I Thank the School Committeeman for responding even though he doesn’t answer the question.

Many times I email councilors or school committee people to ask about their specific motions – See fellow GLTHS member Victor Olson for example.

Erik has gone on City Life and discussed “rumors” about teachers boycotting graduation and missing funds and has asked the question whether health insurance is Legal for Committee members but in this case he doesn’t believe he needs to talk about a motion he has made until the meeting (which is NOT televised and is taking place at the same time the City budget hearing is continuing).

Maybe I should have asked him if he has any good rumors he wants to share since he seems eager to do that on City Life but side steps explaining a motion he has made for a public meeting..yup it is transparent alright!!

Here is his response:

Gerry,

Thank you for allowing me the space to respond to your email. I am not avoiding anyone. I have had a lot going on this week with a sick family member, working, coaching youth sports, and getting ready for the upcoming School Committee meeting. I have not had much time to respond to anyones emails. Sorry

Greater Lowell Tech will be holding a School Committee meeting this Thursday at 5:30 PM. I know it’s no live but you can watch it on the computer or live at the School. Under the motions section of the meeting is the motion you would like me to discuss on your website. In my option discussing a motion at a public meeting is transparent and meets the open meeting law requirements. I will be sharing with the people of Lowell my reason for the motion at that time. If you would like to discuss my motion after the meeting I would like that.

Thanks again,

Erik

I’m glad the Tech. School Committee has settled a contract with the teachers for 4 years
2010/2011 – 0%
2011/2012 – 2 %
2012/2013 – 2 %
2013/2014 – 2 % A total of 6 % over 4 years.

Hats off to Dracut member Paul Morin for being able to bend and work with the union so that teacher’s have no worries about contracts heading into next year and hats off to the teacher’s union for bending on some issues and agreeing to stay the extra day.

I’m pretty sure the person who is the unhappiness today is former Tyngsboro Committee member Steve O’Neil who probably feels the committee gave the store away and I expect him to lead the opposition to the proposed renovation project IF a change in health insurance hasn’t been worked out by next spring.

The real bonus for the teacher’s at least through next year is included in this contract is no changes regarding health-insurance benefits.

Health Insurance was not part of the contract talks apparently it was pulled out sometimes earlier in the discussions but the teachers will remain with the same coverage they had in their last contract until a new agreement can be reached.

Here is what the Insurance was in the last contract: A.Group Insurance Benefits

The Committee agrees to provide term insurance in the amount of twenty (20) thousand dollars for each member of the bargaining unit

The School Committee have discussed forming a Health Insurance Sub-Committee that would include representative from all the unions and a retiree representative to “look at ways to reduce cost” but nothing has been done formally. Early estimates is the district could save 1 Million dollars by switching to the GIC but nothing has been finalized.

There is a concern that now that a new contract is set the teachers and all unions can if they wish drag their feet and not make any concessions unless the board get frustrated and votes to go to the GIC and that would require at least 30 days of new talks to work out a compromise. So in theory the teachers could get almost two more years of coverage as it stands now.

Exploratory Health Care Committee Chair David Tully in a letter to retiree’s inviting them to have a seat at the table says “the committee will work within the deadlines to be eligible to join the state’s Group Insurance Commission, unless the groups decide not to move in that direction and adds:

“Personally, I’d like to work something out along the lines of what we have,” said Tully. “It seems to work. People like it; rather than make a major change, I’d like to get something in between.”

So it doesn’t seem like going to the GIC will happen soon or possibly ever.

In light of that and with what is occurring in the towns, especially Dracut, this school committee may have placed any renovation potential in grave danger because the health insurance issue hasn’t been resolved and will have to really sell the desperate need for the renovation and keep highlighting the fact that the state will reimburse 76% – 80% (potentially) of the total cost. ________________________________________________________________________________________________

On another note, School Committee member Erik Gitschier who has in the past responded to questions is avoiding answering about his motion to cut a specific dollar amount that seems to be aimed at a particular position. What happened to his It’s all about Transparency and about the kids approach?

This looks to be 100% like the Andy Sheehan move by the Council only Gitschier probably already knows he doesn’t have the votes to do this and is going through with the motion on behalf of a friend and supporter.

If there is a valid reason, why all of a sudden is he not sharing it with the people in Lowell he was elected to represent?

Mr. Nutter,

In reply to your question:

The District had set aside funds in past in an account to budget for Owner’s Project Management services and Designer services anticipated for a Feasibility Study under the MSBA Renovation Program. These funds allowed the District to pay these costs directly without having to assess member communities additional amounts while still meeting minimum net school spending. The fees for these services are being paid from the funds that were appropriated out of the account. These fees are reimbursable under the MSBA program at the percentage of at least 76.84 %.

The expense for the Design and OPM services for the Feasibility Study are approximately $825K and if the motion passes and the renovations and funding for construction are approved, then the reimbursed amount will be applied to reduce community assessments which would be over 600K in total.

If the renovations are not approved, then the funds reimbursed by the MSBA program would return to the E&D account to cover additional design and OPM services expenses that would be incurred as a result of not obtaining approval and to cover other expenses by future votes of the Committee.

From MSBA Website