Board of Education Approves Rocky Hill Teachers’ Association Contract

The Board of Education unanimously approved the Teachers’ Association contract, listened to a report on class size enrollments and discussed SAT Scores at their meeting Thursday night. 

Rocky Hill Teachers’ Association Contract

On his way to the meeting, Board of Education Chairman Bill MacDonald received an email that the teachers' union overwhelming approved the negotiated contract for 2012-2015.

"I want to compliment the Rocky Hill Teachers’ Association negotiating team and Board of Education negotiating team for development of a contract that recognizes and rewards the outstanding service by the teachers of Rocky Hill while being cognizant of the unprecedented fiscal times we are all facing," MacDonald said.

Board of Education Member Raffaella A. Calciano-Coler said the teachers would receive no wage increase in the first year, 1.25 percent increase in the second year and 1.62 percent increase in the final year of contract.

Under the new plan, teachers would have to pay 18.5 percent of the healthcare premium cost share in the first year of the contract. The teachers will have to contribute 19 percent in year two and 19.5 percent in year three. The premium cost share is the percentage that the teachers pay for their premium, MacDonald said.

"This is a huge amount of money that the teachers are paying towards their healthcare. I would urge the other parts of the town to look at the contract that we have established with the teachers and try to model their contracts after them."

MacDonald said the high premium cost share helps the taxpayers and gives the teachers affordable healthcare.

There were many hours spent at the negotiating table, but it was worth it to avoid an expensive arbitration process, MacDonald stated.

"I think we all agreed we have to do what is best for the children of this town."

Class Size Enrollments:

Superintendent of Schools Jeffrey A. Villar gave a presentation on class size enrollments. 

The overall enrollment in classes at  and  elementary schools were at the level that the Board of Education wanted. However, School had "slightly" high levels in the fourth grade, which was a problem last year.

Villar said the school needs to add teachers, but there are no classrooms for them. In addition, the school system let go of 7.4 teachers last year and there is no money to hire more.

At , there is low enrollment in the art, technology and French classes. These electives have been "historically low," Villar said.

He added that he was surprised that art was low in enrollment, but felt it could be due to the increased amount of students taking music electives. However, the photography class has high enrollment, so they may need to look at the art electives being offered, Villar said.

At , the physical education and health classes have high enrollment rates, but this is due to scheduling, Villar said.

"It is a consistent problem."

SAT Scores

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Marian I. Hourigan informed the Board of Education Thursday night that students increased their scores in all areas on the SAT test from 2010.

Rocky Hill students scored above the national average in both math and writing, but only above the state average in math.

"I think all of us are disappointed in Rocky Hill's scores, but I know we are working hard to turn this thing around," said Board of Education Member Frank Morse. "I have heard great things about the SAT Prep course."

has been piloting a SAT preparation course with 47 juniors currently enrolled. The class is taught by a math and English teacher and covers math topics, vocabulary development and writing proficiency. 

Morse said some students were not able to enroll in the class and wanted the school to consider adding another session.

"If we get all these juniors taking it, I am sure our scores will rise," Morse said. "I am not happy with the scores, but happy with how we are addressing it."

SAT prep assignments are being given in junior and senior English classes, reading comprehension strategies have been embedded through all courses and teachers and guidance counselors are encouraging students to take more honors and advanced placement courses, Hourigan said.

"In summary, the high school has concentrated focus on improving the academic achievements of students, which should then be reflected in their SAT performance," Hourigan said.

In eighth grade, students took a ReadiStep assessment test, which will help plan instruction for students when they transition to .

The report also showed that students who took the PSAT test performed better than those who did not. In Rocky Hill, students scored 40 points higher in reading, 49 points in math and 38 points in writing.

According to Hourigan's report, 144 students took the SAT test, which are 14 less than 2010.