Communications

27200 Hilliard Blvd.

Westlake, OH 44145
440.250.1258
www.wlake.org
bonvissuto@wlake.org

May 13, 2016

WESTLAKE SCHOOLS RESPONSE TO PLEDGE REQUEST

After one full year of negotiation with the teachers union, and multiple proposals
and counter proposals, the Board of Education did make an excellent offer to
the teachers union. We are now awaiting their response and sincerely hope
they vote to accept the proposal. This offer includes salary increases, along with
modest increases in health care costs. This last best offer is truly the most we can
do while balancing our budget. After 3 failed levies, we only have a finite dollar
amount. Contrary to what has been stated, Westlake teachers are the 12th
highest paid in the state, which puts them in the top 2% out of 612 school districts
(according to FY2015 ODE data).
Additionally, on Wednesday, May 11, the Board of Education officially received
a request to sign a pledge from the Westlake Teachers Association asking us to
rescind our last best offer in exchange for an agreement to not go on strike. If
they reject the proposal today but do not issue a notice to go on strike, we will
review this proposed pledge at our next board meeting held on May 23.
We sincerely hope that this will all be a moot point by 4pm today because the
teachers would have voted to accept our last best offer. Our teachers are
extremely valuable, and it is important this close to the end of the school year
that we are all focused on helping our students end the year on a high note.
Students are preparing for final exams, participating in end-of-year activities and
sporting events, performing in concerts, and our seniors are preparing for
graduation.

WE EDUCATE FOR EXCELLENCE

Empowering all students to achieve their educational goals, to direct their lives,
and to contribute to society