DCSMEC is happy to announce after a 35 year amazing career DCSMEC President George Ellis has retired, all the officers of DCSMEC want to thank George for all he did to help the DCSMEC Union.

Former Executive Board member Michael Phillips was promoted to a management position, we wish Michael the best in his new position and thank him for all he did for the DCSMEC Union.

When a vacancy occurs in an “elected position”, of DCSMEC, the Executive Board will fill the vacancy by appointment at the next regular Executive Board meeting for the remaining term of that office.

DCSMEC is happy to announce the new appointees, replacing the vacated Executive Board positions:

(Michael Phillips) WAS REPLACED BY the new Executive Board member Raymone Jones.

(Raymone Jones) WAS REPLACED BY the new Oversight Board member Jorge Vidal.

(George Ellis) WAS REPLACED BY the new DCSMEC President Howard Horne.

(Howard Horne) WAS REPLACED BY the new DCSMEC Vice President Curtis Green.

(Curtis Green) WAS REPLACED BY the new Executive board member Santiago Gomez.

(Santiago Gomez) WAS REPLACED BY the new Oversight board member Eldys Diaz.

I would like to thank the Executive Board for their diligent work in filling the vacated positions and congratulate all the new appointees, Arthur and I look forward to working with all of you.

I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday festivities and are in good health, the district informed DCSMEC of new revised preparations for returning to work on January 3, 2022.

See the revised preparations that will affect every employee of the district:

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FROM:          Alberto M. Carvalho, Superintendent of Schools              

REVISED – PREPARATIONS FOR RETURNING TO SCHOOL ON JANUARY 3, 2022

Beginning Monday, January 3, 2022, and until further notice, all M-DCPS employees, volunteers, visitors, contractors, and vendors will be required to wear a facial covering while indoors at any District school or facility. Transportation employees will also be required to wear facial coverings while transporting children. While facial coverings will not be mandated for students, they will continue to be highly encouraged as this practice provides an additional layer of protection. All spectators at school athletic events will be required to wear facial coverings. Further, athletic competitions originally scheduled to take place between January 3 and January 5 have been postponed.

In accordance with newly released guidance from the CDC, any M-DCPS employee who tests positive for COVID-19 and is asymptomatic or has symptoms that are resolving (no fever for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication) may return to work on day 6 after obtaining a positive test result. Employees who tested positive for COVID-19 prior to December 29 and meet the aforementioned criteria may return to work on January 3.

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On behalf of DCSMEC and all the officers: Happy New Year! See everyone in 2022.

This past year has been one of the most challenging periods in DCSMEC history. As I have traveled around our district, I have been struck by your resilience and creativity, even in the face of these tough times. 

The DCSMEC union continues to lead the Industry with new innovation and commitment to better serve our distinguished members.

We have made difficult decisions and instituted unique solutions to ensure our future continues to perform at the highest levels. Thanks to your hard work, I am confident that we enter the new year strongly positioned, renewed in spirit and determination, and prepared for further progress and success.

Keep in mind that the job you do is extremely important for enriching the lives of thousands of students and staff across our district. Initiatives we have taken hold true to our values and commitment to change for the better, including our support for principals, teachers, students, and the environment.

The achievements you made this year are a record that few in our industry could equal; they reflect the immense talent and leadership that you and your colleagues around the district provide every day. We are stronger because of your dedication. I am very grateful for your efforts and very proud of your performance.

The holiday season is an opportunity to slow down, prepare ourselves for the coming new year, and to open our hearts to the blessings that surrounds us. Most of all, may your holiday bring you laughter, comfort, and contentment with your family and love ones.

On behalf of DCSMEC and all the officers: have a great holiday and a happy new year! See everyone next year (2022)!!

On Veterans Day we honor all, who answer to a service call. Soldiers young, and soldiers old, fought for freedom, brave and bold. Some have lived, while others died, and all of them deserve our pride. We’re proud of all of the soldiers who, kept thinking of the red, white and blue. They fought for us and all our rights, they fought through many days and nights. And though we may not know each name, we thank ALL veterans just the same.

On behalf of the DCSMEC family, to all the veterans, thank you for your service.

Attention Ladies of DCSMEC: Wednesday, November 24, 2021 is the Annual M-DCPS mammogram screening day at five (5) different locations across the District!

Early Detection Saves Lives. Gentlemen, remember that Breast Cancer can occur in both men and women at any age. Regularly check yourself, and make sure you and your love ones talk to a healthcare provider about the risk for breast cancer and the best screening options.

