RATIFICATION VOTE- THE SEBAC AGREEMENT HAS BEEN RATIFIED BY ALL 13 UNIONS. On Friday, May 8, 2009 leaders from all 13 member unions voted affirmatively to accept the SEBAC agreement and the concessions contained therein. This agreement represents a 700 million dollar cost saving for the State of Connecticut and the preservation of hundreds of jobs.
Retirement Incentive-The coalition agreement included a retirement incentive for all employees who will be 55 years of age by June 30, 2009. The incentive includes three years of service and a delay in the pay out of accumulated sick/vacation time to 2012, 2013, and 2014. THE SVFT STRONGLY ENCOURAGES ANY MEMBER WHO IS PLANNING TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS RETIREMENT INCENTIVE TO DO SO QUICKLY. If you wish to retire on July 1, 2009 and take advantage of the 3 years of incentive and no increase in your medical costs, you should immediately send a letter to your principal announcing your intention. A copy of the original signed letter should be sent to Linda Jakab at 25 Industrial Park Rd., Middletown, 06457 and another copy may be faxd to Sherry Saylor at 860-713-7012. Doing this quickly will enable the retirement department to process your paperwork and ensure that you receive your first pension check on time and it will allow y our colleagues, fellow SVFT members, to transfer into the vacancies created by your retirement. The entitlement window is open until June 3 only!
The Middle College System- Appears to have died a slow death in committee. A study bill has been proposed requiring the Labor Dept., SDE, Office of Workforce Competitiveness and the Board of Trustees for the Regional Technical Community Colleges to explore the middle college system and related pilot programs. They are required to report to the Education Committee of the Legislature January 1, 2010.
Seniority List Members have been calling the SVFT office to inquire about seniority. Click here for the link on our web site. You may copy the page(s) for your teaching area if necessary. THERE IS NO SENIORITY LIST FOR PART-TIME TEACHERS. Part-time teachers with questions about their seniority should review Article 11 of the Supplemental Agreement of the contract (page 97). All are encouraged to consult with your building rep. for clarification.
Scholarship Applications - The 2009 SVFT Scholarship application is posted on our web site. CLICK HEREThe SVFT will be awarding nine - $1,000.00 student scholarships and one -$1,000.00 member grant, or two - $500.00 member grants. Don't hesitate, apply today. THE DEADLINE FOR APPLYING IS MAY 15, 2009. The Scholarship Committee will meet on May 27 to review all applications.
Teacher of the Year - The Teacher of the Year Recognition Banquet was held on May 7 at the Rocky Hill Marriott. Attendance this year was remarkable 17 of the 18 teachers of the year were able to attend. Each teacher brought a guest. The food was excellent and a wonderful time was had by all. What a pleasure it was to recognize these extraordinary teachers!