Colchester, Connecticut

Colchester BOE Cafeteria Paraprofessional Contract 2021-2024 (1)

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AGREEMENT

                            BETWEEN

              THE COLCHESTER BOARD OF EDUCATION

                              AND

THE COLCHESTER FEDERATION OF EDUCATIONAL PERSONNEL LOCAL #3279,
                        AFT-CT AFL-CIO




                JULY 1, 2021 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2024
                                           TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                                                                            PAGE

ARTICLE I                RECOGNITION ................................................................................         1

ARTICLE II               BOARD’S PREROGATIVES ...........................................................                     1

ARTICLE III              FAIR PRACTICES ............................................................................          3

ARTICLE IV               WORKING CONDITIONS ...............................................................                   3

ARTICLE V                LEAVES OF ABSENCE ...................................................................                7

ARTICLE VI               SENIORITY ......................................................................................     9

ARTICLE VII              PERSONNEL FILES ......................................................................... 10

ARTICLE VIII             GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE ............................................................ 11

ARTICLE IX               UNION RIGHTS ............................................................................... 13

ARTICLE X                CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT ................................................ 14

ARTICLE XI               FRINGE BENEFITS ......................................................................... 14

ARTICLE XII              SAVINGS CLAUSE .......................................................................... 18

ARTICLE XIII             MISCELLANEOUS .......................................................................... 19

ARTICLE XIV              MATTERS NOT COVERED ............................................................ 19

ARTICLE XV               DURATION ....................................................................................... 19

ARTICLE XVI              PENSION DEDUCTION .................................................................. 19

ARTICLE XVII             LONGEVITY .................................................................................... 20

ARTICLE XVIII            SALARY SCHEDULES ................................................................... 20

                         SIGNATURE PAGE ......................................................................... 22

APPENDIX A               INSURANCE PROGRAMS .............................................................. 23

APPENDIX B               DENTAL PLAN ................................................................................ 29



Colchester BOE Paraprofessionals/Cafeteria Workers Contract 2021-2024
                              AGREEMENT
                               BETWEEN
                  THE COLCHESTER BOARD OF EDUCATION
                                  AND
           THE COLCHESTER FEDERATION OF EDUCATION PERSONNEL
                       LOCAL #3279, AFT-CT AFL-CIO

       THIS AGREEMENT IS MADE AND ENTERED INTO by and between the Colchester
Board of Education of the Town of Colchester (hereinafter referred to as the “Board”) and the
Colchester Federation of Educational Personnel (hereinafter referred to as the “Union”).

       WHEREAS, Connecticut law recognizes the procedure of collective bargaining as a
peaceful, fair and orderly way of conducting relations between municipal employees and their
employer, and

       WHEREAS, the paraprofessionals, cafeteria workers, and COTA/CDA employed by the
Colchester School System selected as their sole representative the Federation, resulting in the
Federation becoming exclusive bargaining representative for all paraprofessionals, cafeteria
workers, and COTA/CDA in the unit, and

        WHEREAS, the Board and its designated representatives have met with representatives
of the Federation and have fully considered and discussed amongst themselves, salary schedules,
working conditions, personnel policies and other conditions, relative to employment, it is agreed
as follows:


                                              ARTICLE I
                                            RECOGNITION

       The Board recognizes the Federation as the exclusive bargaining representative for all
employees in positions designated: Paraprofessionals, COTA/CDA and Cafeteria Workers,
excluding employees in such classifications who work less than twenty (20) hours per week, for
the purpose of negotiating with respect to salary, fringe benefits and conditions relative to
employment.


                                         ARTICLE II
                                    BOARD’S PREROGATIVES

        It is recognized that the Board has and will continue to retain, whether exercised or not,
the sole and unquestioned right, responsibility and prerogative to direct the operation of the
public schools in the Town of Colchester in all its aspects, including but not limited to the
following:

        to maintain public elementary and secondary schools and such other educational
        activities as in its judgment will best serve the interests of the Town of Colchester;

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        to give the children of Colchester as nearly equal advantages as may be practicable;

        to decide the need for school facilities;

        to determine the care, maintenance and operation of buildings, lands, apparatus and other
        property used for school purposes;

        to determine the number, age and qualifications of the pupils to be admitted into each
        school;

        to employ, assign, transfer, promote or demote, to lay off, terminate or otherwise relieve
        school employees from duty for lack of work or other legitimate reasons when it shall be
        in the best interests of the Board;

        to suspend or dismiss school employees in the manner provided by statute or board
        policy;

        to designate the schools which shall be attended by the various children within the Town;

        to make such provisions as will enable each child of school age residing in the Town to
        attend school for the period required by law and provide for the transportation of children
        wherever it is reasonable and desirable;

        to prescribe rules for the management, studies, classification and discipline for the public
        schools;

        to decide the textbooks to be used;

        to make rules for the arrangement, use and safekeeping of the school libraries and to
        approve the books selected therefore and to approve plans for school buildings;

        to prepare and submit a budget to the Board of Finance and, in its sole discretion, expend
        monies appropriated by the Town for the maintenance of the schools, and to make
        transfers of funds within the appropriate budget as it shall deem desirable;

        to establish or continue policies, practices and procedures for the conduct of Board
        business and, from time to time, to change or abolish such policies, practices and
        procedures;

        to discontinue processes or operations or to discontinue their performance by employees;

        to select and to determine the number and types of employees required to perform the
        Board’s operations;

        to prescribe and enforce rules and regulations for the maintenance of discipline and for
        the performance of work in accordance with the requirements of the Board.

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These rights, responsibilities and prerogatives are not subject to delegation in whole or in part,
except that the same shall not be exercised in a manner inconsistent with or in violation of any of
the specific terms and provisions of the Agreement. No action taken by the Board with respect
to such rights, responsibilities, and prerogatives, other than as there is specific provision herein
elsewhere contained, shall be subject to the grievance and arbitration provisions of this
Agreement.


                                            ARTICLE III
                                          FAIR PRACTICES

The Board agrees to continue its policy of non-discriminating against any educational personnel
on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex or marital status, religion, sexual orientation,
ancestry, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, gender information, gender identity or
expression, veteran status or membership or participation in, or association with, the activities of
any paraprofessional, cafeteria worker, and COTA/CDA organization, except in the case of a
bona fide occupational qualification. Complaints under this Article are excluded from the
grievance arbitration procedure in this contract. (Article VIII Step 4, A).


                                         ARTICLE IV
                                     WORKING CONDITIONS

A.      Work Schedules:

        1.      Paraprofessionals.

        a.      Work Year: The Board reserves the right to schedule the work year for
        paraprofessionals between one hundred and eighty (180) and one hundred and one
        eighty-four (184) days, subject to paragraph 4 below, unless the unique needs of a student
        require an extended school year assignment. Days may be scheduled as full days or
        shortened days, as determined by the Board. A scheduled shortened day shall normally
        consist of a five (5) hour workday for paraprofessional working full-time.

        b.      Extended School Year (ESY): Should an extended school year assignment be
        required, it shall first be offered to the paraprofessional regularly assigned to work with
        the student. Should that paraprofessional decline the assignment, the extended school
        year assignment shall be made available to qualified paraprofessionals in the bargaining
        unit through an internal job posting. If no qualified internal paraprofessional is selected
        by the administration to fill the position, then the position may be posted and filled
        externally. If there is no qualified internal or external applicant, the Board may require
        the least senior, qualified paraprofessional to perform the assignment.




