FUESD to open contract negotiations

The Fallbrook Union Elementary School District (FUESD) is set to open negotiations with the California School Employees Association (CSEA) on Oct. 31 and a second session has been set for late November.

“We hope have a rapid resolution,” said Dennis Bixler, assistant superintendent for the school district.

According to the documentation provided for a recent district board meeting, the CSEA proposes to:

• Negotiate a fair and equitable increase to the current salary schedule

• Add language regarding working out of class

• Equalization of pay for all employees who are receiving a stipend for one dependent ($25 to $50) and zero dependents ($50 to $100).

• Change the district’s cap portion for health and welfare benefits for 2012-2013

• Add brother-in-law and sister-in-law to bereavement

• Add additional hours for release time.

“The CSEA has been very workable, and we have always had a good relationship with them, and it is getting better all the time,” said Bixler. “As for what is going to happen, it is a bit premature to speculate.”

Bixler also stated that there was no average amount of time spent on negotiations, as the amount of issues and points in the contract being negotiated determine the amount of time spent in negotiations.

“Last year, we were at the table about three-and-a-half hours,” he said. “It all depends on the issues being negotiated. We will have multiple job descriptions to go over, and that can take a lot of time. However, I would hope to have the contracts resolved within just a few sessions.”

Bixler, the director of maintenance, the assistant superintendent of financial business, and legal counsel will be present at each session representing the district, in addition to representatives from CSEA.

“The CSEA represents people from different aspects, as classified employees have people of different ranks,” said Bixler. “Both sides are looking forward to the process.”