Farewell and Gratitude
Services and Benefits
Negotiations
A qualified team of OPE delegates will participate each year in a series of negotiations with a representative of the superintendent’s staff. These delegates will help improve areas of member concern, such as compensation, benefits, and working conditions and include but is not limited to the following:
Master Agreement
The Master Agreement between OPE and the Board will have as its purpose the promotion of harmonious relations between the Board and the organization; the establishment of an equitable and peaceful procedure for the resolution of difference, and the establishment of rates of pay, benefits, and other working conditions.
Salary
OPE is the exclusive bargaining unit for eligible employees with regard to salary. Through scale modification, consistent step funding, and periodic cost of living adjustments, delegates will pursue salary increases for unit eligible employees.
Leaves of Absence
All of the following Leaves of Absence will be negotiated for by OPE and are available to all unit eligible employees:
• Academic Activities Leave
• Adoption Leave
• Bereavement Leave
• Child Rearing Leave
• Court Related Leave
• Family Illness Leave
• Maternity Leave
• Military Leave
• Personal Injury Leave
• Religious Observation Leave
• Sick Leave
• Study / Sabbatical Leave
• Unusual or Imperative Leave
• Urgent Personal Business Leave
• Vacation Leave
Unified Sick Leave Bank
The USLB offers enhance benefits in the event that, after exhausting all other personal leave, the member is unable to work for medical reasons. Leaves will be administered through OPE and provide leave to cover extended serious illness.
Tuition Reimbursement
Up to $300 per credit will be reimbursed to unit eligible member for all courses approved by the superintendent’s designee (limit 9 credits per year).
Milage Reimbursement
OPE eligible employees are reimbursed for mileage accrued when using personal vehicles for school system business. OPE eligible employees are reimbursed for mileage accrued when using personal vehicles for school system business.
Grievance Procedures
OPE will negotiate a formal grievance procedure that enables member eligible employees to seek prompt and orderly resolutions to work related problems. OPE is available to assist employees with the process.
Liaison
OPE will represent member eligible employees at the regularly scheduled meetings of the Board of Education. We will monitor what is going on at the county, state, and national level and, when necessary, advocate for member concerns in Towson, Annapolis, and Washington DC. Through meetings with Board Members, the Superintendent, and county and state leaders, the concerns of the membership will be heard and considered.
Services and Benefits
Basic and Voluntary
Basic Benefits
OPE will negotiate a long list of benefits that are available to unit eligible employees.
The benefits include:
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation and Compensable Non-Duty Work Days
• Paid Sick Leave
• Paid and Unpaid Leave of Absences
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Wellness Program
• $15,000 for Basic Life Term Insurance
Voluntary Benefits
OPE will also negotiate for its members an extensive list of Voluntary Benefits that are made available through the school system. The benefits package will be negotiated each year and includes exceptional health, dental and vision plans for individuals, families and couples both married and domestic partners. The health plans include prescription coverage and adult hearing aids. The coverage is for active employees and retirees of the system.
In addition, OPE, joined by the other bargaining units, will assist the school system in identifying the best plan options and carriers for voluntary insurances and retirement plans offered by the system.
The benefits include:
•Optional Term Life Insurance – amounts up to $1,000,000
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 403(b) / 457(b) Plans
• Cancer & Intensive Care Insurance (if employed prior to 7/1/2007)
Additional after-tax benefits include:
• Personal Accident Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Whole Life Insurance with Long Term Care
• Critical Illness Insurance
Services and Benefits
Paying Members Only
Rights
Only dues paying members will be allowed to vote on the negotiated agreements and other OPE business.
Ombudsman Service
In a cooperative effort to avoid formal procedures and achieve an equitable solution, an OPE representative will consult with and upon the request of an aggrieved eligible employee, accompany the member to any informal meetings between the employee and supervisor.
System Initiative and Committees
The school system is seeking a more collaborative culture with all employee units and professional organizations. As the exclusive bargaining unit for non-certified, exempt administrative, supervisory and professional employees, OPE may be invited to participate in committees that study and/or support various system initiatives. OPE members may be part of the decision making process and may have the opportunity of sitting on these committees thus insuring that their voice and voices of their colleagues is heard.
Discounted Legal Representation
Unit members may receive discounted legal services.
Grievance Procedures
OPE will negotiate a formal grievance procedure that enables member eligible employees to seek prompt and orderly resolutions to work related problems. OPE is available to assist employees with the process.
Communications & Publications
Members will receive regular updates and advisories. Members will be kept informed through email messages and membership meetings.
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BCPSOPE Address
9611 Pulaski Park Drive,
Suite 301
Middle River, MD 21220
