Frequently Asked Questions

If I don’t use my 3 personal days, do I lose them?

A: No. Any unused personal days will be added into your personal sick time for the following year.

How do I find out how many sick and personal days I have accrued?

A: Your Employee Self Service account has important information. You can 1.) See your sick and personal time, 2.) See and verify your lane and step salary information, 3.) See deductions from your paycheck, 4.) See a copy of your past pay stubs and 5.) See your health and dental plan information. Go to your school’s website. Under “Staff” select “Application Logins” then select “Employee Payroll and Benefits”. You will need to login in the upper right hand corner with your employee ID number and password. See HR if you are having trouble logging in. Your sick and personal time should be on the front page.

To whom do I send my maternity leave letter?

A: You write it to the Superintendent and copy the Assistant Superintendent, Building Principal, WEA President, and WEA Membership Chair.

What do I say in the maternity letter?

A: This varies to some degree depending on your individual situation. Most letters contain the approximate departure date, how much time you will be requesting off, and your expected return date. You also include how much of your accrued sick time you will be using. Contact Bonnie Ross if you need help.

Can I use the sick bank for maternity leave?

A: No. You may only use the sick bank if you are put on MEDICAL leave during your pregnancy or have a complication afterwards. Maternity leave is only paid with your personal accrued sick time.

Can I use the sick bank for a sick family member?

A: No. The sick bank is only for a staff member who has a medical condition, needs to be out, and has no personal sick time left.

Do I have to attend a meeting scheduled before the start of the school day?A: No. However, if a committee “voluntarily” chooses to meet outside the contracted hours, you must notify the WTA, and a letter must be sent from the Association stating this is voluntary and that it is not setting a precedent.

When do I know if I have earned professional status?

A: The MTA’s position is that if you have NOT received written notification by midnight June 15 in your third year, then it is to be assumed that you have professional status. The Westborough administration began sending out written notices beginning in 2010.

I have an issue with a staff member, can I file a grievance against them?

A: No. Grievances are filed only when a part of the contract is violated. If there is a staff vs. staff issue, the dispute may be resolved with another union member present to help mediate – if both parties agree.

A student has been physically aggressive towards me and I have been injured. What do I do?

• IMMEDIATELY report the incident to your building principal and ask him/her for an Incident Report for you to fill out right away. Return the report to the prinicpal for documentation that day.

Do I have to stay everyday for 45 minutes after school?

A: No. This is a guideline. It is time that should be used to finish any professional responsibilities. If you have fulfilled your professional obligations prior to the 45 minutes, then you may leave for the day.

An administrator has requested a meeting with me and I’m nervous since I don’t know what it is about. Do I have to go to the meeting alone?

A: Prior to the meeting, you have the right to ask the administrator, “What is the meeting about?” If the answer leads you to believe it might have a negative tone, you could follow up with, “Is there a possibility that this meeting might result in any disciplinary action towards me?” The administrator is required to answer the question and to be truthful.

If the answer is No – attend the meeting.

If the answer is Yes – you should explain that you will be bringing union representation with you. This is a legal right and you may re-schedule the meeting for when the union representative is available.

How do I receive reimbursement for a course I took?

A: The Collective bargaining unit agreements for Teachers, Paraeducators, and Secretaries contain Tuition Reimbursement Programs. Consult your bargaining unit contract for details regarding the per course or per credit reimbursement and maximum total amounts. The reimbursement may be reduced on a pro-rated basis if the total value of applications exceeds the bargaining unit total.

To apply for reimbursement, please forward the following documents to the Assistant Superintendent – Central Office (Forbes Building) no later than June 1.

You can obtain a copy of the Tuition Reimbursement Form at the main office at your school building.

Fill out a Request for Approval of Professional Absence/Staff Development Form – also found at the main office of your school building.

Copy of verification of payment – tuition payment dates must be between July 1st of the previous year and the first week of June of the current year.

Copy of academic course completion and number of credit hours.

If you have any questions, please contact the Assistant Superintendent.

Do Guidance Counselors, Librarians, Speech teachers have Prep Periods?

A: Guidance, librarians, speech and others are all in the contract recognition clause. Thus, they are entitled to all the benefits of the contract language. They can have a duty free lunch and prep periods…Since the jobs are very different, over the years these support staff positions have worked the time into their day. For example, speech teachers make their own schedules and put into their day the prep time allowed. Guidance find a corner of the room and write recommendations, call parents and complete school work during this prep time….NEVER have these positions been scheduled for an entire day without this time. We have always counted on the professionalism of the staff and administration to insure that this contractual benefit has been afforded to all.