STIERHEIM ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT WITH UNIONS December 20, 2001 Miami-Dade Superintendent of Schools Merrett R. Stierheim announced an agreement today between the school district and bargaining unions concerning budget cuts facing the district. The agreement will leave class size and school funding intact while avoiding layoffs. Under the agreement, all full-time employees earning $20,000 or more will take from 2-5 days of unpaid leave by June 14, 2002, according to a sliding scale based on salary ranges. In return, they will receive a number of extra, paid vacation days, called "opt days," to take in the following fiscal year. Union heads, except leaders of AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees), which has not yet reached agreement with the School Board on a larger contract, have agreed to the plan. The proposal will be placed before union members for ratification, and is expected to be sent to the School Board for final approval at its January meeting. The pay reduction plan, effective Jan. 25 - June 14, 2002, is as follows: SALARY RANGE PAY REDUCTION DAYS 2002-2003 EMPLOYEE OPT DAYS <$19,999 0 $20,000-39,999 2 2 $40,000-69,999 3 3 $70,000-99,999 4 3 >$100,000 5 3 ### 01-AMC148/JJS Back to News Releases