LA High UTLA November Newsletter

11-8-07 UTLA Newsletter

Is Paying the “Net” too “Gross”?

UTLA cannot tell you which "option" to choose on the LAUSD recoupment letter, as each member's payroll

situation is unique. Below is some general information that may be helpful to you. We recommend that

you consult with your accountant for answers to questions specific to your situation.

This is what we believe to be true about each “option:

OPTION 1:

• If your records indicate that you owe the amount in the letter, you may select

Option 1. If you select this option you should reduce the net amount in the letter by $250 and write a check to the District for the remaining amount. (The $250 is being waved because the District has determined that the process to collect and resolve disputes would cost at least $250).

• Be sure to submit this payment by December 10, 2007, so that your W2 can be adjusted.

OPTION 2:

• If your records indicate that you owe less than the District has alleged, you should only write a check for the amount that you are certain that you owe. In addition you should request an appointment with the “District Recoupment Representative.”

• Be sure to submit this payment by December 10, 2007, so that your W2 can be adjusted.

OPTION 3:

• If you believe that the District’s claim of “over payment” is wrong, you may choose to select OPTION 3. You may also choose, if you wish, to request an appointment with the “District Recoupment Representative.”

OPTION 4:

• If you selected OPTIONS 1 and 2 you may wish to select OPTION 4 in order to set up a repayment plan with the District. In addition you may also wish to request an appointment with the “District Recoupment Representative.”

•If, as part of a repayment plan, the District asks you to sign any type of agreement, please do not sign it until you have received advice or assistance from qualified representatives.

Dear Staff of Los Angeles High,

While the paycheck problem continues, I would like to propose a simple way that we can be helpful to our fellow LA High workers who are in an extreme financial plight. We could accept donations for a fund. Those who are in extreme hardship due to incorrect paychecks could explain their situation to either Ms. Solomon or Ms. Perez (union chapter co-chairs). We would collect money for about one month, and then split the money between those in need. If each of us gave $10, we could collect approximately $2000. This may not solve the person’s problem long term, but it could certainly alleviate an immediate burden.

If no one comes forward to the union co-chairs by the time the December paychecks have been distributed, then the donations would be returned. You would bring the donation to me and I will keep track of it, until the union co-chairs notify me that we have recipients. I will give the donation to the co-chairs who will, in turn, give the money to the recipients. If the money is distributed, then I will notify the donors by letter.

If you think this is a good idea and would like to help, please bring your donation to me in room 372, or send it with a responsible student in a sealed envelope with your name. Cash would be best as then I would not have to deal with the banks and depositing checks. Please do not put it in my box, as this is not a secure spot.

Thank you for consideration of this support effort.

Sincerely,

Clayton Estep

Science Department Chair