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Contract Language
Our staff analyzes labor contracts and employee and union proposals. We clarify mandatory and permissive subjects of bargaining and identify language that limits management flexibility or impedes student achievement.
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A few cautions about shortening the school year or eliminating days
School districts should consider several issues before making the decision to offer a shortened school year either this year or next.
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Avoid insurance problems early with joint committees
The usual strategy of “negotiated tradeoffs” isn’t the best way to plan health care benefits these days, especially when everyone should agree to share the burden of rising costs.
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Consider replacing early retirement incentives with TSAs
Your Early Retirement Incentive (ERI) may not be the best cost-saving strategy in today’s climate of rising health care costs. In fact, OSBA recommends that districts conduct a cost-benefit analysis of ERI programs. A growing number of districts have bargained a sunset on these programs, reduced benefits, or immediately discontinued the program. One alternative is to substitute ERI packages with a district-funded Tax Sheltered Annuity (TSA).
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Contract language review - the complaint procedure
Complaint-procedure language is often neglected in public education collective bargaining. Too often, board members and school administrators don’t realize they’ve paid it too little attention until it is too late.
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Due process vs just cause
Due Process vs Just Cause Comparison
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Early retirement program resources
Links to information about early retirement programs
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Early retirement programs major reason for increased costs
Secretary of State report concludes that early retirement programs are one of the major reasons behind school district cost increases.
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FAQ - SB 454 Paid Sick Time Law
FAQs for statewide mandatory paid sick leave law.
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Just cause resources
Links to information about just cause contract language.
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Layoff and recall basics
Teacher and administrator layoff procedures are addressed in ORS 342.934 and in collective bargaining agreements.
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Layoff matrix
Downloadable Excel file to assist administrators in making merit and competence determinations when conducting layoffs with licensed staff and administrators.
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OSBA annual survey of teacher salaries and benefits
A downloadable publication containing a comparison of teacher salaries and benefits for the current year.
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Preparing for layoff and recall
Understanding the layoff and recall process.
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Reductions in force - the Board's role
An overview of the role of the board and the appropriate process and procedures that are followed by the district administrator for reductions in force.
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Sample contracts
Sample contracts for you to download and modify as needed.
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Sample funding clause
Sample funding clause allowing a re-negotiation of parts of a labor agreement.
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SB 454 Sick Time District Sample Letter
Oregon signed into law SB 454 in June, 2015, making Oregon the fourth state to enact a statewide mandatory paid sick leave law.
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Shortening the school year
As Oregon's economic woes deepen and financial uncertainty grows, some districts are considering early closure or a shortened school year for 2008-09 or beyond. There are several issues districts should consider before deciding to shorten the school year.
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Subcontracting
With costs going up and revenue going down, it’s essential to look for the most cost effective way of providing services. Subcontracting is one way to cut costs while maintaining current services.
Recommended Resources
OSBA/COSA Legislative Report
The 2019 OSBA/COSA Legislative Report outlines bills enacted during Oregon's 2019 legislative session that affect public schools and community colleges.