Accurate Information + A Plan + Productive Relationships = Good Communication

The ability of the NFT to communicate the needs of its unit members to the District administration and Board of Trustees has resulted in a very productive setlement for the teachers of Novato's public schools. NFT negotiated for teachers:
1- .7% one-time bonus from the 2004-2005 District budget
2- 6% raise for 2005-2006. This raise is above State COLA.
3- 4.5% increase for 2006-2007
4- The ability to reopen Contract if State COLA comes in above 4.5% in 2006.
5- Teachers get paid for moving during Bond renovation of their classrooms.




This historic agreement was accomplished in a timely manner because of the collegial rapport established between all stakeholders in the process. The NFT Executive Board has worked hard to establish a good relationship with District Trustees who now understand that teacher compensation should be their number one priority. This agreement also estabishes specific language for reopening the Contract in June 2006 if State COLA exceeds 4.5 %. This deal could not have happened without respectful interaction on both sides of the negotiating table. The Trustees realize that learning takes place in the classroom by qualified teachers who are fairly compensated.
The Trustee candidate interviews also helped develop a stronger association with the Board. This is a positive outcome of NFT's use of COPE (Committee for Political Action) money. The NFT encourages all teachers who are not yet doing so, to consider making a voluntary deduction to support COPE.
The current Contract will expire in June 2006. Joe Morgan and Bob Cline will be visiting school sites in the next several weeks to talk to teachers about their concerns and gather input for new Contract negotiations.