Board approves compensation agreement for educators and support staff

You can read the full agreement here.

The agreement includes adjustments to work calendars, increased paid time off for support staff, a cost-of-living raise for all returning staff, and movement on the salary schedules.

Key provisions of the final agreement include:

  • 2% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA): All returning licensed staff, Education Support Professionals (ESPs), and student service providers will receive a 2% COLA. In addition, eligible staff will move up one step on their salary schedule based on role-specific criteria and performance – which on average results in an additional 4% increase for employees.
  • Reduced contract days for licensed staff and student service providers: All teacher, counselor, and student service provider contracts will be shortened by two work days (non-student contact days) with no decrease in pay for the reduction of days.
  • Additional paid non-duty days for Educational Support Professionals: ESP employees will have two workdays converted to two paid non-duty days. 

The total cost of the 2% COLA and average 4% step increases is projected at $2.1 million, and $1.9 million will have to come from the district reserves. To plan for the long-term sustainability of these commitments, the district will convene a budget committee and continue to hold several open positions vacant as part of ongoing cost management efforts.

The district has also made 10% budget cuts to central departments and 5% cuts to school budgets, effective July 1. These cuts are necessary to address rising expenses due to inflation and tariffs

The Board emphasized that while this agreement demonstrates a strong commitment to valuing and retaining staff, it also places pressure on future budgets – possibly requiring further reductions or program adjustments in coming years.

FAQs and more information about the negotiations and agreement can be found here.

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