March 2004

VOL. 14 NO. 8

School employees often hear and see funny and occasionally utterly ridiculous things, events and situations. However, “the most ridiculous item of the day” was a region superintendent’s behavior at a middle level principal meeting held on Wednesday, March 17, 2004. Two stuffed monkeys were strapped, velcroed, or otherwise attached to the back of the region superintendent, and for the next half hour, the region superintendent chastised principals for what was characterized as an excessive number of parent phone calls to the region office. During the meeting, a statistical summary of parent phone calls made to the region office was provided to principals and other attendees. Ten middle schools were identified having a total student population of 12,417. Region statistics indicated that since the beginning of the year, 143 calls were made to the region office for various reasons. Reported by individual middle schools, the phone calls per school ranged from 0 to a high of 30. The 143 calls represents approximately 1% of the total student population, 20.4 calls per month, or approximately one parent call per day to the region office.

Despite the fact that the region offices were created for the purpose of being more responsive to parents and community members, despite the fact that one of the job responsibilities of region administrators is to cooperatively assist schools in finding resolutions to difficult problems, and despite the fact that there are at least six or seven individuals at the region office who can provide that assistance, the regional leadership characterized the calls as being a monkey placed on their back. Is this an example of “leading by example?” If principals followed this region superintendent’s example, they would notify teachers collectively that too many students are being sent to the dean’s office and single out the
perceived violators in front of other teachers and guests. If principals followed this region superintendent’s example, they would communicate that the untold number of interruptions during the day are keeping them from getting their work done. The message this region superintendent sent to principals is simple, “Do your jobs and do not bother me or my staff.” A school administrator cannot and should not say that to his or her staff and students. CCASAPE believes a region superintendent should not say or even imply that to school principals as well.

The region superintendent further explained during the meeting that the “monkey on her back turned into an angry gorilla.” During the meeting, a region administrator provided a reward to a principal who was characterized as effectively handling a parent issue. As a reward, the principal was provided with a basket of bananas.

The manner in which this region superintendent spoke to principals was unprofessional, degrading and demeaning. Individual administrators were singled out and specific instances of what was characterized as inappropriate calls to the region office were discussed in front of the group. To make things worse, this discussion occurred in the presence of others who were invited to the meeting. It is CCASAPE’s belief that if there are school administrators who are not fulfilling their responsibilities regarding parent communication and problem resolution at the school level which is resulting in an inordinate number of parental complaints directed to the region office, the region leadership should take the necessary action with the individual principal.

Teachers are often reminded that they are not to punish the entire class for the action of a single individual or a few individuals and that any such corrective action is to occur in private. Administrators who are working hard to serve their school communities should not be subjected to demeaning antics and insulting comments from region administrators.

Very disturbing to CCASAPE is the hidden message sent to principals and others in attendance at this meeting. “Don’t let your parent concerns get to me,” and “Keep the lid on your school.” Even more disturbing was the subsequent release of a substitute principal who was formerly a long time District administrator prior to his recent retirement. It appears that this former principal was released from his substitute assignment by the region leadership because he dared to speak out at this principals’ meeting.

The action by this region superintendent is contrary to the notion established by Superintendent Garcia that an open, honest, and frank discussion of all issues is encouraged and expected. Mr. Garcia has fostered an atmosphere of trust, fair treatment and responsiveness. CCASAPE is very concerned that a principal who states his or her opinion, even a substitute principal, is then subject to what appears to be retaliatory action on the part of the region leadership. CCASAPE believes that this action will have a chilling affect on the ability of school administrators in the region to effectively do their jobs. Administrators in the Clark County School District should not be required to endure such insulting and demeaning behavior from their region leaders.

Administrators are reminded of the new language in the Agreement between the District and CCASAPE which outlines the provisions which govern the classification and reclassification of school and non-school based administrators. Administrators are encouraged to pay particular attention to the procedures outlined in 20-11-4 (Annual Review of Non Site-based Positions) and 20-11-5 (Annual Review of Site-based Principal Positions). If you have questions regarding these procedures, please contact Allin or Stephen at the CCASAPE office.

Carol Lark, Chairperson of the CCASAPE Nominations and Elections Committee along with committee members Emilio Fernandez and Kim Grytdahl are seeking candidates to run for the CCASAPE Executive Board and/or the Representative Council.

Members interested in serving on the Executive Board and/or Representative Council may contact one of the individuals on the Nominations and Elections Committee or the CCASAPE office at 796-9602.

This committee will propose a slate of candidates for nomination at the June 17, 2004, general membership meeting to be held at the Palace Station Hotel. Whenever possible there will be a minimum of two (2) candidates for each office to be filled. Additional nominations, with the consent of the person being nominated, may be made at the June general membership meeting.

