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Tuesday, December 11, 2012
HSTA Rejects Teacher Evaluations, Turns Down State's Offer
By News Release @ 1:17 AM :: 6581 Views :: Education K-12, Labor

Union turns down state's major offer for teachers

News Release from Hawaii DoE December 10, 2012 (HSTA response below)

 

HONOLULU – The state’s negotiating team presented a comprehensive settlement offer to the Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA) hoping to reach a resolution for public school teachers and students. This evening, HSTA’s negotiating team responded that it was unwilling to accept the offer.

The state’s settlement offer for a 2013-15 contract included:

· $49 million of new compensation which included two percent raises in each year of the contract for all teachers;
·
Restoring the five percent reduction in teacher compensation that was instituted in 2011;
·
Additional support, compensation, and incentives for professional performance;
·
24 bargaining items, which HSTA had previously agreed to over the 26 prior months of bargaining, and
·
An advisory committee, including HSTA representatives, to review the new teacher evaluation system and continued recognition of all teachers’ due process rights.


“HSTA leaders were unwilling to accept more than $49 million of new compensation for our teachers,” stated Board of Education member Jim Williams. “This proposal was $11 million more than what was offered in any previous state proposal. We are disappointed since the offer included more compensation and was also in line with proposals that HSTA leaders have previously approved.”

“We made a comprehensive and fair offer and remain committed to reaching a contract with HSTA,” said Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi. “We remain committed to negotiating to reach a resolution that results in a ratified contract.”

The state proposed to resume negotiations on December 19, 2012, but HSTA is not available until January 11, 2013.

State of Hawaii Employer’s December 5, 2012 Settlement Offer for 2013-15 Contract Summary:

1) $49 million of new compensation from state general funds which included 2% raises for all teachers in each year of the contract (on July 1, 2013 and July 1, 2014);
2) Restoration of temporary 5% wage reduction in teacher compensation currently in place;
3) Restoration of full work year of 190 teacher days;
4) Provisions that would provide for HSTA to participate fully in review of the new evaluation system currently being piloted in 85 schools which is in addition to feedback being received from teachers and principals in the pilot of the Educator Effectiveness System;
5) DOE to pay Hawaii Teacher Standards Board fees for teachers renewing their professional licenses;
6) Increase of probationary period (for new teachers) from four semesters to six semesters, plus a $2500 recognition bonus for teachers completing probation (earning tenure).
7) All pay increases after July 2014 (not 5% restoration and not either 2% increase) subject to an evaluation of “effective” or “highly effective”;
8) Recognition that the new evaluation system will provide for an annual evaluation of all teachers that will be based 50% on teacher practice indicators and 50% on the teacher’s contribution to student learning and growth;
9) Maintaining all due process protections for teachers related to evaluation (and all other contract provisions); and holding teachers harmless for the results of any evaluations during the pilot years; and
10) Twenty-four contract provisions previously the agreed upon, the subject matter of which were originally proposed by the HSTA.

---30---

VIDEO: Okabe "State took a 'take it or leave it' attitude" 

 

Statement from Wil Okabe, President of the Hawaii State Teachers Association, Regarding Negotiations

From www.ContractfortheFuture.com December 11, 2012

“Today, HSTA resumed negotiations with the State.  Unfortunately, the third bargaining session was cut short as the State declared its offer expired, since HSTA could not accept the offer in its entirety.”

 “The State’s two year, $49 million economic package, paled in comparison to the over $100 million in wage losses teachers struggled to endure as they helped the State over the past 3 ½ years move towards economic recovery.  Now, as the State is realizing surpluses in excess of $300 million, HSTA is being offered 2% increases for each of the next 2 years while the State has already guaranteed members of the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA) 3% for each of the next 2 years.  While the State has indicated that all affected government workers would have their salaries restored to 2009 levels, UHPA members will enjoy a reimbursement of all pay cuts taken during this same time period.”

“HSTA shared some preliminary results of its teacher poll which indicates that teacher retention is at risk if there are no improvements to teaching conditions and compensation.  After sharing this information, HSTA was disappointed that the State withdrew its offer, and said it would reinstate its July 31, 2012 offer, with its updated economic offer.”

“Part of the State’s offer also required teachers to take a blind leap of faith by agreeing to an evaluation system that has not been fully developed or defined, yet would determine all future compensation and job security.  A major concern has been over the heavy use of student test scores to measure teacher effectiveness.  No Child Left Behind has clearly demonstrated that over reliance on student test scores puts undue and unfair pressure on students without providing for a well-rounded education.”

“HSTA has also questioned whether the DOE has fully planned and budgeted for implementation of all phases of the Effective Educator System.  HSTA referred to national reports that caution against rushing into a new system without ensuring that the funding and supports are in place. The State’s current implementation timeline is to roll out a statewide pilot beginning next school year despite concerns raised throughout the state.”

“There were many points of agreement in the State’s offer.  However, rather than continue working on the tough issues together, the State in an “all or nothing” position, withdrew its proposal requiring the parties to start once again.”

“The parties have tentatively agreed to resume bargaining in early January.”

---30---

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