NTU Update - December 9, 2016

Colleagues,

1)      Phase 2 Respect the Contract - Each day, numerous violations occur in our schools negatively impacting staff and students. These include fire code violations, violations in Special Education requirements and Early Childhood regulations, violations of the Teach NJ Act, and health and safety issues.  

The thrust of Phase II will be to hold the district accountable for every single one of these violations.  On our website, we have form letters that can be used to report the district’s numerous violations anonymously.  These responses will be sent directly to the state and/or federal agencies responsible for monitoring the district.  THEY WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE!  It is vital for the health of safety of our staff and students that you report any violations on the part of the NPS that you have witnessed through this initiative.    

Please follow this link to get started: http://newark.nj.aft.org/respect-contract/phase-ii-toolkit

If you have any questions or suggestions on how to improve this process, email Mike Maillaro at mmaillaro@newarkteachersunion.com.

IMPORTANT REMINDER! The Phase 2 forms are for violations of state and federal law, regulations, and guidelines.  If the issue is a “routine” violation of the contract (a la Phase 1), that should be dealt with through the Building Rep or NTU office, not by using the complaint forms!  That is what our grievance policy is for!

2)     Tuition Reimbursement - Our Professional Improvement Fund and Tuition Reimbursement committee members have updated the tuition reimbursement forms on our website. PLEASE TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS TERRIFIC BENEFIT OF OUR CONTRACT!

3)      Child Abuse Accusations – In recent months, DYFS accusations against NTU Members has been ramping up.  This accusations are often used by students and parents, administrators and even other staff members to go after innocent NTU members.  It is vital that you knows your rights!  Please review the attached document and NEVER SPEAK TO A DYFS INVESTIGATOR WITHOUT CONSULTING THE NTU FIRST.

 In Solidarity,