Dear Association Members:

     Your Fact Finding Memorandum is finally here. I am pleased to announce that it is posted on this site. We have been waiting for this day for almost two years. During this time, we have asked many things of our members, including showing their LCTA solidarity by wearing T-shirts, lanyards etc. With limited ability to provide specifics and feedback, you have remained strong…this strength has not gone unnoticed, nor has it been in vain. The wait is over.
      I told all members that your team was prepared to remain committed to the goal of a fair and equitable contract that was in the best interests of our Association. At those distant general membership meetings almost 730 days ago you asked us to do just that. And we have. Though some would have preferred that we sold out certain membership populations just to get a contract – we did not. Though some would have had us present you with an unfair agreement because it was easier than fighting for you – we did not. Though some took rumor as gospel truth regarding what was asked for and what was offered, and became frustrated with your negotiations team at the amount of time this has taken – we stayed strong.
      A sub-par result was never acceptable to us. Our goal has always been to get the best possible agreement for ALL LCTA MEMBERS and not just secondary or elementary, new folks or top-steppers. There were many times that the proverbial “carrot” was dangled. Your team’s resolve has not wavered. Your team has (conservatively) over 1000 man-hours invested in our futures. Members and shadow members have devoted countless days and nights, weekends, family and personal time, to our futures. Dr. Foster’s careful consideration of the issues and the facts confirm what we have believed all along: that what has been previously offered by the district has not been adequate.
      BUT, our work is not done. We still do not have a contract. We have always been willing to consider any fair and reasonable offer and remain open to partnering with the district to achieve our mutual goals. In the coming weeks I hope to be able to take what we have learned from the Fact Finding report and resume fruitful negotiations with the district. As of this posting, no new meetings are scheduled, but I believe that this Fact Finding hurdle can propel us forward.
      We are scheduling a general membership meeting to specifically address your questions and thoughts about the report. Please take the time to review it. Dr. Foster did an excellent job of framing the issues and discussing his recommendations. I anticipate posting the Association and district submissions in the coming weeks so you may all see what Dr. Foster used as the basis for his report.

Thank you to all who have supported our Association during these trying times.