Representing Akron Teachers since 1946

Akron Education Association

Random Notes

Nearly 1,000 Akron teachers braved furnace-like conditions in North High School’s gymnasium August 10 to vote on a one year contract between AEA and the Akron Public Schools. Attendance was the largest since a series of contract meetings in 1989, when teachers struck the district for three weeks in January. Members voted overwhelming to accept the Agreement which includes 2% across the board pay increases and an additional 1% boost on each of the ten longevity steps.

INSURANCE PLAN MODIFICATIONS

The new contract eliminates Mutual Health Services as a health care plan provider. Enrollment in this plan had dwindled in recent years to less than 75 employees, and the plan did not offer the large discounts available through the PPO’s. The enhanced dental and vision plans that were put in place several years ago to lure members into a PPO plan remain unchanged.

SEPTEMBER 16TH

is the enrollment deadline for moving from Kaiser or Mutual Health Services to a PPO and for electing to opt-out of the insurance coverage

For the first time, there is an annual deductible for PPO members: $100 single, $200 family. These deductibles apply to hospitalization and major medical services, not routine office visits. The office visit co-pay remains $10 and does not apply to the deductible; the balance of office visit charges is paid at 100%.

Prescription co-pays increased to $5 for generic drugs and $10 for name brand drugs. Members who are on maintenance drugs and have not yet tried mail ordering their medication should consider doing so to save money. Through mail order, 90-day supplies are dispensed and only one co-pay charged, whereas three monthly (30-day) prescriptions would result in three co-pays.

The Board has also agreed to raise payments to members

who voluntarily turn down insurance coverage (opt-out). Members whose spouses are covered APS employees will be paid $1,000 to opt-out (up from $600); others who opt-out will be paid $2500 (up from $1500). Opt-out payments are made in July following the year in which the member opted-out.  

ATPAC DRIVE CRITICAL TO LEVY CAMPAIGN

The November levy campaign will cost upwards of $300,000. The Akron Teachers Political Action Committee (ATPAC) will contribute to the campaign on behalf of our membership.

It is especially important this year that members participate in the annual ATPAC collection that is included on the member- ship form. Regular dues in AEA are $200 annually. The suggested ATPAC contribution is $10. Full time members can pay the total $210 in cash ($105 for part time members) or by payroll deduction. Please check the appropriate box on the form and return it to your building rep the first week back.

In addition to financial support, we will need volunteers to make phone calls, drop literature, etc. Look for volunteer forms in your building soon.  

KeyBank Bows Out of

26-Pay Plan

KeyBank’s decision to no longer offer a 26 pay plan to Akron teachers brings to an end a relationship that lasted through generations of teachers, dating back to and even before the time when Key was doing business as Centran Bank. Key’s decision to drop the plan was based primarily on the bank’s inability to negotiate a satisfactory contract with a payroll processing company.

Members currently on the Key plan have three options:

• Keep your checking account with Key and manage your own 26 pay plan. You will need to set aside (in a savings account, for example) 27% of each pay in order to have funds to cover the seven pays that are normally made from the reserve fund. 

• Sign-up for FirstMerit’s 26 pay plan. Go to any FirstMerit branch and open a checking account. Then, fill out the goldenrod 26 Pay Plan Authorization form (available at FirstMerit or AEA) and return it to AEA. If you would like to take care of opening an account and filling out the Authorization form all at once, FirstMerit will be at our office on September 1, 7 and 8 from 3:30 -5:00 to open accounts and complete Authorization forms.     No appointment is necessary.

•Sign-up for the 26 pay plan at Towpath Credit Union

IMPORTANT!

If you were a KeyBank 26 Pay Plan member last year, you will be receiving your payroll checks at school unless you:

Enroll in the FirstMerit or Towpath Credit Union 26 Pay Plan by September 9^th

-OR-

You complete a direct deposit authorization for KeyBank or the bank of your choice by September 9^th. If you elect direct deposit to any bank, you will still receive your first check at school; the remaining 18 checks will be direct deposited.

Please visit our website at www.akronteach.org for more details and to download an APS direct deposit form.

One-Thousand Gather to Ratify New Contract

BUILDING CAPTAINS NEEDED FOR “MAKING STRIDES” WALK                       

 

For the second year in a row, AEA is a major sponsor of the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.

Last year, Akron teachers and students raised over $20,000 for this very worthy cause.

We need a volunteer in every building to serve as the school captain/coordinator for the walk. Please see your building rep if you are willing to serve.

Walkers will assemble at Canal Park in downtown Akron at 10:00 am on Sunday, October 16. This year’s walk has been shortened from 5 to 3 miles. See you on the 16^th!