The Springboro teachers union charges the local school board with “blatant and outrageous conduct” in a complaint filed with the State Employee Relations Board.

READ the full complaint here >>

The state board is investigating claims by the union, the Springboro Education Association, that a press release issued by the Springboro Board of Education, and sent to district staff, violates Ohio labor law.

“Completing negotiations will relieve employee anxiety over negotiations and instill confidence throughout the Springboro community as the Board seeks to renew a $9.2 million tax levy in 2013,” the board said in the press release issued on Jan. 10.

In the complaint, the teachers union asks the state board to seek an injunction barring the district from issuing more releases on the negotiations, claiming they violate state law calling for private bargaining. The press releases also prevent the two sides from effective negotiations, according to the union lawyer.

“You’re not going to get the give-and-take you need to get a good agreement,” said lawyer John Doll, a Centerville school board member.

The board says it needs to inform employees and the public of its stance and insists no labor law has been violated.

“They claim it’s a problem. We claim it’s our responsibility,” Board Vice President Jim Rigano said.

The same day the union made the complaint, Superintendent Todd Petrey urged the staff to negotiate toward a contract agreement in May to leave time for levy campaigns. No renewal will be sought in the May election.

“Please know, if we are able to reach a contract agreement by the beginning of May, we will have the opportunity to run the renewal in August and November,” Superintendent Todd Petrey said in an email (full text of the email below).

Last week, the board issued a second release emphasizing its interest in the two sides beginning negotiations, after the teachers declined to begin early negotiations and filed the complaint with the state board.

The complaint will be expanded to include the board’s second release, Doll said.

The complaint is under investigation, according to Christine Dietsch, director of the State Employee Relations Board.

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Text of Superintendent Petrey's email to staff:

From: Todd Petrey
Sent: Tuesday, January 22, 2013 10:54 AM
To: Everyone
Subject: Todd to Staff - May Levy

Staff,

I am sure by now you have noticed that a resolution to run a May levy has not been placed on the board agenda for this evening. In meeting with all of you, I have expressed that I feel we need to run the levy in May. Please know, over the past month I have thought about this non-stop. It is truly one of a few thoughts that keeps me awake at night. I truly can’t attend a meeting without someone asking if we will in fact need to come back for new money after the passing of the renewal. With that said, I believe in all of you. I believe that we as educators can negotiate in the best interest of kids in a timely manner. The public must see that we are concerned about the future of Springboro Schools. Please know, if we are able to reach a contract agreement by the beginning of May, we will have the opportunity to run the renewal in August and November. I am sure in the future we will need to run a new money levy. However, at the immediate time, we must be able to assure the Springboro Community that once the renewal passes we will not be coming back for new money anytime soon.

I have also been asked if I will develop a list of cuts if the renewal fails. I want all of you to understand, I do not believe in threatening our community with cuts. I firmly believe the current lack of trust is due in part to the “Pass or Else Lists” that have been sent out in the past. Quite frankly if the renewal were to fail we will need to focus more on what state receivership looks like instead of what can we cut. I am 100% committed to making sure that our students have the opportunity to receive a great education. They should not pay the price when all of the adults can’t seem to work in a manner that is best for kids. We are currently in the worst economy in US history. In the past we have been shielded from the instability of the economy. We are no longer immune to what is happening around us. Please join me in getting this right here in Springboro.

Please know, this email is going to all staff which includes all five board members. The board members do not know I will be addressing this information tonight. In fact, all they have heard me say is how much we need the May levy. Right now I see way too many distractors that could potential harm education in Springboro for years to come. Now more than ever, we need to “Move Forward TOGETHER.” The future of Springboro education must be our top priority.

Thank you

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The latest press release from Springboro School District:

Springboro Community City Schools News Release
For Immediate Release January 30, 2013
Contacts:
Todd Petrey, Superintendent, 937-748-3960 or
Kelly Kohls, Board of Education President, 513-314-7285

OEA/SEA DECLINE SPRINGBORO BOARD OF EDUCATION’S REQUEST
TO OPEN NEGOTIATIONS

SPRINGBORO—The Springboro Board of Education has received notice from the Ohio Education Association (OEA) that they do not wish to begin contract negotiations at this time. The OEA represents the Springboro Education Association (SEA), the union representing teachers and other certified staff in the Springboro School District.

On January 10, the Board notified the SEA of its desire to begin negotiations as soon as possible to assure that negotiations would conclude prior to the expiration of the current labor agreement on June 30, 2013. Completing negotiations will relieve employee anxiety over negotiations and instill confidence throughout the Springboro community as the Board seeks to renew a $9.2 million tax levy in 2013.

In a letter to the Board dated January 25, OEA Labor Relations Consultant Katherine Boerger stated, “We believe that the contractual start date is sufficient time to achieve settlement provided both parties enter negotiations with the intent to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.”

The current contract, which was entered into in 2006, has been extended by Memorandums of Understanding that expire on June 30, 2013. When the Memorandums expire, the terms negotiated in 2006 will become effective. The Board’s current financial forecast presents a balanced budget; however, it assumes no overall increase in payroll and no overall increase in medical insurance costs for the next five years. Reverting to the terms of the 2006 contract will invalidate these assumptions—resulting in an additional $5.7 million for payroll and $5.6 million in insurance for Springboro Schools over the next five years.

The Springboro Board of Education will continue to update the Springboro Schools community on the progress of negotiations.

For further information contact Dr. Kelly Kohls, Board of Education President or
Mr. Todd Petrey, Superintendent.