NEW ROCHELLE SCHOOL DISTRICT AND NEW ROCHELLE FEDERATION OF UNITED SCHOOL EMPLOYEES REACH CONTRACT AGREEMENT

Written By: Robert Cox

Joint Statement Issued

May 11, 2021 – The City School District of New Rochelle (CSDNR) and New Rochelle Federation of United School Employees (FUSE) are pleased to announce that yesterday the parties signed a memorandum of agreement on a three-year contract, retroactive to July 1, 2020.

The three year deal is an across the board increase of 1.5% (retroactive to July 1, 2020) in Year 1 then 1.5% in Year 2, and 1.35% in Year 3.

Staff earning under $42,000 will get an additional $500 in Year 1 (retroactive to July 1, 2020) and $250 in Year 3.

Stipends:

  • $500 stipend for Content Leaders.
  • $750 stipend for nurses.
  • $250 stipend across the board for psychologists and social workers.

Givebacks include:

  • Notice of Retirement changes for pedagogic staff.
  • Paid Class Coverages at Middle Schools and High School.
  • Office Hours or Hall Duty.
  • Supervision Scheduling Committee.
  • Building time changes.
  • Lesson Plans: for new hires during probationary period, Administrator may request a lesson plan For Tenured Teachers, the parties shall create a Lesson Plan Committee as of the 2021/22 school year to discuss issues of mutual concern regarding lesson planning.

The agreement is contingent upon voter approval of the 2021-22 school budget on May 18, and is required to be ratified by the Board of Education and FUSE, which we anticipate occurring within the next few weeks. The full details will be released after the contract is ratified by FUSE.

Both parties worked very hard to deliver an agreement which is fair and equitable for the FUSE membership and fiscally responsible for the taxpayers of this community, while simultaneously maintaining CSDNR’s outstanding educational programming.

CSDNR President Rachel Relkin stated, “The Board is thrilled we have arrived at an agreement. We know that all our hardworking staff members are dedicated to the students of New Rochelle and are committed to ensuring that the District meets their educational, social and emotional needs. We believe that this agreement will position us to move forward, together.”

“FUSE is happy to have reached a tentative agreement with the district. Our members have worked tirelessly throughout this pandemic. We are happy that this has been recognized with a fair settlement and look forward to working together with the district to ensure our students’ academic and social/emotional needs are met in a safe and nurturing environment,” said Mary Claire Breslin, FUSE president.

As per the FUSE constitution, members will have five days to review and deliberate before a scheduled ratification vote is held on Monday, May 17.

Due to COVID, the ratification vote will be conducted primarily online. Paper ballots will be provided to anyone who requests them.

RELATED:

New Rochelle FUSE Announces Tentative Contract with New Rochelle Board of Education