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        2.      Cafeteria Workers.

        a.     Work Year: The work year for the cafeteria workers shall be between one
        hundred and sixty-five (165) and one hundred eighty-four (184) days, subject to
        paragraph 4.

        b.      Shortened Work Days:           A scheduled shortened day shall normally consist of
        a five (5) hour workday for cafeteria employees working full-time. On shortened days
        when the Superintendent determines that breakfast will be served at Bacon Academy, the
        cook shall be designated as the employee responsible for preparing, serving, and cleaning
        up. The cook will be compensated for actual hours worked, or a minimum of two (2)
        hours, whichever is greater, at his/her normal rate of pay. If the cook is absent, the
        supervisor or a substitute shall provide the service.

        In the event that Bacon Academy has an early dismissal for emergency or inclement
        weather purposes, regardless of time when called, Bacon Academy cafeteria employees
        will work for the students' scheduled day and any such employee who actually works the
        students' scheduled day shall be paid accordingly.

        3.      COTA/CDA:

        a.      Work Year. The Board reserves the right to schedule the work year for
        COTA/CDAs between one hundred and eighty (180) and one hundred and one eighty-
        four (184) days, subject to paragraph 4 below, unless the unique needs of a student
        require an extended year assignment.

        b.      Extended School Year (ESY): Should an extended school year assignment be
        required, it shall first be offered to the COTA/CDA regularly assigned to work with the
        student. Should that COTA/CDA decline the assignment, the extended school year
        assignment shall be made available to qualified COTA/CDAs in the bargaining unit
        through an internal job posting. If no qualified internal COTA/CDA is selected by the
        administration to fill the position, then the position may be posted and filled externally. If
        there is no qualified internal or external applicant, the Board may require the least senior,
        qualified COTA/CDA to perform the assignment.

        4.      All Employees:        The work year shall be as assigned by the school
        administration in accordance with the school calendar. Employees shall receive a
        statement confirming hours of work and rates of pay at the beginning of the school year.
        If the Board changes the work year beyond the parameters set forth in the collective
        bargaining agreement, it will negotiate with the Union over the impact of the changed
        work year on members of the bargaining unit.

B.      Working Conditions:

        1.      Employees shall be paid biweekly for hours worked, by electronic deposit to the
                financial institution of their choice. Any work performed above forty (40) hours
                in one week shall be paid at one and one-half (1½) times the hourly rate for hours
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                worked beyond the forty (40) hours in that week. The Board may schedule
                professional development sessions for employees, and require employees to
                attend and participate in such sessions. When such sessions occur outside the
                normal work day, employees shall be paid. At the request of a teacher, and after a
                paraprofessional obtains the prior written approval of the building administrator, a
                paraprofessional shall be available outside his/her regularly scheduled working
                hours for discussions with teachers about areas of programmatic and/or student
                needs. When such sessions occur outside the normal work day, employees shall
                be compensated for the additional time.

        2.      If in his or her discretion, the Superintendent releases employees early or permits
                a late start to the work day because of inclement weather or other good cause,
                such employees shall receive compensation for the hours they were otherwise
                scheduled to work, unless a full day is cancelled, in which case said day may be
                rescheduled by the Superintendent. The work schedule for each classification as
                assigned by the Superintendent shall not depend upon whether school for students
                is closed early, starts late or is cancelled for the day.

        3.      The administration shall establish work schedules for paraprofessionals as soon as
                student schedules are developed, provided that no paraprofessional that is a
                member of the bargaining unit will be assigned less than four (4) hours per day.
                If the work schedule results in a reduction in hours for a position from the
                previous school year, a more senior paraprofessional may displace the least senior
                paraprofessional and the displaced paraprofessional shall work the reduced
                schedule, provided both employees are similarly qualified to perform the
                assignment in question. The Board may change work schedules during the school
                year. In the event that a paraprofessional’s hours are reduced during the school
                year, a more senior paraprofessional may displace the least senior
                paraprofessional and the displaced paraprofessional shall work the reduced
                schedule, provided both employees are similarly qualified to perform the
                assignment in question.

        4.      The reduction of a cafeteria worker’s hours below four (4) hours shall be subject
                to seniority within the following classifications: cook, deli operator, general
                worker, side worker. The cafeteria worker whose position is being reduced below
                four (4) hours shall be entitled to displace the least senior worker in his/her
                classification with the most hours.

        5.      Paraprofessional and COTA/CDA employees desiring transfer within their
                building are encouraged to notify the building principal. Employees desiring
                transfer to a different building are encouraged to notify their current building
                principal as well as the building principal in the desired location, by utilizing a
                Transfer Preference Form as designated by the administration and submitted to
                the building principals on or before March 15th.

        6.      Vacancies directly caused by the creation of new positions, death, retirement,
                resignation or any other severance from employment shall be posted for five (5)
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                days on the district’s website prior to making an appointment. However, the
                Board reserves the right to make interim appointments. The most qualified
                applicant to the position shall be appointed. Qualifications shall include: seniority
                and consideration of student and programmatic needs. Qualifications shall be
                determined by the Superintendent, whose judgment shall be final and binding.
                Non-bargaining unit substitutes may be hired by the Board to address short-term
                needs caused by employee leaves and/or absences, or to fill interim positions prior
                to the creation of a long-term position. The Board shall notify the Union
                President of such appointments, including the name of the substitute appointed,
                the name of the individual being replaced (if applicable), and the anticipated
                duration of the appointment.

C.      Paraprofessionals, COTAs, and CDAs will be given a duty-free lunch period of not less
        than twenty (20) minutes incorporated within the above designated work day. The need
        for limited breaks in specific situations shall be recognized and respected by certified
        staff and administration, provided such breaks are limited in scope, duration and
        regularity, and do not conflict with the primary responsibilities of the position. Cafeteria
        workers who are scheduled to work in excess of four (4) hours per day shall be entitled to
        fifteen (15) minute duty free lunch.

D.      Tentative Assignments:

        Paraprofessionals, COTA/CDA and cafeteria workers should be notified in writing of
        their tentative assignment for the next school year on or about the last day of the students’
        school year. Any change(s) made in the table of organization by the Board that leads to
        the elimination of positions within the bargaining unit shall be subject to discussion with
        the Federation at least two (2) weeks prior to the contemplated change(s).
        Paraprofessionals shall not receive a regular assignment consisting of the work regularly
        assigned to office professional employees.

E.      Employee Protection:

        The Board shall protect and save harmless any employee from financial loss or expense,
        including legal fees and costs, if any, arising out of any claim, demand, suite or judgment
        by reason of alleged negligence or other act resulting in bodily injury to or death to any
        person or damage to or destruction of property within or without the school building,
        provided such employee at the time of the occurrence resulting in injury, damage or
        destruction was acting in the discharge of duties within the scope of employment or under
        the direction of the Board as set forth in Connecticut General Statutes §10-235. This
        section is for informational purposes only.