Executive Board offices to be filled during the election include President Elect (must be an active CCASAPE member who is an elementary school administrator), secretary and treasurer. The offices of secretary and treasurer are open to anyone who is an active CCASAPE member. Candidates receiving a majority of votes cast by mail ballot shall be elected to the office. These positions are for a one (1) year term.

Four (4) Representative Council positions are elected each year. The four (4) at large positions are filled by the four (4) at large candidates receiving the greatest number of votes. These positions are for a two (2) year term.

CCASAPE encourages members to run for office. The Executive Board and Representative Council are the decision making bodies of CCASAPE.

As you know, the Clark County School District requires that all professional organizations communicate with their members through the U.S. Postal Service rather than the CCSD mail. In order for CCASAPE to ensure that you receive its communications, it is critical that we be notified when you have a change of address. If you have moved recently, please call Debbie or Sadie in the CCASAPE office (796-9602) and provide your new address. The District should also be notified since we purchase labels from the District for our large group mailings.

On March 11, 2004, the CCASAPE Representative Council met for its regular meeting. The major items discussed during the meeting included the following:

1. A review of revenue, expenditures, and balances within the CCASAPE Association and Trust Fund Accounts;

2. A review of the status of:

A. CCASAPE Retreat Expenditures – Expenditures for the February retreat in Mesquite were outlined;
B. Assembly Bill 286 – CCASAPE’s continuing concerns with this bill and the efforts to date to address those concerns were discussed;
C. Administrators’ Advisory Council Meeting Agenda items and the discussion with Mr. Garcia during the February 18 meeting were reviewed;
D. Selection Process Data – Statistical information regarding promotions and transfers within and between regions was provided and discussed;
E. Article III – Membership – An update was provided on the progress of changing the requirements for CCASAPE membership;

3. New Business:

A. Negotiations – A letter has been sent to the District requesting that negotiations be opened to discuss proposed changes to the criteria for classification and reclassification of school and non-school based administrators. It is anticipated that formal negotiations with the District will begin in April;
B. CCASAPE Sick Leave Pool Criteria – Policy 9 of the CCASAPE Constitution and Policy booklet outlines the procedure for requesting and granting of sick leave pool days to administrators. It was determined that the criteria will remain as it was amended on February 6, 2004. These changes can be reviewed on the CCASAPE website;
C. Reclassification Grievance – An overview of a CCASAPE grievance filed against the District for failure to follow the provisions of Article 20-11 (reclassification) was provided;

4. Committee Reports:

A. CCAESP – Sue Steaffens, President, reported that CCAESP continues to meet with Dr. Orci and Dr. Rulffes to discuss the creation of a formula for the allocation of elementary assistant principals;
B. CCASSP – Linda Archambault, President, reported on the recently attended NASSP convention. Video tapes from the conference have been purchased and are available in the CPD library. Additionally, Linda announced that a power point in-service activity for administrators will be held in April; and
C. Legal – Joe Murphy, Legal Committee Chairperson, provided an update on the activities of the CCASAPE Legal Committee.

5. Executive Director’s Report – Stephen provided a review of the accountant's report, the membership report, and the various CCASAPE activities and the types of assistance provided to CCASAPE members.

Article 18 of the Negotiated Agreement between the Clark County School District and the Clark County Association of School Administrators and Professional-technical Employees allows for the annual payment for up to five unused vacation days in excess of 85 as of June 30. The following procedure is being provided for your information.

Administrators will be compensated at the administrator’s daily rate of pay for up to five (5) of the vacation days in excess of 85 as of June 30. Payment will be made in the July 25 check and it is not subject to PERS payment. Administrators not desiring to be compensated for these days may stop the payment by notifying Dr. Rice on or before July 1, 2004.

Vacation days in excess of 85 as of June 30 for which compensation is not provided must be used on or before August 31, 2004, or these days will be deducted from the total days on September 1, 2004. Administrators may use the vacation days earned in July and August without impacting the days in excess of 85 as of June 30. Additionally, the vacation days earned in July and August are not deducted on September 1.

The Humana dental insurance plan provides a $1500 orthodontic benefit for an administrator’s dependent children under the age of 19. Unfortunately, some administrators have been informed by Humana that if they had previously utilized a portion or the entire benefit under the former plan provided by Delta Dental, that their dependent children would not be eligible for the benefit from Humana. CCASAPE is happy to report that this issue has been corrected. ALL administrators with dependent children will be eligible for the $1500 benefit from Humana, irrespective of whether or not this benefit was previously utilized with Delta Dental. If you experience concerns regarding orthodontic claims, please contact the CCASAPE office immediately. Additionally, CCASAPE was previously notified by Humana that new Humana cards with system generated member numbers would be issued by mid February. We were recently informed that the new cards will be issued on July 1, 2004. The new cards will no longer contain social security numbers.

