A new school year could mean a new recess schedule for your elementary school. Section 302.05 in the Addendum to the Master Agreement addresses this process.

Your building’s 2011–2012 recess schedule will remain in place for the 2012–2013 school year, unless the ABC or principal wants to change the recess schedule.

If there is a desire to change the recess schedule, a secret ballot vote must be conducted by the FR within the first two workdays of the school year. Teachers should vote on whether there will be one or two 15-minute recesses per day. The Master Agreement specifically states that recess takes place midmorning or mid-afternoon, not adjacent to the beginning or end of school, or lunchtime, unless the school elects to do so.

CEA urges you not to give up your recesses. Except for lunchtime, recess may be the only time you can take a restroom break.