First: Congratulations!
In less than 24 hours, this petition has surpassed 100 signatures nationwide. That level of unity matters. It sends a clear message that tutors are informed, paying attention, and standing together.
Recently, leadership has circulated screenshots from the employee handbook to justify the elimination of paid at-home preparation time. We respectfully but firmly disagree with that interpretation.
The handbook language being cited discusses pay adjustments tied to adverse economic conditions, such as market pressures, restructuring, or organizational changes. That language reasonably contemplates modest rate adjustments under defined circumstances. It does not clearly authorize the complete elimination of an entire category of compensation that was expressly approved, relied upon, and worked under for months.
There is a meaningful difference between:
- adjusting a pay rate due to economic factors, and
- removing compensation altogether for required work that continues to be expected.
Conflating the two stretches the handbook language far beyond its plain meaning and ignores the separate, written agreements under which tutors have been working throughout this academic year.
If leadership believes that economic hardship truly necessitates changes of this magnitude, then transparency and shared responsibility must come first!
Before any such changes are even considered, the RCA Board of Directors MUST release its financial statements and clearly demonstrate the financial necessity for these actions. Additionally, any claim of economic hardship should be accompanied by evidence that executive leadership and the Board are also sharing in the sacrifice, including meaningful reductions to executive compensation.
At present, no such financial disclosures have been made, and there has been no indication that leadership has experienced reductions comparable to those being imposed on tutors. It is reasonable to ask whether greater organizational benefit could be achieved through leadership-level cost reductions rather than slashing already modest tutor compensation.
We are also aware that a meeting has been scheduled for tomorrow evening at which questions and comments will not be taken. While administrative communication is expected, the absence of dialogue only reinforces the importance of written records, transparency, and collective action.
It is evident that this petition has been seen by leadership and has had an impact. That is not something to retreat from. It is something to continue calmly, professionally, and together.
If you have not already:
- Do not sign revised agreements under pressure.
- Do not resign in response to uncertainty.
- Continue documenting your work and communications.
Share the petition so other tutors know they are not alone.
This is not about disruption. It is about clarity, fairness, and honoring the agreements that governed this school year when it began.
Thank you for standing together. Momentum matters...and you are creating it!
God Bless,
Charles Baker
Sancta Maria, ora pro nobis!