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For Classified Employees

DCFCE/DCSD Collaborative Efforts

June 7, 2005

Dear Douglas County Staff Member:

We hope this letter finds you well during this busy summer of 2005. A new development in Douglas County schools is going to bring about a union structure that appeals both to certified teachers, as well as classified employees. The votes have been counted in a formal ballot that was initiated by the Douglas County Federation of Teachers (DCFT) to unionize classified staff: the proposal carried by a vote of 576 to 378. Nearly half of Douglas County's classified staff took time to cast a ballot.

It has been a year-long effort on the part of the DCFT to bring the great majority of district employees under one umbrella. For the first time, most Douglas County School District employees have an equal opportunity for representation, and it will include a variety of job categories.

Now that Douglas County is considered the fourth largest district in Colorado, this move is timely and positive. Other nearby districts have from three to 13 unions with which to negotiate, so the administration appreciates this simplified approach. There are already plans in place to continue with interest based discussions throughout the calendar year. Ongoing talks help to assure that there is no need for marathon negotiations before an arbitrary deadline. The district is thrilled to be able to expand a very positive working relationship with the DCFT to include classified staff.

Summary Information

• No mandatory membership in the union.
• The fee structure will be based on annual income.
• Liability insurance will come with membership.
• The Classified Advisory Council (CAC) and job-alike groups will continue their work.
• CAC will continue to serve as an important communications avenue.
• The Classified Handbook will be converted into contract language, similar to the teachers' contract.
• The DCFT Classified Union will serve as the formal bargaining unit, and it will form an executive council to represent the job-alike groups.
• Professional development opportunities for classified staff will be expanded under this new structure.
• The great majority of district employees will be able to speak with one clear voice that will help ensure a fair settlement across employee groups.
• Once ratified, the DCFT will have two separate chapters: 1) classified staff; and, 2) certified teachers.
• There will be a formalized due process procedure for personnel issues.

* The Board of Education will need to ratify the vote to formally establish the Classified Union.

We look forward to a bright future in Douglas County.

Sincerely,

Jim Christensen, Superintendent
Pat McGraw, DCF President

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