F.      Probation:

        New employees shall serve a probationary period of seventy-five (75) working days,
        which do not include days missed because of illness or other leave. Employees shall
        have no seniority rights during this period nor paid personal leave time, but shall be
        subject to all other provisions of this agreement, except the right to grieve any
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        disciplinary matters through the grievance procedure. All employees who have
        completed the probationary period shall acquire length of service records as of the date of
        their employment, within the bargaining unit. During an employee’s probationary period,
        an employee shall not be eligible for insurance coverage, except as may be required by
        law.

G.      Just Cause:

        No employee shall be suspended without pay or discharged without just cause.
        Objections to earlier written or verbal discipline may be raised at the time of suspension
        or discharge.


                                           ARTICLE V
                                       LEAVES OF ABSENCE

Sick Leave:

Paraprofessionals, COTA/CDA and cafeteria workers will be eligible to accrue sick leave of up
to ten (10) days a year, earned pro-rata monthly on the basis of a ten (10) month work year, and
credited at the beginning of each month. Such days shall accumulate to sixty (60) days for
paraprofessionals and COTA/CDA and fifty-seven (57) days for cafeteria workers. Justification
of excessive absenteeism may be required by the immediate supervisor. No more than six (6)
sick leave days per year may be used for the care of a member of the immediate family, defined
as spouse, parent, brother, sister, child, grandparent, or grandchild.

Sick leave may be taken in one-quarter (1/4) day increments.

Childbirth:

Absence for spouse for birth of child to spouse not to exceed two (2) days in any school year.

Funeral Leave:

A leave of absence not to exceed three (3) days immediately following the date of death shall be
granted to members of the bargaining unit whose spouse, parent, brother, sister, in-laws, child,
grandparent, or grandchild dies. Such leave shall be with pay. Upon request and in special
circumstances, the Superintendent may grant such leave in excess of three (3) days.

Personal Leave:

A.      Members of the bargaining unit will be allowed a maximum of four (4) personal days
        without loss of pay per year. It is understood that all four (4) are granted only for matters
        of pressing personal needs that cannot otherwise legitimately be performed outside the
        working/teaching day. Personal leave for new employees shall be pro-rated for a partial
        year of service, accrued quarterly. The reasons for which personal days are granted are:

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        1.      A death of a close friend or a relative other than those individuals listed in under
                the funeral leave section above.
        2.      An emergency that arises over which the employee has no control;
        3.      Legal business;
        4.      Wedding within the employee’s immediate family; immediate family defined as
                son, daughter, mother, father, sister, brother, grandparent, or grandchild;
        5.      Religious holidays;
        6.      Up to one (1) day for which no specific reason is required to be given.
        7.      Graduation ceremonies of the employee, spouse, parent, child or grandchild.

B.      When an employee notifies the building administration of his or her intent to use a
        personal day, he/she will indicate for which of the seven (7) reasons, in Paragraph A
        above, the day is being taken.

C.      Except in cases of emergency, notice shall be given to the building principal at least
        forty-eight (48) hours in advance.

D.      In order to help ensure continuity for students, personal leave shall normally not be
        granted on the last day before a school holiday or vacation period or on the first day of
        school after a holiday or vacation period, or first five (5) and last five (5) days of the
        scheduled student school year. Exceptions to this rule may be made for situations that
        arise over which the employee has no control, as determined by the Superintendent in
        his/her discretion.

E.      Personal leave may be taken in one-quarter (1/4) day increments.

Jury Duty:

An employee shall be entitled to full pay at current base rate for absence due to jury duty
provided that reimbursement for same and regular pay together does not exceed the employee’s
regular wage. The employee shall give adequate notice of jury call to his or her supervisor.

Maternity and Adoption Leave:

        1.      Maternity leave shall be granted by the Board of Education, and the employee
                may use accumulated sick leave for disabilities caused or contributed to by
                pregnancy, miscarriage, abortion, childbirth and recovery therefrom.

        2.      Leave shall continue as long as the employee is disabled. The Board reserves the
                right to determine the period of disability through review by a physician it selects
                and pays for. The Board shall be notified at least thirty (30) days before the
                estimated time of commencement of the leave.



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        3.      The availability of extension of leave, the accrual of seniority and other benefits
                and privileges, reinstatement and payment under any health or temporary
                disability due to pregnancy or childbirth shall be available on the same terms and
                conditions as they are applied to other disabilities.

        4.      Employees who are expecting to deliver or adopt a child or whose spouse is
                expecting to deliver a child may request a child rearing leave of absence without
                pay or benefits of up to one year. Employees shall request such leave at least
                sixty (60) days prior to the anticipated commencement of such leave, and such
                leave request shall set forth the date on which leave shall conclude. Whenever
                possible, employees who return from leave during the same school year shall be
                returned to his/her former assignment, or a comparable one, as determined by the
                Superintendent or designee. Employees on such leave may continue to participate
                in the group insurance coverage at their own expense. Such leave shall run
                concurrent with any FMLA qualifying leave, when FMLA qualifying leave is
                applicable.

Leaves Without Pay:

Leaves of absence without pay or benefits (except as required by law) shall be granted upon
application of such educational personnel in cases of extreme personal hardship such as, but not
limited to, extended illness of the employee, illness of a member of the immediate family, or
other reasons upon recommendation of the Superintendent and subject to the approval of the
Board. During such unpaid leave, the employee shall not continue to accrue benefits. Upon
return, the employee shall be credited with such benefits as he/she had upon the commencement
of the leave.

Family and Medical Leave Act:

The provisions of the Family and Medical Leave Act shall apply to members of the bargaining
unit who qualify under the terms of the federal and or state family and medical leave acts as they
may be amended from time to time, and any time of leaves by this agreement that are covered by
this Act shall run concurrent with any leave entitlement under the state and/or federal Family and
Medical Leave Acts, or any other applicable law for which leave is granted.


                                              ARTICLE VI
                                              SENIORITY

A.      1.      Paraprofessionals, COTA/CDA and cafeteria workers will have system wide
                seniority, based upon the length of service with the Colchester School System
                within a particular classification within the bargaining unit, measured from the
                date of membership with such classification in the bargaining unit. During any
                unpaid leave of absence, the employee shall not continue to accrue seniority.
                Upon return, the employee shall be credited with such seniority as he/she had
                upon the commencement of the leave.

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        2.      A seniority list of all employees in the bargaining unit shall be maintained by the
                Board. It shall be updated at least once annually in the month of October, and a
                copy of each update shall be provided to the president of the bargaining unit. If
                no objection to the seniority list is raised by any member or by the union president
                within thirty (30) calendar days of provision of the list to as described herein, the
                list shall be considered accurate.

B.      Layoffs:

        1.     Cafeteria Workers: In the event layoffs become necessary within the cafeteria
        worker classification, employees with the least seniority shall be laid off first. In all
        instances, this decision as to the layoff shall be made by the Superintendent in accordance
        with contractual provisions.

        2.      Paraprofessionals/COTAs/CDAs:         In the event layoffs become necessary
        within the classifications of paraprofessional/ COTA/CDA, the Board shall retain the
        most qualified employees. Qualifications shall include, seniority, special training,
        experience as to assignment and student(s), student and programmatic needs, and
        evaluation and employment history.

