Donation letter rescinded.

The newest message from the Superintendent follows Re: prior letter looking for donations from the employees. Even those who are being laid off ! The APTA correspondence is included. 

Hi all

I recently sent an email to all staff informing you of the possibility of making individual monetary donations to the District as a means of helping in these difficult times.  That message followed several employees asking me how they might help and followed some employees making compensation concessions to the District.  The message was sent purely as an information item about a potential voluntary effort that could be made by individual employees should they believe that would be appropriate.

I have been informed by the leadership of the APTA that some of its members have expressed that they were upset by the message and may even have felt some forced obligation to make a contribution.  That could not be further from the truth.  I have had the opportunity to speak at length with the APTA leadership and, at their request, am sending this message to address those concerns in an effort to reduce what has unfortunately become a source of further stress in an already stressful time.  Therefore, please consider my prior message rescinded.

Although my message was appropriate and well intentioned, I am sorry and disappointed that it created any concern among some of you. I was laying aside business and labor considerations and thinking of the folks who may not have jobs when we come back to school next year. Though there is no way to predict what would have been done with donations, because it would have depended on the level of money donated.  No one was required or even urged to donate. Understand that while most of us still have jobs, some of us will not. My only consideration was saving some positions, not only for the people who will be excised, but for our students who will most certainly feel the effects of fewer teachers and staff. I know this is a concern that all of us share.  After 24 years in the District, there are very few people who work here who I don't personally know.  It is painful and sad for all of us to lose colleagues and friends, and while a donation may not have saved many jobs, it was offered as a response to those of you who were asking what you could do as individuals.

However, since it was never my intent or interest to create any further stress, confusion, or angst among the staff, I am sorry that the message may have had that effect on some.  It is for that reason that I am sending this message to rescind the earlier suggestion so that no employee feels any pressure however unintended that was. Thank you. Jo Moccia

To: APTA Members

From: APTA

On or about April 27, 2011, Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Moccia, sent an email to the staff suggesting that each member voluntarily contribute to the district in order to “allow the district to potentially save program, jobs, and the taxpayers.”  We asked Dr. Moccia to rescind her letter for the following reasons:

• Some members felt pressured to contribute or face recrimination.  Dr. Moccia has made it clear that this was not her intent.
• Members were concerned that there was no guarantee that their contributions would be applied directly to APTA positions.
• Members expressed concern over a perceived attempt to avoid the negotiations process that has already begun.
• Members felt the request, well intentioned as it might have been, was not an effective way to bargain with APTA.

In the interest of positive movement forward toward finding solutions and meeting our mutual goals, Dr. Moccia has agreed to rescind her letter.  APTA appreciates this decision.  We will continue to work with the Superintendent through the negotiations process to reach an equitable agreement, negotiating in good faith, and hoping for a reasonable collectively bargained agreement.

APTA President,

Chris Blais