Sisters and Brothers, please take note of the following updates:
“SPIN-UP”: The 35-million dollars received from NY State as “spin-up” money does not address next year’s deficit, but rather plugs the gap the District is facing during this current fiscal year. The 35-million dollars is a loan that will need to be repaid to New York State. A fiscal monitor will also be appointed by the state education commissioner.
BUDGET: The effects on the economy from COVID-19 have been devastating in terms of lost revenue. Funding from New York State for education will be lower than proposed estimates. Tonight, Superintendent Dade had to amend his 2020-2021 proposed budget to make up for this shortfall.
The Governor has also outlined “take back” windows during the 2020-2021 school year when the Division of Budget will assess the state’s collection of revenues, and claw back state aid if it’s revenues are short of expectations.
Feeding the kids throughout the summer is also mandated and will cost an additional $2.4 million in unreimbursed funds.
Members of the Board of Education discussed possible solutions to close this additional gap, but nothing was agreed upon.
RECESS WEEK (April 6–April 10): For 12-month employees, you will continue to be paid during the recess week and may be required to report to work. For those 10-month and 11-month employees who are not required to work, the recess week will continue as a normal unpaid week. If you are required to work, then you will be paid for all hours worked. You should log in the hours worked as regular time.
GOOD FRIDAY: If your supervisor is asking you to work on Good Friday, you will be paid in accordance with our Collective Bargaining Agreement, which means that you will receive holiday pay, plus time and one-half for all hours worked.
MANDATED CLOSURE: Governor Cuomo has mandated school buildings to close through April 29th. As Superintendent Dade stated in an e-mail to BENTE staff, you will continue to be paid throughout the closure.
KEEPING YOU SAFE: Your health and safety are number one on our priority list. I am in constant contact with the District to address issues that effect BENTE members on a daily basis. Since COVID-19 began, we were insistent upon making Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves and masks available to workers on the front lines. We were vocal about the importance of having only the most essential of employees physically report to work.
We are here for you during this difficult time. Do not hesitate to contact us.
In Solidarity,
Daniel DiClemente, President
BENTE/AFSCME Local 2419
“The Support Staff that Supports Students”
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BENTE Local 2419