Day 5 of Cotati-Rohnert Park Cotati School District strike continues. Board Members choose not to attend negotiations but instead send in their high priced attorneys and the superintendent (Dr. Perez). A superintendent who sends a press release indicating no agreement has been reach while still meeting with Rohnert Park Cotati Educators Association (RPCEA). A meeting that she termed “promising,”perhaps productive as she sent her press release before 6pm, just in time for the evening news cycle.
During today's meeting with the superintendent, RPCEA provided the superintendent and the negotiations team with 8 different models by which they could maintain reserves at 3% and still provide teachers with the 6% raise in year one affirmed by the independent fact finder. However, these proposals fell on deaf ears, as the superintendent was instead crafting a press release. Shame on Dr. Perez and the board who hired her and continues to support her.
On Tuesday March 15th, Mr. Joe Cimino at the board meeting stated that he was not negotiating as this was not his skill set and it made him uncomfortable but that he backed his negotiations' team as they had his full confidence. Joe Cimino; Are you paying attention? Do you know what your paying for? Mr. Cimino, you keep telling the public you're open to alternatives but we don't see you actively engaging to understand and we have evidence that the negotiations team you have high confidence in has fallen asleep at the wheel.
For parents who are being told that schools are open for instruction, please know that no instruction is taking place. Students are NOT receiving instruction in accordance with their curriculum. Children are group with other students not of the same age group and activities are provided, a detailed breakdown of the activities by the principals has not been made available.
For all employees striking in California please remember AB 237 protects your health care coverage. No employer can terminate health care benefits during a strike. Stop the threats!
See you on the picket line!
More information on RPCEA efforts for a living wage can be found here.
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Email the Board and superintendent
Dr. Mayra Perez, Superintendent [EMAIL](mailto:[email protected]) or call 707-792-4700
Joe Cimino, President [EMAIL](mailto:[email protected]) Leffler Brown,Trustee [EMAIL](mailto:[email protected]) Chrissa Gillies, Trustee [EMAIL](mailto:[email protected]) Michelle Wing, Clerk [EMAIL](mailto:[email protected]) Mark Nelson, Trustee [EMAIL](mailto:[email protected])