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SCHOOL DISTRICT, TEACHERS REACH MIAMI - Miami-Dade County Public Schools and the United Teachers of Dade (UTD) reached a landmark tentative agreement today that will raise beginning teachers’ salaries to $40,000 during the 2008-2009 school year, as well as provide substantial increases for current teachers. Office personnel and paraprofessionals will also benefit under the proposed contract. “This agreement reflects our continued commitment to children, teachers, and parents,” said Superintendent Rudolph F. Crew. “By joining hands with the Union and the Legislature we will ensure that teachers will come to Miami and be compensated competitively for their continued and long-term service to the children in this district. We are pleased to offer them a salary and benefits package that not only matches but surpasses those in surrounding areas.” The school district and the community will benefit from the agreement because of the ability to attract and retain quality staff. As part of the package, teachers and other school employees will be able to maintain 100 percent employer-funded health insurance, and the cost of prescription drugs and dependent care will actually decrease. Highlights of the proposed contract include: • Parent teacher conferences – parents may schedule a conference with their child’s teacher beginning in the spring semester. • Teachers’ salary and benefits package will immediately meet or exceed that of neighboring Broward County. • Teachers will get step raises automatically over three years instead of bargaining one year at a time, and will be able to move up the scale faster. • All UTD bargaining unit employees will continue to enjoy 100 percent employer-funded POS health insurance. • All dependent health insurance costs will either be lowered or remain the same. Full details of the contract are available at www.dadeschools.net. The contract is dependent on ratification by UTD members and the Miami-Dade County School Board. UTD members will vote to ratify the contract during the last week of November. ### 06-FMN/064/jjs |
