Ferndale Schools

Seniority of staff and the Reduction In Force (RIF)/nonrenewal of contract process are determined in the Collective Bargaining Agreements. Specific program funding changes will also impact Reduction In Force.

Staff will be notified as soon as possible and practical within the timelines outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreements.

We will follow procedures in the Collective Bargaining Agreements for Reduction In Force (RIF) recall and job posting requirements.

These are prohibited by state law, unless changed by the state.

The district may need to recruit for and post jobs, depending on the type of open positions available and the need to fill them.

Funding comes from the state and benefits are part of the Collective Bargaining Agreements. Premiums change annually depending on state funding, insurance company costs, pooling and employees' selections of plans.

Not at this time. State law requires a 180-day school year and does not currently allow districts to add minutes onto the school day to flex schedules. Some support staff currently work a four-day work week during non-student times. We would prefer and have lobbied at the state level that the school year be based on total instruction minutes thus providing the maximum flexibility to meet the needs or all school districts. We are aware that the four day week is being debated by the legislature.

Job sharing is outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreements.

Potentially yes, depending on salaries, benefits, professional development allocations, the job share plan and schedule.

State law requires school districts to implement state-mandated Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) to all school employees, but it doesn't require the state to actually provide full funding. Therefore, every time the state stipulates a cost-of-living adjustment, the district must make up the difference between what the state funds and what we actually pay our staff. That difference is made up through local levy dollars and reserves.