ARTICLE I - PREAMBLE
The Board of Education of the Akron City School District (hereinafter referred to specifically as the Board, and collectively with the Superintendent and his staff as the employer) is charged with the responsibility of providing the most effective public education possible for the students of this school district.
1.01 Board Responsibility
It is cognizant of Ohio law which specifies that the Board has the responsibility and the final authority to make policy decisions and to administer its schools, exercising in the process the best possible management of these responsibilities as entrusted to it by the school community, including the most astute use of that same community's school funds.
The Board and the Association recognize the value of implementing the practices of Site-Based Management. To support that process, it is recognized that every effort should be made to move decisions to the building level, specifically within the scope of Building Leadership Teams where such teams have been established.
1.02 Superintendent
The Superintendent and his staff (hereinafter referred to as the Superintendent) are responsible for implementing the policies established.
1.03 Professional Staff
The professional staff has the responsibility of carrying out the best possible program of education under the policies of the Board in order to provide a quality education for all pupils.
1.04 Mutual Understanding
The Board, the Superintendent, and the AEA can best carry out their respective responsibilities in an atmosphere of understanding and mutual respect.
The Superintendent and President of the AEA shall meet in private at least once quarterly at the request of either individual to discuss matters of educational policy and development as well as matters relating to the implementation of these policies.
1.05 Established Procedures
It is recognized that the best interests of public education will be served by procedures established to provide an orderly method for the Board, the Superintendent and representatives of the AEA to discuss such matters as are specified herein, and to formalize agreements reached in these matters.
1.06 Stature of Contract
If any portion of this Agreement be in violation of any applicable laws, then that portion in disagreement shall be considered null and void, without however, impairing any other portion of this Agreement.
1.07 Non Discrimination
This Agreement is part of the policies of the Board and shall be administered without regard to race, age, religion, color, national origin, sex, marital status or handicap. Violation of any portion of this Agreement by any employee shall be grounds for disciplinary action to such form and manner as the Board may deem proper.
1.08 No Reprisal, No Retaliation
No member of the bargaining unit shall be adversely treated, restrained, interfered with or coerced as a result of filing a grievance or seeking Association assistance on any matter under this Agreement.
Neither the board nor the AEA shall engage in, condone, encourage, or permit retaliation against any person due to that person's participation or refusal to participate in strike-related activities. The Superintendent and the President shall take affirmative action to discourage and eliminate any and all retaliatory conduct which is brought to their attention.
ARTICLE II - RECOGNITION
2.01 Job Code Numbers
The Board hereby recognizes the AEA as the sole and exclusive representative for all persons in the following job codes:
006 Teacher, TS 380
015 Art Therapists
016 Music Therapist
017 AEA President
018 AEA Vice President
021 Program Specialist/Resource Teacher/Team Coordinator
024 Speech Therapist
033 Librarian
039 Teacher, Individual Services
040 Substitute, Individual Services
042 Teacher, Substitute
043 Teacher, Long Term Substitute
045 Site-Based Leader
050 Consultant/Montessori Specialist
054 Counselor
055 Counselor, TS 522
059 Substitute Psychologist
060 Psychologist, Intern
061 Psychologist, TS 380
062 Psychologist, TS 412
063 Psychologist, TS 442
065 Psychologist, TS 411
125 Occupational Therapist
129 Physiotherapist
130 Licensed Physical and Occupational Therapy Technicians
131 Interpreter, Hearing Handicapped
416 School Psychologist (Daily)
424 Instructor, Jr. ROTC, TS 422
428 Commanding Officer, Jr. ROTC, TS 422
451 Language Arts Instructional Assistant
452 Language Arts Inst. Assist. Degreed/Certified
453 Teacher, Special Projects
454 Elementary Inst. Asst., Degreed/Certified
476 Teacher, Extended Day Program
483 Certificated Deaf Interpreter
484 Non-Certificated Deaf Interpreter
524 Teacher, Evening High School
526 Substitute Teacher, Evening High School
535 Teacher, Adult Vocational Services, Part-Time
538 Teacher, Adult Vocational Services, Substitute
539 Teacher, Infants/Toddler, Adult Voc. Services
550 Teacher, Adult Vocational Services
553 Placement Specialist, Adult Vocational Services
574 Nurse Instructor, Akron School of Prac. Nursing
576 Teacher, School of Prac. Nursing, TS 380
577 Teacher, School of Prac. Nursing, TS 442
578 Teacher, School of Prac. Nursing/Clinical Inst.
579 Sub. Teacher, School of Practical Nursing
606 Teacher, Summer Elem. Education Center
608 Substitute Teacher, Summer Elem. Ed. Center
626 Teacher, Summer Secondary School
628 Substitute Teacher, Summer Secondary School
648 Teacher, Summer Music Program
652 Substitute Teacher, Summer Music Program
676 Teacher, Summer ESEA
678 Substitute Teacher, Summer ESEA
686 Teacher-In-Charge, Summer ESEA
692 Counselor, Summer ESEA
700 Teacher-In-Charge, Summer DPPF
701 Teacher, Summer DPPF
702 Substitute Teacher, Summer DPPF
703 Counselor, Summer DPPF
714 Teacher, Summer Ext. Ed. Program
715 Counselor, Summer Ext. Ed. Program
750 Teacher, Adult Basic Education
752 Teacher, Adult Basic Education, Part-Time
972 Teacher, Non-Public Schools, Aux. Services
973 Teacher, Non-Public Schools, Aux. Services, Part-Time
974 Home Visitor, Non-Public Schools, Aux. Services
976 Counselor, Non-Public Schools, Aux. Services
978 Psychologist, Non-Public Schools, Aux. Services
982 Teacher, Non-Public Schools, ESEA
2.02 Changes in Job Code Numbers
The job code numbers above are based on the present organizational chart. Recognition of the individuals in the categories shall not be affected by future changes in job code numeration.
2.03 Recognition
Recognition of the AEA by the Board shall be for the purpose of formulating agreements concerning salaries, fringe benefits, working conditions and all other items which are mutually agreed upon.