        3.      Recall:          All employees who have been laid off will be placed on a recall list
        for two (2) years and qualified employees based on the criteria described above must be
        recalled for any position within their separate categories (paraprofessional COTA/CDA
        and cafeteria worker) before any new people can be hired to fill the vacant positions.
        Notification of recall shall be mailed, return receipt requested, to the last address given by
        the employee. If the laid off employee refuses the offer or does not respond to a
        notification of recall issued by the Board within fifteen (15) days, then that employee
        relinquishes all rights to recall.


                                           ARTICLE VII
                                         PERSONNEL FILES

Official employee files shall be maintained in accordance with the following procedures:

A.      Administrators will be encouraged to place in the file information of a positive nature
        indicating special competencies, achievements, performances or contributions of a civic
        nature. All material received from and signed by responsible sources concerning an
        employee’s conduct, service or character may be placed in the file by the administration.
        No anonymous letters or materials shall be placed in an employee’s personnel folder.
        The employee shall be notified in advance of the placement of any critical material in
        his/her file by being provided with a copy of such material with the notation, “cc:
        Personnel File.” Employees have the right to respond by addenda affixed to such critical
        material.

B.      The employee shall upon request be given the opportunity to review the contents of his or
        her file. Reasonable requests for review shall not be withheld. It shall be the
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         responsibility of the central administration, when requested, to arrange a convenient
         appointment with each employee that will enable that employee to have ample time to
         fully review any and all documents in his or her file in the presence of an administrator or
         his or her designee.

C.       The employee has the right to reply to any document with a formal letter addressed to the
         Superintendent of Schools. This letter will be placed in the file.

D.       The employee shall be permitted to copy materials in his/her file.


                                         ARTICLE VIII
                                    GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

Definitions:


A.       A “grievance” shall mean a complaint by a grievant that there has been a violation,
         misinterpretation or misapplication of the provisions of this contract.

B.       As used in this Article the term “grievant” shall mean either (1) an individual employee
         or (2) a group of employees having the same grievance, or (3) the Federation.

C.       The purpose of the grievance procedure is to secure, at the lowest possible administrative
         level, solutions to any problems that may arise.

D.       No reprisals of any kind shall be taken by any member of the Board or Administration
         against any participant in the grievance procedure by reason of such participation.

E.       “Days” shall be defined as work days (e.g. days that the Superintendent’s office is open).

Procedures:

A grievant and a Federation Representative (if the grievant so desires) shall first discuss the
grievance with the grievant’s immediate administrative superior.

STEP I          If the matter is not satisfactorily adjusted within five (5) work days, the grievant
                shall submit it in writing within five (5) work days to the grievant’s immediate
                supervisor. Such written grievance must be filed within fifteen (15) work days of
                the date that the grievant should have been logically aware of the act or
                circumstances giving rise to the grievance, except that an extension shall be
                granted if mutually agreed-upon and reduced to writing. The administrative
                supervisor shall meet with the grievant and a Federation representative and must
                render his/her decision in writing, with copies to the grievant and the Federation,
                within five (5) work days of the written submission to his/her supervisor by the
                grievant.

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STEP II         Failing satisfactory settlement within such time limit, the grievant may within five
                (5) work days appeal in writing to the Superintendent, and such writing shall set
                forth specifically the basis of the grievance. The Superintendent or his/her
                designee shall meet with the grievant and a Federation representative within five
                (5) work days of receipt by him/her of such appeal and shall give his/her decision
                in writing to the grievant and the Federation within five (5) work days of such
                meeting.

STEP III        Board Level Grievance

                Failing satisfactory settlement within such time limit, the grievant may, within
                five (5) work days, appeal in writing to the Board of Education. The Board, or a
                subcommittee thereof, shall hold a hearing with the employee within twenty (20)
                work days of the receipt of the written grievance and render a decision in writing
                within ten (10) work days of the hearing.

STEP IV         Arbitration

A.      If the decision of the Board does not resolve the grievance to the satisfaction of
        Federation, it may submit the grievance to the American Arbitration Association, in
        accordance with applicable administrative procedures, practices, and rules. Whether or
        not previously indicated at earlier steps, the provisions of the contract that are involved
        shall be identified in the submission.

B.      Notice of intention to submit to arbitration under subsection A. above, must be in writing
        addressed to the Superintendent of Schools, and submission to arbitration must be made
        no later than fifteen (15) work days following receipt of the Board of Education’s
        decision.

C.      The arbitrator shall hear and decide only one grievance in each case. He/She shall be
        bound by and must comply with all the terms of the contract. He/She shall have no
        power to add to, delete from, or modify in any way any of the provisions of this contract.

D.      With respect to grievances involving a violation, misinterpretation or misapplication of
        the provisions of this contract, the arbitrator’s decision shall be final and binding.

E.      Fees and expenses of the arbitrator shall be borne equally by the Board and the
        Federation.

General Provisions:

A.      A grievant may be represented at steps II and III of the grievance procedure by any
        person of his/her choice provided, however, that such person shall not be an official or a
        representative of any other employee organization. Only the Federation may represent a
        grievant at the arbitration step. When a grievant is not represented by the Federation, the
        Federation shall have the right to be present and to state its views at all steps of the
        grievance.
Colchester BOE Paraprofessionals/Cafeteria Workers Contract 2021-2024
                                                   -12-
B.      Nothing contained herein shall be construed to prevent any individual employee from
        informally discussing a complaint with his/her immediate superior or processing a
        grievance in his/her own behalf in accordance with the grievance procedure, through Step
        III of the procedure.

C.      Meetings held under this procedure shall generally be conducted on non-school time at a
        place that will afford a fair and reasonable opportunity for all persons proper to be
        present and to be heard. If, at the option of the Board, hearings are held during school
        hours, persons proper to be present shall be excused without loss of pay.

D.      All documents, communications and records dealing with the processing of a grievance
        shall be filed separately from the personnel files of the participants.


                                            ARTICLE IX
                                           UNION RIGHTS

A.      Information to the Union:

        The parties shall make available to each other upon request any and all information,
        statistics and records which are relevant or necessary for the proper enforcement and
        implementation of the terms of this Agreement or for negotiating a successor agreement,
        to the extent to which such material is available or is reasonably obtainable, except for
        information which is legally privileged. A copy of the public agenda of the regular board
        meeting shall be available to the official Union representative to the Board, upon request,
        twenty-four (24) hours prior to the meetings.

B.      Copies of Agreement:

        The Board agrees to post the Agreement on the Board’s website and give the Union ten
        (10) executed copies of the collective bargaining agreement.

C.      School Visitations:

        The Board shall permit the President of the AFT-CT, or his/her designated representative,
        with the permission of the principal or, in his/her absence, the person in charge of the
        school, to visit the schools for any purpose relating to the terms and conditions of this
        Agreement. Any such Union visits shall be conducted in accordance with the school
        district’s visitors’ policy and procedures. This permission shall not be unduly withheld.
        If Union conferences with members of the bargaining unit are necessary, they shall be
        scheduled outside of working hours so as not to interfere with the duties and
        responsibilities of the school employee(s).




