board approves Cleveland Teachers Union contract
by Vivian L. Sharp
CityNews Ohio
Originally posted 7/30/2010
CLEVELAND - On Thursday, July 29, Cleveland school board members voted unanimously on a resolution to approve the Cleveland Teachers Union contract, effective through June 2013. On Wednesday, July 28, after six days of voting, CTU membership passed the proposed Tentative Agreement with 82% approval. CTU concessions lead to over $17 million in savings.
The approved contract will allow the District to recall many of the 545 teachers that were laid off in April, significantly reducing the 45:1 student-teacher ratio that was anticipated had the contract not been settled.
“This is one of many victories we hope to celebrate on our journey to increasing student achievement and transforming CMSD,” said Cleveland Schools CEO Dr. Eugene Sanders. “With CTU contract negotiations settled, we are able to direct the District’s full attention to the Academic Transformation Plan.”
In addition to the financial components of the contract, both parties agreed to develop a robust model for teacher development and evaluation that will include student performance data, unannounced teacher observations and increased flexibility for evaluation timing. Additionally, the agreement reflects new student-focused language for special education, removes transfers based on seniority as the priority over all other transfers and increases collaboration between CMSD and CTU in Academic Transformation Plan decisions.
While both parties agreed to a three-year contract, certain issues are subject to reopening: 1) If the Board projects a deficit of more than $5 million in any given year, the District can reopen for salaries, employee benefits, payment for professional development days and stipends for class size overage; or 2) If the District receives “new monies” in excess of $5 million, which are not earmarked or directed for specific use, CTU can reopen for salaries.
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