Avondale Schools_USE THIS

“Staff reinforces Avondale’s commitment to being achievement oriented district”

Media Contact: Barbara Fornasiero, EAFocus Communications; 248.651.7536; cell: 586.817.8414; barbara@eafocus.com; Sue Briggs, Avondale Schools; 248.537.6041; susan.briggs@avondale.k12.mi.us

Auburn Hills, MI —Sept. 5, 2013—-Avondale School District, an achievement-oriented learning community focused on student leadership and success in academics, the arts and athletics, is pleased to announce the Avondale Education Association (AEA) contract for the 2013-2014 school year has been approved. The ratification by the District’s Board of Education was made at the Sept. 3 Board of Education meeting.

“The culture of cooperation and collaboration created in Avondale played a huge role in completing this contract,” said Dr. George Heitsch, superintendent of Avondale School District. “Our bargaining takes time but I think our staff and community are better served by a process that allows all of us to be part of the solution rather than involve a third party to create our solution.”

Within the AEA contract, adjustments in health care expenses, salary advancements and increased enrollment were made, including:

– Half step salary advancements for the second semester for AEA members who are below the 11th step on the salary scale
– AEA members at the top of the scale will receive an off-schedule payment for an increase in enrollment for every two students above 3,783
– AEA members selecting health care coverage will pay increased deductibles

The 2013-2014 contract (Sept. 1, 2013-Aug. 31, 2014), follows the district’s June announcement that it would be poised to exit deficit financing at the end of this school year.

“Our staff continually demonstrates their commitment of putting students and families first and the ratification of the AEA contract is another example of this,” said Sean Johnson, vice president of the Avondale School Board.

About Avondale School District
Avondale School District is a collaborative community of teachers, staff and families working together to assure student success. The district, encompassing portions of Auburn Hills, Bloomfield Township, Troy and Rochester Hills, celebrates the richness of a diverse student population and strives to be a model school community that prepares students to be lifelong learners and contributing citizens to the world that awaits them upon graduation. Learn more about Avondale Schools, an AdvancED certified district, at www.avondale.k12.mi.us.

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