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D.      Membership Dues Deduction:

        1.      The Board agrees that, upon notification from the Union, the proper membership
                dues deduction will be made each month from the wages of any employee who
                voluntarily completes a membership dues deduction authorization. Such
                deductions shall be forwarded to the Union monthly. Upon the payment thereof
                to the Union, the Board shall be held free and harmless from any liability in
                handling such Union membership dues and may require a release from the Union.
                To authorize such membership dues deductions, an employee must complete a
                payroll deduction form prepared by the district.

        2.      The Board shall deduct the amount certified by the Union as the annual
                membership dues from the pay of each employee in equal semi-monthly
                installments. All such deductions shall be remitted to the Union by the fifteenth
                (15th) day of the month for which the membership dues deduction is made.
                Employees on leaves of absence must make suitable arrangements in advance of
                such leave to pay Union dues directly to the Union.

        3.      Payments for new employees shall commence within thirty (30) days following
                the Board’s receipt of the payroll deduction form authorizing the voluntary
                membership dues deduction from the employee’s wages.

        4.      The Union shall hold the Board harmless against any and all claims, demands,
                liabilities, lawsuits, counsel fees or other costs which may arise out of, or be by
                reason of, actions taken against the Board as a result of administration of the
                provisions of this section.


                                        ARTICLE X
                                CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Prior to making any changes in the terms and conditions of employment, the Board shall
negotiate such changes with the Union in accordance with law.


                                            ARTICLE XI
                                         FRINGE BENEFITS


A.      Each eligible employee will receive access to all applicable insurance policies and
        contracts on file with the Board, upon request. For any employee hired on and after
        November 19, 2018 in order to be eligible for insurance coverage as described in this
        Article, an employee must have a regular schedule of thirty (30) hours a week. Any
        employees hired on or before November 19, 2018 who remains continuously enrolled in
        the Board’s health insurance plans, must have a regular schedule of twenty (20) hours a
        week in order to be eligible for coverage. In the event that an employee hired on or

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                                                   -14-
        before November 19, 2018 terminates coverage, he/she must have a regular schedule of
        thirty (30) hours a week in order to resume coverage.

        1.      Premium Cost-sharing for Dependent/Family Coverage:

                Paraprofessionals, COTA/CDA, and cafeteria workers who choose to enroll in the
                Board’s health insurance plan will be provided with the insurance listed below. If
                such employees provide written notification of their intent to obtain
                dependent/family coverage for the following year, the Board shall share in the
                cost of such dependent/family coverage, effective July 1, 2022 as follows:

                                                71% Board share

                Effective July 1, 2023, the Board’s share of the cost of dependent/family coverage
                shall be 72%.

                Such employees who do not provide such written notification in accordance with
                the open enrollment deadline of any year shall not be eligible for such Board cost-
                sharing for dependent/family coverage in the following year.

        2.      Health Insurance Coverage:

                The Board shall offer to employees, subject to the conditions herein stated, the
                following health insurance coverage, with the features of the insurance plans
                outlined, herein below.

                Enrollment in the insurance plans shall be subject to any and all eligibility
                requirements established by the insurance carrier and/or plan administrator, at
                group rates subject to conditions imposed by the carriers, with the employee
                portion of such coverage to be paid by the employee through payroll deduction.

                a.       The High Deductible Health Care (“HDHP”) Plan as outlined in summary
                         form in Appendix A. The Board and the employee shall pay proportionately
                         for such coverage as follows:

             Year       Board Premium          Employee Premium Board Premium          Employee Premium
                        Contribution for       Contribution for Contribution for       Contribution for
                        Individual             Individual       Dependent/Family       Dependent/Family
                        Coverage               Coverage         Coverage               Coverage
             2021-
                               83%                    17%               70%                   30%
             2022
             2022-
                               82%                    18%               71%                   29%
             2023
             2023-
                               81%                    19%               72%                   28%
             2024


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                                                   -15-
        3.      Prescription Coverage:

                The Board shall provide prescription drug coverage for employees electing the
                HDHP Plan through the applicable formulary, with employee retail co-payments
                of $10/$25/$40 (generic/preferred brand/non-preferred brand) and mail order co-
                payments of $20/$50/$80 (generic/preferred brand/non-preferred brand) for a 90
                day supply. Prescription coverage shall be subject to the applicable HDHP
                deductible in the first instance.

        4.      Other Insurance Coverage Available to All Eligible Employees:

                a.       The following Vision Care Rider, with dependent coverage, is provided to
                         the employee according to policy schedule:

                         i.      Visual examination, including refractions.
                         ii.     Lens, including coverage for:
                                 (1) Single lenses
                                 (2) Bi-focal lenses
                                 (3) Tri-focal lenses
                                 (4) Contact lens(es)
                                 (5) Frames
                         iii.    For vision coverage, employees shall pay the same premium
                                 contribution for individual coverage as they pay for individual
                                 HDHP coverage, and the same premium contribution as they pay
                                 for dependent/family HDHP coverage, as applicable.

                b.       The Board shall provide each eligible member of the bargaining unit with
                         dependent/coverage the following dental coverage.
                         i.      The Blue Cross/Blue Shield FLEX Plan for Dental Care as
                                 outlined in Appendix B which shall not have any deductible (first
                                 dollar coverage) for diagnostic/ preventative dental services which
                                 shall include, but not be limited to, oral examination, x-rays,
                                 simple extractions, emergency treatment, prophylaxis (cleaning),
                                 fluoride treatments, repair of dentures, fillings, and endodontics as
                                 described in the plan provided.
                         ii.     There will be a twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per insured individual,
                                 per year front-end deductible for all other basic benefits covered by
                                 the FLEX Dental Plan.
                         iii.    Payments are to be based on reasonable and customary charges.
                         iv.     Dental coverage shall also include all Rider A benefits (inlays [not
                                 part of bridge], crowns [not part of bridge], space maintainers, oral
                                 surgery and apicoectomy) payable to eighty (80%) percent of
                                 reasonable and customary charges.

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                                                   -16-
                         v.      Dental coverage shall also include all Rider D benefits
                                 (orthodontist) payable at the rate of sixty (60%) percent of covered
                                 expenses until the insurance carrier has paid six hundred dollars
                                 ($600.00) per insured individual under the age of 20; the six
                                 hundred dollars ($600.00) is a lifetime maximum.
                         vi.     Insured/spouse and unmarried dependent child 19-24. For
                                 employees hired after July 1, 2004, dependents over nineteen must
                                 also be full-time students.
                         vii.    Coverage will be limited to a maximum benefit of $2,000 per
                                 person per calendar year for Diagnostic & Preventive and Basic
                                 services as outlined in Appendix B.
                         viii.   For dental coverage, employees shall pay the same premium
                                 contribution for individual coverage as they pay for individual
                                 HDHP coverage, and the same premium contribution as they pay
                                 for HDHP dependent/family coverage, as applicable.

B.      All members of the bargaining unit who retire after twenty (20) years’ service in
        Colchester shall be allowed to buy any of the coverages offered to active employees
        within the bargaining unit at the Group Rate under the Group Policies of the Board at
        their own expense. Provisions of this coverage are to be determined by the terms and
        conditions of the individual insurance companies and/or plan administrators.

