Thank you for this very interesting article and much respect to Ms. Avolio in fighting for and creating the Union.
Not sure if it’s feasible for them, but they may explore the possibility of becoming affiliated under CSEA leadership or with the Croton Teachers’ Association. Both would bring a stronger backing and representation (I say that with all due respect to current Aide Union leadership). For example, in some other area Districts, the President of the Teachers Union is also the president of the Teacher Aides Union, and I think that representation brings strong negotiating power. I do hope that (Teacher) leadership is trying to support the Aides either way.
Ms. Avolio said it perfectly in that the District treats this group as 1950s housewives (etc) just looking to keep busy. That is outdated and a very bad look. Case in point, an Aide in Croton is responsible for 100% of the premium for health insurance (which pretty much makes it unattainable). Market rate for a single policy is roughly 8-10k and 25-30k for a family plan. For reference, Croton teachers pay 18%, while earning 60k to 150k. How is that at all equitable?
As seen by the job descriptions in this article, these Aides do a lot of the nitty gritty and grunt work to keep classrooms running for the teachers and it would be nice if that was appreciated more by Administration. Despite it all, Croton seems to have a loyal group of Aides, very nice in an environment where Districts are having a lot of trouble filling these roles (and with much better pay and more benefits than what Croton offers).
Everyone should ask the BOE to give these dedicated employees a fair contract. Please email the CHUFSD Board of Education at:
BOE@chufsd.org
Thank you for this very interesting article and much respect to Ms. Avolio in fighting for and creating the Union.
Not sure if it’s feasible for them, but they may explore the possibility of becoming affiliated under CSEA leadership or with the Croton Teachers’ Association. Both would bring a stronger backing and representation (I say that with all due respect to current Aide Union leadership). For example, in some other area Districts, the President of the Teachers Union is also the president of the Teacher Aides Union, and I think that representation brings strong negotiating power. I do hope that (Teacher) leadership is trying to support the Aides either way.
Ms. Avolio said it perfectly in that the District treats this group as 1950s housewives (etc) just looking to keep busy. That is outdated and a very bad look. Case in point, an Aide in Croton is responsible for 100% of the premium for health insurance (which pretty much makes it unattainable). Market rate for a single policy is roughly 8-10k and 25-30k for a family plan. For reference, Croton teachers pay 18%, while earning 60k to 150k. How is that at all equitable?
As seen by the job descriptions in this article, these Aides do a lot of the nitty gritty and grunt work to keep classrooms running for the teachers and it would be nice if that was appreciated more by Administration. Despite it all, Croton seems to have a loyal group of Aides, very nice in an environment where Districts are having a lot of trouble filling these roles (and with much better pay and more benefits than what Croton offers).