--------------------The United Federation of Teachers in District 11 -------------------------------------Alice Cooper-Jackson, District Representative---------------------

A Guide to the SBO Process

School-Based Options were negotiated to help school chapters and principals modify certain existing contract provisions to help them meet the educational needs of a school. The following bulleted list should help outline the process for those of you who are new chapter leaders and should serve as a reminder for those of you who are more experienced. Remember that all SBOs have an annual “sunset” clause and must be reconsidered and supported by the chapter to continue for the next school year. Click here for SBO Manual.

Article 8B SBO

Modification of existing contractual provisions concerning:

  • Class size
  • Rotation of assignments/classes
  • Teacher schedules

  • Rotation of paid coverages

    Examples:

  • Change the day of the faculty conference
  • Combine afternoon and evening parent teacher conferences into one day
  • Use a block schedule
  • Modify rules governing comp time positions
  • Change the start of the school day to before 8 a.m.

  • Change the configuration of the 37.5 minutes 

    Article 7- Circular 6R

  • In elementary schools programmed for 7 periods per day, teachers do not receive a professional period. In 8 period day elementary schools, teachers are assigned one professional period per week and selection of an activity is made from a list of professional and administrative activities listed in Article 7 of the contract. Secondary school teachers receive five professional periods per week, and they also select an activity from the approved items. Teachers who wish to do an activity not listed in the contract may do so after agreement is reached with the principal. Click here for Special Circular 6R.

    SBO's

    There are instances where a school chapter may decide to do an SBO to create or recreate certain compensatory time positions or administrative activities.Keep in mind that 55% of the staff is required to vote "yes" for a specific position or activity to exist.The principal must also agree, and implementation can only take place if the Chancellor and UFT President sign off on it. Each position or activity must have a separate SBO vote.

    There are certain activities listed in Circular 6R which are exempt from an SBO vote, and can be created by the agreement of the principal and chapter leader. There are also positions that do not require the agreement of the principal and chapter leader, and may be created by the principal. As an example,the COSA position in the high schools is considered an instructional period, and may be posted by the principal without an SBO or the agreement of the chapter leader. Another example would be lunchroom coordinator, a position which the principal has the right to create, provided he/she follows the contractual requirements. To determine which positions require an SBO, or the agreement of the principal and the chapter leader, or require no vote or agreement at all, you should refer to Circular 6R.

    Anyone who does not have a copy of Circular 6R, or has a question regarding the implementation of the circular, should contact their district representative, who will provide a copy to you and answer all your questions.

    Documentation and submission of forms:

  • There are two different forms for Article 8 and Article 7. See SBO Forms
  • Make sure the form includes the number of UFT members, the number of voters, the total FOR and total AGAINST as well as the percentage.
  • The form must be signed by all constituencies. It will not be processed without signatures.

    If you have questions, please call your District Representative for additional clarification.

    Voting Procedures

    Since, the SBO process provides chapters and principals with some choices, we wanted to remind chapters how to use the process.

    The Chapter Leader shall meet with the Chapter to discuss the options for possible SBOs.

    The Chapter Leader and the Principal shall discuss the possibility of an SBO. If both agree on a particular option, the SBO should be clearly and completely delineated in writing on the ballot.

    The Chapter Leader shall inform the Chapter of the administration’s willingness to support a specific School Based Option.

    The chapter’s election committee shall conduct the vote. A notice of a secret ballot vote shall be posted on the UFT Bulletin Board.

    Information regarding the vote, including the times and places where voting will take place, shall be disseminated to all UFT members.

    All voting must take place on the same day. No absentee ballots can be accepted.

    Members must be given sufficient notice of the vote and all members should be given the opportunity to vote.

    To ensure the integrity of the vote, the following procedures shall be followed.

    * Each member shall sign (initial) an organization sheet or similar list, both upon receipt and return of their ballot.
    * All ballots shall be placed in a ballot box which will be monitored at all times.
    * The ballot must clearly explain what a “yes” vote, or “no” vote means.
    * The chapter election committee shall count the ballots on the day of the vote. Prior to counting, the chapter election committee shall announce when and where the ballots will be counted.
    * All ballots should be kept for ten (10) days in the event of an appeal.

    If 55% of the voting chapter members support the SBO, then the Chapter Leader will fill out the appropriate form and both the Principal and Chapter Leader will sign it. If you have any questions, call your UFT Borough Office.

    Forms

    Special Circular #6R, 1998, click here

  • Extended Time Memo, click here

  • SBO Manual (New), click here

  • SBO Article 8B - Slide Show, click here

  • SBO Article 7 - Administrative Duties, click here

  • SBO Submission Form in accordance with Article 8b, click here

  • Special SBO Tally Sheet, click here