C.      The Board may substitute insurance carriers/plans/administrators as it deems fit so long
        as the new carrier provides reasonably comparable coverage and administration.
        Network equivalence shall not be a factor in considering reasonably comparable coverage
        and administration if the disruption in doctor utilization (by visit) is fifteen percent (15%)
        or less. The Board shall provide written notice of the change in carrier, plan and/or
        administrator to the Union, together with information for distribution to Union members.
        Following receipt of such written notice, the Union shall have thirty (30) calendar days to
        dispute the Board’s determination that a change in carrier, plan or administrator does not
        provide reasonably comparable coverage. Failure of the Union to file such a claim within
        thirty (30) calendar days shall constitute a waiver of such claim. Disputes as to
        reasonable comparability are to be resolved forthwith by final and binding arbitration
        before a mutually agreeable arbitrator experienced in matters of insurance coverage.

D.      All bargaining unit members shall receive Twenty Thousand ($20,000) Dollars in life
        insurance.

E.      The provisions of this Article concerning plan design shall be subject to renegotiations in
        accordance with statute, should health insurance benefits change for a majority of Board
        employees through negotiations.

F.      The Board shall implement and maintain a Section 125 Salary Reduction Agreement that
        will be designed to permit exclusion from taxable income of the employee's share of
        health insurance premiums. The Board makes no representation or guarantees as to the

Colchester BOE Paraprofessionals/Cafeteria Workers Contract 2021-2024
                                                   -17-
        initial or continued viability of such a salary reduction agreement, and shall incur no
        obligation to engage in any form of impact bargaining in the event that a change in law
        reduces or eliminates the tax-exempt status of employee insurance premium
        contributions. So long as the Board makes a good faith effort to comply with this
        paragraph, neither the Union or any employee covered by this Agreement shall make any
        claim or demand, nor maintain any action against the Board or any of its members or
        agents for taxes, penalties, interest or other cost or loss arising from a flaw or defect in
        the salary reduction agreement, or from a change in law which may reduce or eliminate
        the employee tax benefits to be derived therefrom.

G.      In the event that insurance plans described in this Article trigger a penalty under federal
        law, the Board may, at its option, offer alternative insurance plan(s) to bargaining unit
        employees after review of such proposed plan(s) by the Union. The plan design, co-
        payment amounts, cost sharing and other provisions of these alternative plans need not
        conform to the provisions of this Article. Participation in an alternative plan shall be
        voluntary.

H.      If the Board determines that the total cost of a group health plan offered under this
        contract may trigger an excise tax under Internal Revenue Code Section 4980I, or any
        other local, state or federal statute or regulation, during the term of this contract, the
        Board and the Union will, upon the request of the Board, engage in mid-term negotiations
        regarding the impact of such excise tax, in accordance with the Municipal Employee
        Relations Act (MERA). Such midterm negotiations may include proposals designed to
        address the increased costs of insurance coverage including but not limited to, proposals
        designed to: modify the plans so as to reduce the cost of the plans below the excise tax
        thresholds and/or reduce the amount of any applicable excise tax, revise employee
        contributions to the costs of health insurance coverage, allocate the responsibility for
        increased costs associated with the imposition of the excise tax and/or other insurance
        proposals designed to address the increased costs of health insurance coverage.


                                            ARTICLE XII
                                          SAVINGS CLAUSE

1.      If any provision of this Agreement is, or shall at any time be contrary to law, then such
        provision shall not be applicable or performed or enforced, except to the extent permitted
        by law, and any substituted action shall be subject to appropriate consultation and
        negotiation with the Union.

2.      In the event that any provision of this Agreement is, or shall at any time be contrary to
        law, all provisions of this Agreement shall continue in effect.




Colchester BOE Paraprofessionals/Cafeteria Workers Contract 2021-2024
                                                   -18-
                                           ARTICLE XIII
                                          MISCELLANEOUS

A.      Any employee required by the Board to use his/her personal automobile in the discharge
        of his/her job duties, shall be reimbursed for his/her mileage at the I.R.S. approved rate.

B.      The Union shall not instigate, support or condone any strike, slowdown or interference
        with the orderly operation of the school system.

C.      The Board shall reimburse paraprofessionals for the cost of the fee for one (1) ParaPro
        Assessment (or any successor assessment as determined by the Board in accordance with
        law) upon presentation of evidence of successful completion of the assessment if (a)
        successful completion of that test is required for the currently-employed paraprofessional
        to serve in the position as assigned by the Board and (b) the paraprofessional provides the
        Board timely written notification of his/her intent to take the test. In addition, the Board
        shall reimburse any member of the bargaining unit for the cost (tuition, materials) of
        specialized training as the Board may require.


                                        ARTICLE XIV
                                    MATTERS NOT COVERED

With regard to the matters not covered by this Agreement, the Board agrees to make no changes
in existing policy that would affect hours, wages or other conditions of employment without
prior consultation with the Union.


                                             ARTICLE XV
                                              DURATION

A.      This Agreement shall be effective upon execution by both parties, with salaries
        retroactive to July 1, 2021 and shall remain in effect through June 30, 2024.

B.      This Agreement shall constitute the full and complete agreement between the parties, and
        neither party shall be obligated during its term to negotiate on any item, except by mutual
        written consent, whether it is covered by this Agreement or not.


                                          ARTICLE XVI
                                       PENSION DEDUCTION

A.      The Board shall establish a retirement plan either similar to or part of the Town of
        Colchester plan. The Plan is a Section 457 plan, as set out below. The key provisions of
        the plan are set out below for informational purposes. The Plan shall be as set out in the
        Plan documents, which shall be controlling, and which are available to unit members
        upon request.

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                                                   -19-
B.      The Board will contribute 4% of base (not including overtime or longevity) pay into the
        457 Plan offered by the Board of Education for eligible employees. Employees may
        contribute into the Retirement Plan in accordance with limits established under federal
        law. The employee can withdraw the Board portion contributed to the Section 457 Plan,
        as well as their own contribution, at any time, but if it is before retirement or under the
        age of 59 ½ years, in accordance with law, such withdrawal will be included as part of
        his/her income, and it will be subject to substantial penalties, such as a 6 month loss on
        interest, and at least a 10% payment to the IRS. If the account is closed completely, the
        employee shall be excluded as a participant in the future. Yield interest shall fluctuate up
        or down, pending on the current rate of interest. The Board contribution shall be made to
        the employee’s Section 457 Account through payroll deduction in accordance with law.
        Employees hired on or after November 19, 2018 shall not be eligible for this benefit.

C.      Upon request of a unit member, the Board shall deduct from the member’s salary any
        amount designated for a pension or retirement plan. The Board shall forward such
        monies to the designated pension or retirement plan. It is understood that such deduction
        be in equal amounts for each pay period and extend over at least three months before the
        member may make a change.


                                            ARTICLE XVII
                                             LONGEVITY

Members of the bargaining unit shall receive longevity stipends as follows:
             10 - 15 years of continuous service - $250
             15 - 20 years of continuous service - $350
             20 plus years of continuous service - $450

This benefit will be paid to unit members in the payroll following their anniversary date. This
benefit shall be limited to employees hired prior to July 1, 1999.