On November 24, 2021 is mammogram screening day at these five (5) locations:

1. Jackson North Hospital: 160 NW. 170th Street, N. Miami Beach, FL 33169 8:00AM – 12:00PM. Call 305-654-5040, physician’s referral is necessary for this location. 
2. Jackson Memorial Hospital: 1611 NW. 12th Avenue, Miami, FL 33136 8:00AM – 12:00PM. Call 305–585–5942 or 305–585–7877
3. Mount Sinai Hospital: 4306 Alton Rd., Miami Beach, FL 33140 9:00AM – 5:00PM. Call 305-535-3434
4. Stores and Mail Distribution: 7001 SW. 4th Street, Miami, FL 33144 8:30AM – 3:00PM https://www.floridamobilemammography.com/ or call 1–877–318–1349
5. Richmond Heights middle school: 15015 SW. 103rd Ave., Miami, FL 33176 8:30AM – 3:00PM https://www.floridamobilemammography.com/ or call 1–877–318–1349

Did you know? 

Increased risk factors for breast cancer include:

1. Breast Density (High density breast)
2. Age (40+)
3. Genetics (Inherited DNA changes in genes)
4. Family History (Mother, sister, daughter has had breast cancer)
5. Gender (Being female)

If you have any questions about what you just read, please contact Well Way: (305) 995-2265 /Well_Way@dadeschools.net

Compensation informed DCSMEC that Tool Allowance and RMSM Supplement will be paid on Friday, November 5, 2021.  The contract stipend will be paid on November 19, 2021 pay period.

Mask Update:

The superintendent announced on November 1, 2021. Masks are optional for vaccinated adults in District, Middle School, and High School Buildings.

Masks will continue to be required for all adults in Elementary and K-8 schools.

2022 Open Enrollment:

The 2022 Active Open Enrollment starts today, November 2nd through November 16th. 

Schedule Your Appointment:

A benefit representative will be ready to assist you with your enrollment. For assistance with your enrollment, you may schedule an appointment at https://mdcpsoe.com or contact 833–833–3069, Monday – Friday, 7 AM – 7 PM and select face-to-face, telephonic or virtual assistance with a benefit representative.

During this enrollment, employees only need to enroll if making a change to their current benefits, Don’t forget to schedule your appointment if you are making changes to your benefits.

All DCSMEC members if you have not taken advantage of the COVID-19 vaccination incentive your time is limited, you must have self- certified and show proof of vaccination prior to November 8, 2021.

Members who have been fully vaccinated are eligible to receive a one-time COVID-19 vaccination incentive stipend. Fully vaccinated is defined as at least two weeks have passed since receiving a single dose vaccine or the second dose in a two dose series. 

Participation in the distribution of vaccine stipends is voluntary.  However, to receive the stipend, an employee must self-certify their vaccination status and show their worksite supervisor proof of their vaccination status prior to November 8, 2021. Stipends will be paid by December 31, 2021.

The time is now to review your insurance benefits, for the upcoming enrollment, review your current benefits to see if they still meet your needs. Log into your employee portal, click on Employees Self–Service, click on Benefits, then click on Benefits Participation Overview.

Dependent Eligibility:

All employee selecting medical, dental, vision, and/or capital HIC coverage for family must submit dependent eligibility documentation for all cover dependence (if not previously provided as of 10/1/2019 to current). Failure to submit the required dependent eligibility documentation, upon request, may result in the termination of your dependent’s coverage.

Schedule Your Enrollment Appointment:

A benefit representative will be ready to assist you with your enrollment. For assistance with your enrollment, you may schedule an appointment at https://mdcpsoe.com or contact 833–833–3069, Monday – Friday, 7 AM – 7 PM and select face-to-face, telephonic or virtual assistance with a benefit representative.

Keep in mind Open Enrollment starts November 2nd through November 16th. During this enrollment, employees only need to enroll if making a change to their current benefits, Don’t forget to schedule your appointment if you are making changes to your benefits.

Since 2008, we have not had a Zone Mechanic bid. DCSMEC is proud to announce that the bid is finally back!

Attention all Zone Mechanics: “Phase I Districtwide ZM Bidding is scheduled for November 8th at 7:30am at Miami Jackson SHS”. If you are bidding, please make sure you notify your foreperson and administrator.

If you need further information, contact your DCSMEC representative and/or your foreperson. Bidding is only for ZM’s. All RMSM have the ability to transfer, like the rest of the bargaining unit members.

DCSMEC wants to thank the zone mechanic bid committee for their hard work. Good luck to all the ZM’s who are bidding.

If you’re confused over your 3% payment, you’re not alone. Payroll has paid on Friday, October 22, 2021 pay period both the 3% and the 2.3% (return to work). If you look at your pay stub, on the top, left-hand corner you will see “return to work” – that is your 2.3%. If you continue looking under “return to work”, you will see the 3% supplement.

I hope this clears up any confusion. We are still pending the stipend, and we are waiting for instructions on how to get the license incentive and Foreperson’s supplement. Don’t forget, the 2022 Active Open Enrollment starts November 2nd through November 16th. Stay tuned for further details as they become available.