The Public Employees’ Retirement Board has approved for notice the adoption of policy revisions related to the purchase of service credit. It is anticipated that these changes will be approved at the April 21, 2004, PERS Board meeting held in Las Vegas. (The PERS office is located at 5820 South Eastern Avenue, Suite 220).

The proposed changes will require members to pay the full revised actuarial cost of the purchase of service. The cost to purchase service is calculated using the purchase percentage corresponding to the age and average compensation of the member at the time of purchase.

If approved, these changes will significantly increase the cost of purchasing service credit. PERS has indicated that the revised policies, if adopted at the April meeting, will be effective May 1, 2004, for regular members who initiate purchase of service agreements on or after September 1, 2004. Administrators having questions regarding the proposed changes can contact Allin or Stephen at the CCASAPE office.

The CCASAPE general membership meeting will be held on Thursday, June 17, 2004, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Palace Station Hotel. The business meeting will begin at approximately 4:30 p.m.

During the CCASAPE meeting, members will:

1. Be provided a review of the highlights of 2003-2004;
2. Receive the proposed slate of candidates for the June election and be provided an opportunity to nominate additional candidates;
3. Receive a copy of the 2004-2005 CCASAPE budget; and
4. Have the opportunity to socialize with their current colleagues, as well as, those who have retired.

The Clark County Association of Secondary School Principals and the Clark County Association of Elementary School Principals will hold end of the year business meetings at the same location beginning at 4:00 p.m.

CCASAPE invites and encourages all active, associate and affiliate members to attend this important meeting. Soft drinks, beer, wine, and appetizers will be served.

An orientation and information meeting regarding the CCASAPE / CCSD Medicare Eligible Health Insurance Plan has been scheduled for April 13, 2004, at the Sierra Health building located at 2716 N. Tenaya Way. The meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m. and will be held in the executive dining room on the first floor. The agenda will include discussion of Medicare reform and updates, a general overview of the CCASAPE Medicare eligible plan, prescription and pharmacy issues, disease management and health, education and wellness information.

An opportunity will be provided for all participants to ask questions of the Sierra and CCASAPE staff. This meeting is for current participants and for anyone who may become eligible for Medicare in the future and may want to participate in the CCASAPE / CCSD Medicare Eligible Health Insurance Plan.

Administrators are again reminded of the importance of periodically reviewing beneficiary designations for the $100,000 and $50,000 Standard Life Insurance policies and for CCSD payroll warrants. When life changing events occur which may necessitate a change in beneficiary designations, it is necessary for the administrator to contact the CCASAPE office to make the necessary changes to the $100,000 Standard Life Insurance policy. The administrator must contact the District benefits office to make beneficiary changes to the $50,000 Standard Insurance policy which is part of the CCASAPE / CCSD Health Insurance Plan. Administrators wishing to make beneficiary changes to payroll warrants must do so by calling Administrative Personnel at 799-5484. When beneficiary designations are not periodically reviewed and updated, it is possible that the financial benefits from these policies will not go where they are most needed and desired.

Pursuant to Article 32-3 of the Agreement between the CCSD and CCASAPE, the Association has formally requested that negotiations be reopened to discuss Reclassification, CCASAPE membership, etc.

RETIREMENT

Please be reminded that any administrator planning to retire on or before June 30, 2004, (will not begin employment in the 2004-2005 school year), must contact the CCASAPE office and complete a form to participate in the unused sick leave, retiree health insurance, retiree life insurance, and retiree long term care programs. THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETED AND FILED WITH THE CCASAPE OFFICE PRIOR TO MAY 1, 2004, IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE JULY 2004 PAYOUT. Please call the CCASAPE office at 796-9602 if you have any questions.

On March 8, 2004, CCASAPE filed a grievance against the District for violation of Article 20-11 (Classification and Reclassification) of the Negotiated Agreement between the District and CCASAPE.

Article 20-11 was negotiated with the District and outlines the specific procedure to be followed when new positions are created and existing positions are reclassified.

The District violated this contractual procedure when it created and filled new/modified positions in the Business and Finance Services Division and did so in a manner not consistent with the requirements of the contract.

CCASAPE requested, as a resolution to this grievance, that the District follow and comply with the agreed upon procedure in the Agreement. The District did respond to the grievance submitted by CCASAPE within the time line specified in Article 4-6-4 of the Agreement. By way of letter, the District indicated its intent to comply with the terms of the contract that specify the implementation procedures for Administrative Reclassification. These procedures were jointly established by CCASAPE and the District to ensure consistency and uniformity in the creation of new administrative positions and the reclassification of existing administrative positions.