Normally-Closed Howell Union Contract Talks Take Place In OpenNormally-Closed Howell Union Contract Talks Take Place In Open

6/11/13 - In a departure from normal procedure, a discussion about teachers’ union contract requirements was held in open session during last night’s meeting of the Howell School Board. Recently-enacted conflict of interest legislation prevented board president Mike Witt and his wife, board secretary Kim Witt, from voting on a contract offered earlier this year, which failed as a result. The board has since put an end to formal negotiations, although informal talks have been taking place. Last night a majority of the board, including the Witts, voted against going into closed session for a discussion on the union contract. That discussion included a recounting by board member Mike Moloney of his suggestions for the contract. Although these included eliminating all language related to union dues or membership requirements, freezing the teachers’ pay, restructuring sick and personal days, and a complete redo on staffing assignments for the coming school year, Moloney admitted it is a toned-down version of his previous requests. He says the recent increase in state aid has lessened the district’s operating budget, making it possible to reduce the number of concessions requested in the contract. "Even though we passed a deficit budget that has a deficit of over a million dollars, that's a whole lot better than what we were looking at a month or a month and a half ago when we were looking at an over three million dollar operating deficit for the year." Kim Witt disputed Moloney’s numbers and said the actual deficit figure was closer to half a million dollars, while adding that had Moloney and fellow trustees Doug Moore and Deb McCormick voted for the contract when it was originally proposed, the district would have a balanced budget now. Mike Witt says asking for just one or two of Moloney's demands would be difficult, but getting all of them would be impossible. However, he tells WHMI that a new health care structure could make the contract very attractive for both sides. Witt suggested that the district pursue a health care plan that would reduce out-of-pocket expenses for teachers and save the district about $1 million, bringing it into the black. The board gave permission for Superintendent Ron Wilson to resume informal talks and work on a new contract that could potentially rally the board to achieve consensus. That contract might be reviewed at the board’s next meeting, or possibly at a special meeting before that. The board also approved a contract last night for the district’s administrators’ union. The contract freezes the administrators’ pay structure, but allows them to advance within that structure. Moloney and board member Deb McCormick voted against it. (TD)