Know Your Contract

By Bob Prola, OGEA VP

bobprola@gmail.com

Are you aware that, as an OGEA member, you are part of a democratic organization that helps determine the rules you are employed under in your collectively bargained agreement?  You get to give input into the bargaining process, vote for OGEA leadership to direct bargaining, and vote on whether or not to accept the bargaining agreements.

You can find your OGEA contract and Safety MOU at ogea.org

Combination Classes (Articles 15.4.1.4 and 15.4.2.3)

Are you aware that the District must follow certain rules if they make you teach a combination class?

• A stipend will be paid in your December paycheck.
• You are entitled to 2 release days for planning and preparation. 
• A ¾ combination class should follow primary grade class size limits and factors into the 24 to 1 district wide ratio for primary grades.

Evaluations (Article 10)

Are you aware that administrators have to follow certain timelines and rules on your evaluations?

• By October 1st, all OGEA members must be notified that they are being evaluated, given the criteria they will be evaluated on, and a copy of the evaluation procedures. (Article 10.5)
• By October 15th, your administrator must meet with you to discuss your evaluation plan and allow you to sign up for your first formal observation. (Article 10.6)
  • All probationary and temporary teachers must receive their first formal observation by December 1st.
• In order to be formally observed, you must be given 2 days notice.  Your administrator must then hold a conference with you to discuss your formal observation within 10 days. (Article 10.7)
• All final evaluation conferences with your administrator must be completed by May 1st and the paperwork must be filed and given to you by May 10th. (Article 10.8.1)
  • If you are on your 2nd year of probationary status, your evaluation must be completed by February 15.
• If you receive a poor evaluation, you must be given a detailed improvement plan. (Article 10.8.2)
• As an OGEA member, you have the right to attach a written response to your evaluation that must be added to your personnel file. (Article 10.8.4)
• You have the right to have an OGEA representative at your evaluation conference if you are being given a poor evaluation. (Article 10.9)
• Permanent status OGEA members may go through an alternative evaluation procedure instead of a formal evaluation.  You must discuss this with your administrator by October 15th.  (Article 10.13)

Class Size (Article 15)

Are you aware that your collective bargaining agreement covers class sizes and special education ratios?

• Primary class size (TK-3) is a 24 to 1 district wide ratio.  The district can put up to 26 students in a class with extra payment to the teacher.
• Upper Grade class size is 32 to 1.  The district can put up to 34 students in a class with extra payment to the teacher.
• Jr. High student caseloads may not exceed 175 per day and 35 per class for most subjects.  Please refer to article 15.
• Please note that class splitting, if a teacher is absent, is not allowed this year.  There is no MOU signed for that purpose and it should not be happening for any reason.  Contact your OGEA representative immediately if you are asked to split classes.

Grievances -- Article 7

Are you aware that any OGEA member may file a grievance if your contract has been violated?

• You should hold an informal meeting with your supervisor to attempt to resolve the problem first.
• Make sure you follow the timelines in article 7 of our contract.
• You are not required to get approval from an OGEA officer prior to filing a grievance, although we are available to help.  The paperwork is available as an appendix at the end of the contract.
• Administrators are not allowed to retaliate if you file a grievance.