April 2010 Elysian Charter School News

Salary Guide and Contracts
A new salary guide based on the Hoboken Board of Education 2010-2011 Salary Guide has been issued and is attached to your new contract. The new contract details your entire compensation package, including the additional step which equates to nearly a 3% wage increase. Please note that according to the Star-Ledger, Elysian has the highest median salary of any charter school in New Jersey: http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/05/nj_teachers_pay_freeze_salarie.html?appSession=97362648416888


Health Benefits
The new state law requires that all employees contribute 1.5% of their salary towards their health benefits. The new deductions will begin in September for teachers, July for 12 month administrative employees and will be reflected on your contract. For frequently asked questions about the major changes in your health and pension plans, see: (www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/coltr10.shtml#ch2faq)

We will find out later this year how much the health insurance will increase effective January 2011. The rates went up 25% for 2010. The school absorbed most of the increase; however, the employees will need to absorb some of the increase in 2011; please be prepared for this.

Most of the other changes will affect new employees hired after May 21, 2010, not current employees, if you want to read more, see www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/coltr10.shtml#ch3perstpaf and http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/coltr10.shtml#ch2shbpsehbp also
http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/coltr10.shtml#ch1perstpaf


Classroom Supplies

All teachers have received copies of the order booklets from the bidding cooperative we joined. I think you will find you can get a lot more for your money and it's easier to order, because you don't have to write very much, just check off what you want, no requisition necessary. They also have specialized booklets for art, physical ed, science, etc. Teachers can still order from other vendors for those items that are not in the booklets, just fill out a requisition. However, you will notice that the vendors in the booklets offer us discounts even on items not in the booklet. Please note that you will still be able to make a separate order for office-type supplies with John Mercado via Staples. We have a new contract with them for better prices.


Your own pension and health accounts
As a condition of employment in the state, all employees are REQUIRED to have an MBOS account so you can conduct transactions (such as applying for loans) online. Here's how to register:
HOW TO ACCESS YOUR PENSION ACCOUNT
ONLINE THROUGH MBOS
REGISTRATION FOR FIRST TIME USERS
BECAUSE REGISTRATION REQUIRES SEVERAL STEPS,
PLEASE READ AND FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY!
REGISTRATION FOR MBOS IS FREE. YOU MUST HAVE A VALID E-MAIL ADDRESS.
STEP ONE
Register for a MyNewJersey account at: www.state.nj.us
NOTE: If you already have a MyNewJersey account, use your existing account.
1. Click on the “Register” link and complete the registration information.
(Choose your own Logon ID and Password)
2. Create a Logon ID;
Logon ID you chose: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
3. Create a Password;
Password you chose: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Remember: Never share your Logon ID or Password with others.
4. This will open your personal MyNewJersey online account.
STEP TWO
Have an Authorization Code e-mailed to you by registering for MBOS at:
www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/mbosregister.shtml
1. Click the “Begin MBOS Registration” button on the Web page and complete the online MBOS
registration form.
2. When registering, you will need your pension Member ID number.
Your Member ID number can often be found on your payroll statement. It can also be obtained from your employer
or by contacting the Division's Office of Client Services at (609) 292-7524 or pensions.nj@treas.state.nj.us.
3. After you complete the MBOS registration you will receive an e-mail with the Authorization Code.
STEP THREE
1. Logon to your MyNewJersey account and then click “Enter Authorization Code”
2. On the page that opens, enter your MBOS Authorization Code and click the “Finished” button.
3. Delete the e-mail with your Authorization Code: it can only be used once.
STEP FOUR
Log back onto your MyNewJersey account and you will see the Pension and Benefits section along the left
side.
Click the “MBOS Logon” button to go to MBOS and your account information.
If you need help, call the MBOS Help Desk at: (609) 777-0534