First Nations Education Steering Committee
Request for Proposals:
Development of Options for Teacher Pension Benefits
For Teachers and Principals in First Nations Schools
Summary
This Request for Proposals outlines a research project being sponsored by the First Nations
Education Steering Committee (FNESC) to provide options to First Nations schools for offering
benefits to teaching staff that will be relevant to First Nations schools and support retention of
teachers in the schools.
This project includes:
1. Research to identify:
a) current benefit plans among staff in First Nations Schools
b) level of interest among First Nations school staff in participating in a new plan
c) possible service providers, and their services, for a plan for First Nations schools
teaching staff
2. The individual undertaking this work must have research experience, and knowledge related
to First Nations and current funding of benefits for staff First Nations schools in BC.
In order to be considered for this work, applicants must also provide all of the information
outlined in this RFP.
This project is expected to commence in August 2007 and it must be completed no later
than February 1, 2008.
Further information about this project is available from Marie Matthew, FNSA Administrative
Support 1-250-672-5652, mlmatthew@diret.ca before June 29, 2007.
DEADLINE FOR PROPOSALS: July 13, 2007
Proposals must be submitted to:
First Nations Schools Association
#113 – 100 Park Royal South
West Vancouver, BC V7T 1A2
Fax: 604-925-6097
Email: markag@fnesc.ca
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Background
First Nations Schools Association (FNSA) was established in 1996 to support the ongoing
develop of First Nations schools and to support students. The purposes of the Association are:
To promote quality education for First Nations learners;
to maximize the use of resources for improving the quality of education being offered to First
Nations students;
to support the work of the First Nations schools in developing and implementing culturally
appropriate, meaningful, and quality education programs;
to provide a forum for networking, communications and liaison amongst First Nations schools
and other educational organizations and governments; and
to receive funds and assets from governments or any other source, and to apply such funds and
assets to the goals of FNSA.
Since its inception, the FNSA has initiated a wide array of activities to fulfill the commitments
outlined above. Following the direction of the membership, as expressed in research undertaken,
at the Annual General Meetings, at regional sessions, at Board of Director meetings, and in other
forums, FNSA has produced resources, provided training and support, and distributed funds to
achieve its goals.
FNSA has consistently followed a process of seeking input from the schools and developing a
strategy for dealing with the challenges or opportunities presented. The work done to date has
been directed by the schools and communities, responsive to the constantly reiterated position
that First Nations have clear aspirations for their children which include them growing into
individuals who are well grounded in their cultural beliefs and traditions as well as competent
and confident in the world at large.
In 2004, the First Nations Schools Association reviewed a proposal for increasing benefits to
teachers in First Nations schools as a necessary step toward successfully recruiting and retaining
teachers. The desire to continue work in this area was reiterated by administrators and teachers
at networking workshops at the FNSA Conference in 2007.
Currently, the average contribution for teachers in First Nations schools is 3% to 7%, with
employer matched plans, whereas public school teachers can access 10.68% to the Years
Maximum Pensionable Earnings and 12.18% of salary over the Years Maximum Pensionable
Earnings of the Canada Pension Plan within the B.C. Teachers Pension Plan. A further benefit is
that at retirement, teachers can choose the best five years of earnings rather than the last five
years.
It is proposed that research be carried out research to determine whether there is interest in First
Nations school teachers/administrators participating jointly in a pension plan which would
provide a better benefit and pension package.
It is anticipated that, for a service provider to initiate such a plan, a large group of staff in First
Nations schools would have to commit to participation.
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Project Description
In keeping with the FNSA goals, the current project is intended to support the successful
recruitment and retention of teachers in First Nations schools in BC.
1. The project researcher will work with FNSA to outline a project which will result in options
for providing pension benefits that can be used by First Nations schools.
2. The project researcher will:
a) prepare and circulate a questionnaire for circulation to First Nations schools that will
capture current benefit packages among teachers and administrators in
First Nations schools in BC
b) complete research to identify level of commitment to participation in a common
benefits plan, with enhanced benefits, among teachers and administrators
in First Nations schools
c) research and identify possible plan components and service provider option for
enhanced plans
d) research and identify possible processes for implementation of an enhanced plan,
including benefit implications for changing plan service providers
3. The project researcher will provide an interim report to the FNSA Board by December 1,
2007.
4. The project researcher will complete the final report by February 1, 2008.
Proposal Procedures
Individuals interested in undertaking this work must submit a proposal including the following
information.
1. A description of the steps that will be undertaken in the research process, demonstrating an
understanding of task to be completed.
2. A brief outline for the Final Report, including format for information that will be provided.
3. A timeline for the project, outlining the time required for each of the project steps and
demonstrating that the work will be completed by the project deadline.
4. A description of the individual's previous experience, including resume and references, and
identifying where previous experience relates to this project.
5. A budget, indicating all expected expenses and demonstrating an ability to work within the
amount of funding available for the project.
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PROPOSAL DEADLINE:
PROPOSALS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY 4:30 PM ON JULY 13, 2007
LATE PROPOSALS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES
FAXED OR E-MAILED PROPOSALS WILL BE ACCEPTED, BUT THE ISSP COMMITTEE WILL NOT BE
RESPONSIBLE FOR PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH RECEIPT.
Proposals should be sent to: First Nations Schools Association
FNESC
#113 – 100 Park Royal South
West Vancouver, BC V7T 1A2
Fax: 604-925-6097
Email: mlmatthew@direct.ca
The FNSA will review all submitted proposals July 20, 2007. Following that review, all
applicants will be notified of the FNSA's decision.
PROPOSAL BUDGET:
$15,000.00 IN TOTAL IS AVAILABLE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS PROJECT
Qualifications of Applicants
In making its decision, FNSA will consider the following criteria.
1. The proposal demonstrates an understanding of the project issues.
2. The proposal demonstrates an understanding of the steps required to complete the research in
a thorough and respectful manner.
3. The proposal demonstrates the ability to complete the project in a timely manner.
4. The proposal demonstrates an ability to work within the established budget.
5. The applicant has experience related to First Nations schools' issues, and preferably has
worked directly with First Nations schools.
6. The applicant has completed research projects using a similar approach to that needed for this
project, and has the ability to collect and analyze information and produce relevant written
reports.
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