Detailed Summary of the HWASA Contract (2020–2025)
Preamble
• Emphasizes the shared goal of the district and the association to prioritize the education and welfare of children.

Recognition (Article I)
• HWASA is recognized as the exclusive representative for a wide range of administrative and supervisory positions, excluding high-level central office administrators.
• The district commits to notifying HWASA of any changes to roles within the unit.

Fair Practices (Article III)
• Protects individual freedom for staff to join or not join HWASA.
• HWASA commits to representing all unit members fairly, without discrimination.

Dues Deduction (Article IV)
• Provides for bi-monthly deductions for association dues, as authorized by members.
• Credit union deductions are also accommodated.

Job Security (Article V)
• Full-time personnel cannot be deprived of employment unless by law or position abolishment.
• Members displaced by abolished positions may be offered vacant positions for which they are certified.

Negotiation Procedures (Article VI)
• Establishes a framework for negotiations, including timelines, exchange of proposals, and good-faith discussions.
• Disagreements may be referred to the State Public Employment Relations Board (PERB).

Rights and Responsibilities of the Board of Education (Article VII)
• Reiterates the Board's control over educational affairs, personnel decisions, and budgeting as per New York State law.

Association Rights (Article VIII)
• HWASA is granted access to mailboxes, school facilities for meetings, and Board of Education meeting agendas.
• Representatives may conduct association business during free periods.

Administrator and Supervisor Rights (Article IX)
• Includes access to personnel files, protection from verbal criticism in public, and rights during disciplinary meetings.
• Stipulates additional responsibilities for unit members, such as attending graduation ceremonies and working extra days without additional pay.

Promotions, Vacancies, and Transfers (Article X)
• Vacant positions are posted for HWASA members, who may be given priority consideration.
• The Board retains discretion over final appointments.

Grievance and Arbitration (Article XI)
• A formal grievance process is outlined, with three steps culminating in binding arbitration.
• Arbitrators are pre-selected and rotated, with costs shared between HWASA and the district.

Salaries (Article XII)
• Structured salary increases:
◦ 2020–21: $750 base adjustment for principals and $500 for assistant principals, followed by a 2% increase.
◦ 2021–25: Annual increases of 2.5%.
• Longevity stipends for long-serving administrators.
• Stipends for summer program supervisors and specific roles like department chairs and social workers.

Fringe Benefits (Article XIII)
• Health Insurance: District contributions decrease from 76.5% (2020) to 75% (2024), with members covering the balance.
• Health Insurance Waiver: Members opting out receive $2,000–$6,000 annually, depending on coverage.
• Life Insurance: Fully paid $150,000 coverage.
• Retirement Health Insurance: Eligibility requires ten years of service for employees hired after July 1, 2010.
• Sick Leave: 15 days annually, cumulative up to 175 days. Includes provisions for catastrophic illness (up to 100 additional days).
• Personal Leave: Four days annually, with unused days converting to sick leave.

Movement on Steps (Article XIV)
• Full-time employees move up a salary step if hired before January 31. Employees hired after this date do not advance in their second year.

Additional Training or Coursework (Article XV)
• Costs for additional training required for assignments are covered by the district, and employees may earn in-service credits for successful completion.

District Policies and Maintenance of Benefits (Articles XVI & XVII)
• Existing policies not replaced by this agreement remain in effect.
• Any non-contractual benefits enjoyed by members are preserved.

Anti-Strike Pledge (Article XVIII)
• HWASA affirms that it does not have the right to strike and will not engage in such activities.

Separability and Legislative Approval (Articles XX & XXI)
• Invalid provisions due to legal conflicts do not affect the rest of the agreement.
• Legislative approval is required for provisions requiring changes to laws or additional funding.

Duration (Article XXII)
• The agreement is effective from July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2025, and can only be modified by written consent from both parties.

This summary provides a detailed breakdown of the key sections. Let us know if you'd like further information or specific details on any section!