Cairo Association of Teachers - Newsletter

CAT Tracks for August 30, 2005 CHECK YOUR DEDUCTIONS...

...so says the District Business Office.

According to a memo to be included in today's paychecks, "software complications" have resulted in improper deductions (or lack thereof) for medicare. (Memos to individual teachers indicate additional problems in the area of union dues, NEA Valubuilders, IEA Credit Union, and Prudential term insurance.)

The GOOD NEWS is that the memos promise that "There will be a check following this memo for the deducted amount."

Unlike in the past, Superintendent Whitledge is taking a proactive position in resolving these issues...calling in outside consultants with expertise in the District payroll software, trying to determine why it has decided to go berserk. Additionally, the District's Financial Administrators have been elicited to help with the "new checks"...to be issued on September 15th.

As you recall...only too vividly..."back in the day" (PRIOR to Dr. Harbin), the first line of defense by the District office was COMPLETE AND TOTAL DENIAL that a problem even existed...and then the agony of trying to get them to fix it. This year, Superintendent Whitledge has been the one to initiate the dialogue...contacting the Association to apprise us of the errors and outlining the solution.

So...rather than simply "sounding the alarm" each pay period to "check your check", the Association now "echoes" a call for assistance by the District Business Office..."PLEASE check your deductions carefully. If any one has a problem with their deductions, please contact me (Leslie Rogers) as soon as possible...at the central office extension 407."

Unfortunately, due to past experience, we have ever-vigilant CATs who are well trained in doing just that. At least, now, we have personnel who have pledged to be receptive to our "findings". Superintendent Whitledge has said in no uncertain terms: "We want to get this right...we WILL get this right!"