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FAQS 
Layoffs, Involuntary Transfers/Unassigned

Many of us are uncertain of what we should be doing in the last week of school and how we may be affected by things, both in the District and at the State level that might happen over the summer months.

Due to the continued budget crisis in California there maybe more changes over the summer. It is very important that you remain in contact with what is going on over the summer and that VEA and the District have current/summer contact information for you. For immediate concerns/questions talk with your VEA Site Representative. During the summer you should be checking this web site and/or CTA's web site frequently. Call our office with specific questions (864-6193) as someone will be around for most of the summer.

Teachers Involuntarily Transferred/Unassigned

Q: If I have received notice that I may be involuntarily transferred but not told where I am going, what should I do with my teaching materials, etc.?

A: The District will be providing you with boxes to pack your teaching materials. (You should take the most important/personal items home.) If you are moved, the District will move your boxes. CLEARLY label all boxes that may be moved with your name. Provide your office with the number of boxes you will need moved. You should do this even if you have been assured by your site administrator that you will be there next year.

Q. I have received notice that I am being reassigned to another school. What do I have to do?

A. You will need to pack up all of your belongings. The District will be providing packing boxes for you. Make sure you clearly label the boxes with your name and the school site/room number (if you know it) where the boxes are to be moved. Let your current office know how many boxes need to be moved.

Q. When will I find out the site/grade/subject where I will be placed?

A. We do not know. Things are changing on a daily/weekly basis which is why it is critical that you keep in contact through the web site. If you have already received an assignment you should know all of this information no later than the last duty day.

Q. Will I have a choice or be able to select the site where I am going?

A. The District has indicated that they are going to place people through the Human Resources office (based on credentials, etc) and there will not be job selection. This may change.

Q. With all of the changes at the State level, can I still lose my job?

A. Yes, you could. The law allows for additional layoffs in California due to fiscal necessity. These layoffs would have to occur by August 15 and these layoffs would be subject to the same process that we have to go through by March 15 (notifications, hearings, etc.). Please see the CTA advisory on "Second Round Layoffs."

Teachers Laid Off

Q. What should I do with my materials and belongings?

A. All personal belongings need to be packed and removed from your classroom. The District will NOT be providing boxes for you. District owned materials should be checked in according to your school's closing bulletin.

Q. Is it possible that I might be asked to come back to teach in Vallejo?

A. Yes, it is possible. However, things are very much up in the air in the State right now as it really is anyone's guess about what is going to happen. You do have re-hire rights for 39 months. What this means is that any time during the 39 months after your severance from the District, a job comes open, that you are qualified for, the District must use the seniority list, offering the openings to qualified people on the re-hire list. It is VERY IMPORTANT that the District know how to get in touch with you over the summer.

Q. Am I eligible for unemployment benefits?

A. Yes, you are eligible and should take advantage of them. Go here for more information.The maximum amount that you can get for unemployment is $450 a week.

Q. What about my "summer bin" pay? Will I still get that?

A. Yes, this is pay that the District has deducted from your regular pay, over 10 months, so that you will continue to get a check in July and August. This will not affect your eligibility for unemployment as you are "severed" from the District as of your last duty day, June 11, 2009.

Q. What about my health beneifts? Will I still be covered?

A. As with your "summer bin" pay, the District deducts your cost of benefits over 10 months in order to continue that payment for July and August. Your health benefits will continue through August. After August, if you are not re-hired by the school district, you are entitled to "buy" benefits under the COBRA law.

Q. What is the COBRA law?

A. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconsciliation Act. Whatt it actually is. . . this law allows you to buy/pay for health benefits, through your previous employer, for 18 months. Legislation was recently passed that has the government paying 65% of your COBRA benefits and the "laid-off" employee paying 35% (for 9 months). The District is in the process of setting this up if you need to access benefits under COBRA.