                                         ARTICLE XVIII
                                       SALARY SCHEDULES

                                                2021-22

            Side           General           Deli                                    COTA/
 Step      Worker          Worker          Operator          Cook       Para         CDA **
  1        14.76            16.47           17.66            18.70      16.45         25.17
  2        15.27            17.05           18.28            19.36      17.43         26.98
  3        15.81            17.64           18.92            20.03      18.48         28.84
  4        16.36            18.26           19.58            20.73      19.59         31.25




Colchester BOE Paraprofessionals/Cafeteria Workers Contract 2021-2024
                                                   -20-
                                                2022-23

            Side           General           Deli                                 COTA/
 Step      Worker          Worker          Operator          Cook       Para      CDA **
  1        15.06            16.80           18.01            19.07      16.78      25.67
  2        15.58            17.39           18.65            19.75      17.78      27.52
  3        16.13            17.99           19.30            20.43      18.85      29.42
  4        16.69            18.63           19.97            21.14      19.98      31.88

                                                2023-24

            Side           General           Deli                                 COTA/
 Step      Worker          Worker          Operator          Cook       Para      CDA **
  1        15.36            17.14           18.37            19.45      17.12      26.18
  2        15.89            17.74           19.02            20.15      18.14      28.07
  3        16.45            18.35           19.69            20.84      19.23      30.01
  4        17.02            19.00           20.37            21.56      20.38      32.52


** Position requirements:
COTA: maintaining current licensure by the State Department of Public Health, and maintaining
current certification by NBCOT.
CDA: maintaining current certification by an approved CDA program or an Associates Degree in
Early Childhood Education

Employees will move to the new schedule at their current step July 1, 2021. There shall be no
step movement for the 2022-2023 or 2023-2024 school years.

Initial step placement of bargaining unit members shall be determined by the Superintendent,
based on student and programmatic needs, as well as the experience and skill levels of the new
employee.




Colchester BOE Paraprofessionals/Cafeteria Workers Contract 2021-2024
                                                   -21-
                                                  COLCHESTER BOARD OF EDUCATION




Date ____________________                         By: _________________________________



                                                  COLCHESTER FEDERATION OF
                                                  EDUCATIONAL PERSONNEL
                                                  LOCAL #3279, AFT-CT AFL-CIO




Date ____________________                         By: _________________________________




Colchester BOE Paraprofessionals/Cafeteria Workers Contract 2021-2024
                                                   -22-
                                   APPENDIX A
                              INSURANCE PROGRAMS
                    HIGH DEDUCTIBLE HEALTH CARE PLAN 2021-2022:

    (Following are some of the co-pay, deductible, and coverage features of the HDHP Plan)

  BENEFIT
  COST SHARES
                                      In-Network services and Out-of-Network services subject to
                                      deductible and coinsurance.
                                      No Referrals Required
                                      Deductible: $2,000 Individual, $4,000 Two or More
                                      Out-of-pocket Maximum $4,000 Individual, $6,850 (in network)
                                      $8,000 (out of network) Two or More

                                      In Network Coinsurance 100%
                                      Lifetime Maximum In-Network - Unlimited
                                      Out-of-Network Benefits
                                      Coinsurance 80% / 20%
                                      Lifetime Maximum Out-of-Network - Unlimited
                                      Only In-Network Benefits Illustrated Below

  PREVENTIVE CARE                     Annual
  Pediatric                           Covered 100% - Not Subject to Deductible

  Adult                               Covered 100% - Not subject to Deductible

  Vision Exam                         Covered 100% - Not Subject to Deductible

  Hearing                             Covered 100% - Not Subject to Deductible

  Routine Gynecological               Covered 100% - Not Subject to Deductible

  MEDICAL SERVICES
  Medical Office Visit                100% after deductible

  Outpatient - PT/OT                  100% after deductible

  Chiropractic                        50 visits per calendar year
                                      Add'l coverage after 50 visits subject to OON
                                      deductible/coinsurance

  Allergy Services                    100% after deductible


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                                                   -23-
  Diagnostic Lab & X-ray              100% after deductible

  Surgery Fees                        100% after deductible

  Office Surgery                      100% after deductible

  Outpatient MH/SA                    100% after deductible

  EMERGENCY SERVICES
  Emergency Room                      100% after deductible

  Urgent Care Facility                100% after deductible

  Ambulance                           100% after deductible

  INPATIENT HOSPITAL                  Note: All hospital admissions require pre-cert
  General/Medical & Surgical          100% after deductible

  Ancillary Services
  (Medication, Supplies)              100% after deductible

  Psychiatric                         100% after deductible

  Substance Abuse/Detox               100% after deductible

  Rehabilitative                      100% after deductible
                                      Covered up to 100 days per calendar year.
                                      Add'l coverage after 100 days subject to OON
                                      deductible/coinsurance

  Skilled Nursing Facility            100% after deductible
                                      120 days per calendar year

  Hospice                             100% after deductible

  OUTPATIENT HOSPITAL
  Outpatient Surgery                  100% after deductible
    Facility Charges

  Diagnostic Lab & X-ray              100% after deductible

  Pre-Admission Testing               100% after deductible

  OTHER SERVICES
  Durable Medical Equipment           100% after deductible


Colchester BOE Paraprofessionals/Cafeteria Workers Contract 2021-2024
                                                   -24-
  Prosthetics                         100% after deductible

  Home Health Care                    100% after deductible
                                      200 visits per calendar year.

  Infertility Services                100% after deductible

  Prescription Drugs                  After deductible is met: 2 x retail for mail order / $10 generic,
                                      $25 preferred brand, $40 non- preferred brand; Unlimited max.

The Board will contribute fifty percent (50%) of the applicable HDHP deductible amount.

In 2021-2022, the Board will contribute fifty percent (50%) of the applicable deductible amount.
The Board will make its contribution to an employee’s HSA (or HRA contribution) in four (4)
equal installments, on the following schedule:
               25% of Board’s contribution on 1st regular payroll date after September 15th
               25% of Board’s contribution on 1st regular payroll date after December 15th
               25% of Board’s contribution on 1st regular payroll date after March 15th
               25% of Board’s contribution on 1st regular payroll date after June 15th

In 2021-2022, for employees enrolled in the PPO in the 2020-2021 contract year and moving to
the HDHP effective July 1, 2021, the Board will contribute its fifty percent (50%) of the
applicable deductible amount as follows:
               50% of Board’s contribution on 1st regular payroll date after 7/15/21
               50% of Board’s contribution on 1st regular payroll date after 9/15/2021

For plan participants who may not be eligible (Medicare enrolled or receiving benefits from
TriCare or VA) for a HSA contribution, the Board shall make available a HDHP/HRA plan with
the same deductible funding as received by HSA participants. The parties acknowledge that the
Board's contribution toward the funding of deductible for the HDHP plan by contribution to an
employee’s HSA (or HRA contribution) is not an element of the underlying insurance plan, but
rather relates to the manner in which the deductible shall be funded for active employees. The
Board shall have no obligation to fund any portion of the HDHP deductible (or HRA
contribution) for individuals upon their separation from employment. Board contributions to an
employee’s HSA (or HRA contribution) shall be pro-rated for a partial year of employment. In
the event that an employee gives written notice of his/her intent to leave the district, any further
Board contributions to an employee’s HSA (or HRA contribution) shall reflect the pro-rated
amount of the employee’s deductible funding through his/her last day of employment with the
district.

