Our voices were heard; our stories told -- and it made a difference. For those of you who could not attend the meeting or had to leave early before the School Board came back for a work session, here is a brief update:
The School Board apologized for not handling the dissemination of information about the proposed change to The Bridge in a more timely and transparent manner. They seemed genuinely sorry about the number of people who were adversely affected by a rush to address the Bridge issue and magnitude of the adverse effects on their lives.They apologized for the perception that retirees were not valued. They spoke about the impact that veteran employees had had on the children they had taught or served, as well as the help they could offer the school system in a potential Bridge that required work for pay. They also realized the necessity for keeping a benefit that could be an incentive to keeping current employees.They will get a second opinion about the illegality of the current Bridge policy.They will form a committee including current and retired employees to explore options for implementing a work component should the current policy be deemed truly illegal. Other issues could also be addressed. Anyone who would like to volunteeer to serve on this committee should contact Brenda O'Brien in the Finance Department.Several School Board members support a 10% pay for 10 days option, should a work component be necessary.At least one School Board member supports a continuation of some form of The Bridge in perpetuity. And several others voiced support for continuation for 7 or more years. None of them wants to cut anyone off The Bridge in one year, let alone one month.
This is what results from commitment and passion! I am encouraged by the School Board's response. It was grand to see so many old friends last night!
