Impasse Hearing Addresses Stipend, Leave Benefits, and Early Retirement Incentive.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

After 15 bargaining sessions, an impasse was declared between the Volusia United Educators (VUE), the teacher’s union, and the Volusia County School Board.

Now after an Impasse Resolution Hearing which was held Thursday, September 17, 15 items identified by VUE, that could not be agreed upon during the bargaining sessions, has been approved by the school board.

• A $500 stipend will be paid to teachers who teach Volusia Live and traditional students simultaneously for the first grading period, and another $500 stipend will be paid to teachers who continue to teach simultaneously during the second grading period.

• $1 million set aside will provide an additional five days of COVID-19-related leave, as well as the option for unpaid COVID-19-related leave not to exceed 20 days, for any employee who needs it.  

• An early retirement incentive for retirement-eligible bargaining unit members, including those who have been in DROP for less than 40 months, equal to 15% of their annual salary. Employees must have 10 years’ service to exercise this retirement option. In addition, longevity bonuses in the amount of $1,000 for employees with 10 or more years of service, $1,500 for employees with 20 or more years of service, and $2,000 for employees with 30 or more years of service.

Nine items will be considered by the school board at a workshop scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday, October 13. The workshop will be held in the board room at the DeLand Administrative Complex, 200 N. Clara Avenue, DeLand.  These items include:

• Implementation of Volusia Live at the secondary level

• Working remotely while under quarantine

• Implementation of safety protocols that follow CDC guidelines

• Temperature checks as a supplemental duty

• Timeline for the replenishment of PPE

• Compliance with CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines during transitions

• Sanitation of classrooms by bargaining unit members

• Workload issues for ESE case managers, specifically limiting non-state mandated paperwork, allowing for electronic record keeping, and lessening parental contact responsibilities

• Volusia Online Learning class-size caps

The final two items including one related to 2020-2021 evaluations will be decided by the district upon receipt of a waiver approval from the Florida Department of Education for consideration.