FAQs

What are Weingarten Rights?   If you are called into a meeting that may affect your employment or result in disciplinary action, you have the right to request that an association representative be present.  You can read more about Weingarten Rights here.

How do I know what step of the salary guide I'm on?  Multiply your gross pay by the number of paychecks you receive, then match it up to a corresponding amount on the salary guide (e.g. if you are a 10-month employee, you receive 20 paychecks, so multiply by 20).  This may differ slightly if you receive longevity or other additional stipends.

What do all the abbreviations on my paycheck mean?  You should ALWAYS review your pay stub for accuracy.  View this document to understand what the abbreviations mean.

How do I get started with paperwork for maternity leave?  This Maternity Leave Checklist is in the district's shared drive.  Please be sure to visit the FMLA/Leaves of Absence section of this website for more information.

How much do we contribute to healthcare?  With the passage of  the Chapter 44 law in New Jersey, the district is now required to offer a plan called the NJ Educators Health Plan (NJEHP) in addition to all other plans currently offered under the collective bargaining agreement.  Summit has two plans available, the Aetna Managed Choice Plan (contributions are calculated under the tier 4 Chapter 78 rates - you would need the current premium amount to calculate this accurately), and Aetna Managed Choice Open Access (our version of the NJEHP; contributions are calculated based on percentage of salary).  **If you were hired on or after July 1, 2020, you are only eligible for the NJEHP plan.

Is there compensation to opt out of the district's healthcare plan?  Yes.  If you opt out of the plan, you receive 25% of the premium for the coverage waived, or $5000, whichever amount is less.

Can I get reimbursed for graduate courses?  For teaching staff, yes, see pages 31-33 of the contract.  Note the section on repayment of tuition reimbursement if you leave the district within two years.

How can I become an association rep?  There should be at least two reps for each building in the district.  If you are interested in becoming a rep, please contact Meredith Warmington or Tiffany Bennett.