This insurance matrix appendix contains a summary and description of the HDHP Plan. It is agreed
and understood by the parties that the insurance description contained in this matrix are descriptive
only and is not the insurance policy. All questions or issues concerning insurance coverage and
related matters shall be determined by reference to the actual insurance policy documents issued
or possessed by the insurers and/or plan administrators.
Colchester BOE Paraprofessionals/Cafeteria Workers Contract 2021-2024
                                                   -25-
Colchester BOE Paraprofessionals/Cafeteria Workers Contract 2021-2024
                                                   -26-
      HIGH DEDUCTIBLE HEALTH CARE PLAN (2022-2024 CONTRACT YEARS):
    (Following are some of the co-pay, deductible, and coverage features of the HDHP Plan)

  BENEFIT
  COST SHARES
                                      In-Network services and Out-of-Network services subject to
                                      deductible and coinsurance.
                                      No Referrals Required
                                      Deductible: $2,250 Individual, $4,500 Two or More (Shared In-
                                      Network and Out-of-Network)

                                      In Network Coinsurance 100%
                                      Lifetime Maximum In-Network - Unlimited

                                      Out-of-Network Benefits
                                      Coinsurance 80% / 20%

                                      In-Network Out-of-Pocket Maximum: $4,500 Individual,
                                      $8,150 Two or More (Shared with Out-of-Network)
                                      Out-of-Network Out-of-Pocket Maximum: $4,500 Individual,
                                      $9,000 Two or More (Shared with In-Network)
                                      Lifetime Maximum Out-of-Network - Unlimited
                                      Only In-Network Benefits Illustrated Below

  PREVENTIVE CARE                     Annual
  Pediatric                           Covered 100% - Not Subject to Deductible

  Adult                               Covered 100% - Not subject to Deductible

  Vision Exam                         Covered 100% - Not Subject to Deductible

  Hearing                             Covered 100% - Not Subject to Deductible

  Routine Gynecological               Covered 100% - Not Subject to Deductible

  MEDICAL SERVICES
  Medical Office Visit                100% after deductible

  Outpatient - PT/OT                  100% after deductible

  Chiropractic                        50 visits per calendar year
                                      Add'l coverage after 50 visits subject to OON
                                      deductible/coinsurance

  Allergy Services                    100% after deductible
Colchester BOE Paraprofessionals/Cafeteria Workers Contract 2021-2024
                                                   -27-
  Diagnostic Lab & X-ray              100% after deductible

  Surgery Fees                        100% after deductible

  Office Surgery                      100% after deductible

  Outpatient MH/SA                    100% after deductible

  EMERGENCY SERVICES
  Emergency Room                      100% after deductible

  Urgent Care Facility                100% after deductible

  Ambulance                           100% after deductible

  INPATIENT HOSPITAL                  Note: All hospital admissions require pre-cert
  General/Medical & Surgical          100% after deductible

  Ancillary Services
  (Medication, Supplies)              100% after deductible

  Psychiatric                         100% after deductible

                                      100% after deductible
  Substance Abuse/Detox

  Rehabilitative                      100% after deductible
                                      Covered up to 100 days per calendar year.
                                      Add'l coverage after 100 days subject to OON
                                      deductible/coinsurance

  Skilled Nursing Facility            100% after deductible
                                      120 days per calendar year

  Hospice                             100% after deductible

  OUTPATIENT HOSPITAL
  Outpatient Surgery                  100% after deductible
    Facility Charges

  Diagnostic Lab & X-ray              100% after deductible

  Pre-Admission Testing               100% after deductible

  OTHER SERVICES

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  Durable Medical Equipment           100% after deductible

  Prosthetics                         100% after deductible

  Home Health Care                    100% after deductible
                                      200 visits per calendar year.

  Infertility Services                100% after deductible

  Prescription Drugs                  After deductible is met: 2 x retail for mail order / $10 generic,
                                      $25 preferred brand, $40 non- preferred brand; Unlimited max.

The Board will contribute a percentage of the applicable HDHP deductible amount into an
employee’s HSA account, as set forth below. For plan participants who may not be eligible
(Medicare enrolled or receiving benefits from TriCare or VA) for a HSA contribution, the Board
shall make available a HDHP/HRA plan with the same deductible funding as received by HSA
participants. The parties acknowledge that the Board's contribution toward the funding of
deductible for the HDHP plan by contribution to an employee’s HSA (or HRA contribution) is
not an element of the underlying insurance plan, but rather relates to the manner in which the
deductible shall be funded for active employees. The Board shall have no obligation to fund any
portion of the HDHP deductible (or HRA contribution) for individuals upon their separation
from employment. Board contributions to an employee’s HSA (or HRA contribution) shall be
pro-rated for a partial year of employment. In the event that an employee gives written notice of
his/her intent to leave the district, any further Board contributions to an employee’s HSA (or
HRA contribution) shall reflect the pro-rated amount of the employee’s deductible funding
through his/her last day of employment with the district.

The Board will contribute to the annual deductible for employees’ HDHP in the amounts set forth
below:

        50% for the individual plan
        50% for the 2-person or family plan

The Board will make its contribution to an employee’s HSA (or HRA contribution) in four (4)
equal installments, on the following schedule:

               25% of Board’s contribution on 1st regular payroll date after September 15th
               25% of Board’s contribution on 1st regular payroll date after December 15th
               25% of Board’s contribution on 1st regular payroll date after March 15th
               25% of Board’s contribution on 1st regular payroll date after June 15th
This insurance matrix appendix contains a summary and description of the HDHP Plan. It is agreed
and understood by the parties that the insurance description contained in this matrix are descriptive
only and is not the insurance policy. All questions or issues concerning insurance coverage and
related matters shall be determined by reference to the actual insurance policy documents issued
or possessed by the insurers and/or plan administrators.

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                                                 APPENDIX B
                                                DENTAL PLAN:
                              (Following are some of the features of the Dental Plan)
                                             DENTAL INSURANCE


Benefit
Individual Deductible:                                $25 (applies to Basic Services and Major Services only)
Family Deductible:                                    $75 (applies to Basic Services and Major Services only)
Lifetime maximum:                                     $600 per member per lifetime for Category 3
                                                      All other categories are subject to a maximum of $2,000 per
                                                      person per calendar year.
                                                      Insured/spouse and unmarried dependents to age 25. For
                                                      employees hired after July 1, 2004, dependents over 19 must
                                                      also be full-time students
      Diagnostic and Preventive Services
Initial and periodic oral exams and cleanings         Payable at 100% of usual, customary and reasonable charges
Topical application of fluoride                       at participating dentists.
Space maintainers
X-rays
Emergency Treatment
Prophylaxis
Space Maintainers
                  Basic Services
Fillings                                              Payable at 80% of usual, customary and reasonable charges at
Root Canals                                           participating dentists.
Stainless steel crowns
Extractions
Oral Surgery
Repair and relining of dentures
Apicoectomy
Inlays 1/tooth/5 years
Onlays 1/tooth/5 years
Crowns 1/tooth/5 years
                 Major Services
Orthodontics                                          Payable at 60% of usual, customary and reasonable charges at
                                                      participating dentists (to age 19) - $600 lifetime maximum




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