Dear Editor,
The officers of the Warren County Educational Support Personnel Association, the union that represents support staff employees in the Warren County School District, would like to take this opportunity to respond to the October 11, 2012 newspaper article entitled "Custodial Service Concerns Sparks Discussion about Contractual Issues".
To date, no contractual issues concerning the custodial services at Eisenhower High School have been brought to the attention of the support staff union leadership. It is our understanding that all posting guidelines are being followed and positions are being filled in a timely manner.
One of our major concerns with the above mentioned article is the statement about the abuse of sick leave among support staff. To date, we are unaware of any abuse of sick leave by support staff employees in any of the buildings throughout the district. Support staff employees have a contractual benefit to sick leave. The district may require an employee to provide a doctor's certificate for any situation where abuse is suspected. To the best of our knowledge, no such action has been taken by the district against the custodians at Eisenhower High School or any other department or building within the district.
To clarify another statement, at this time the support staff union has not been approached by the district to develop an incentive program for not taking days off. We are, however, open to discussion on the matter.
Due to budget cuts the support staff has had their fair share of losses, for example loss of positions in all departments, a one year wage freeze, and an increase in medical insurance costs.
In closing, we have worked with the district to solve problems and we will continue to do so.
Sincerely,
Dave Shaffer,
Union President
Clara McKotch,
Vice President
Rose Dore',
Secretary