Tentative Agreement Reached Between Teachers and District

Both sides seem to be progressing on behalf of the main interest; the students that attend Salem-Keizer schools. Salem-News.com

(SALEM) - A tentative agreement has been reached between the Salem-Keizer School District and the Salem/Keizer Educational Association on a new contract for teachers.

The teachers and the School Board will vote on the matter and that is expected to take place in the next few weeks, making the deal official. Both sides say this agreement represents many months of work and cooperative bargaining.

District officials complimented the team they have been bargaining with, "We appreciate the flexibility, creativity and professionalism of the Association team. This was a collaborative effort," said Joe Weiss, Executive Director of Human Resources. "This TA represents a balance between the best compensation package we can afford for our employees and the realities of education funding."

The tentative four-year contract includes ...

>>> 2006-07: 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment and increase of $58 toward employee insurance costs.

>>> 2007-08: 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment and increase of $50 toward employee insurance costs.

>>> 2008-09: Between 2.5 - 3% cost-of-living adjustment based on the consumer price index, and increase of $50 toward insurance costs.

>>> 2009-10: 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment, and increase of $50 toward employee insurance costs. Also, the district or the employee association can re-open bargaining on insurance depending if costs increase or decrease by a certain amount.

Just a reminder that school starts next week. Here's the schedule for the start of school. Elementary parents - please note that school starts a day later than in previous years.

Tuesday, September 5: 6th and 9th grades only
Wednesday, September 6th: All other grades, except Kindergarten
Tuesday, September 12th: Kindergarten

For more back-to-school information, resources and tips, go to www.salkeiz.k12.or.us/ParentCenter/BacktoSchool/index.htm.