Greetings,
I hope that you and your families are doing well as we close out the academic year. I must admit, because of the hard work performed by all PSASA members, we have just successfully completed the most challenging year of our careers. I want to express most sincere gratitude to you all for collectively making Baltimore City a better place to grow, learn and work.
It is now the time of year to focus solely on yourself, your family and your well-being. Take vacation time, read, exercise and do whatever it is that makes you feel refreshed. It is important for your well-being to disconnect. Take this time to smell the roses again and enjoy being alive.
End of year Evaluations
It is nearing the time for end of year evaluations. You are to have a conference with your supervisor to review the ratings being assigned to you. If you disagree with the overall rating for the year, then you have 10 school days to appeal it. The 10 school days begin immediately upon the issuance of the evaluation. If you need the appeal form, then contact us right away.
Legal Representation
On occasion there may be times when members need legal representation. Our law firm currently only focuses on violations of the contract. In the future, we would like to offer additional legal support for members as well. We are also afforded basic coverages as members of AFSA. If you ever receive a subpoena relating to a work situation or allegation, then forward that to me immediately for review.
Dues
Bi-weekly dues have remained consistent for the past decade. The BTU and other unions have consistently raised their dues for quite some time. Current BTU dues for teachers and paraprofessionals are $48 per pay. Our dues have remained $26 for many years. While we considered using the same formula as other districts which was 1% of a member’s annual salary, we wanted to have one consistent amount for everyone. Our bi-weekly dues will increase by $10 to the amount of $36 beginning in July 2022.
June 24th Pay
The first adjustments following the ratification of our new MOU will take place on Friday, June 24th. All members will receive a retroactive payment dating back to July 1, 2021 deposited along with the paycheck. School based members who chose to sell up to five vacation days back will also have this deposited along with your paychecks (Central Office members will be able to sell five vacation days in December 2022). These deposits will appear in the same manner as sick leave conversion appears being separate line items. This means that it will not be taxed along with your regular pay.
Annual PSASA Scholarship
We are once again offering three scholarship opportunities for children of members who are graduating from high school. We offer each of the graduates one $1500 scholarship paid directly to the college or Trade school of their choice. There is an application process and review by the scholarship committee. Our three honorees this year are Henry Stone, Mani Carnes and Aliya Rose. Congratulations to these three future leaders and their families.
Member Outing
We are hosting our end of the year member celebration. Come eat crabs, seafood and other entrees following the Leadership Institute on Thursday, June 23rd from 4:30 – 7PM at Jimmy’s Famous Seafood. You must RSVP to the PSASA email that was sent by June 17th.
