Schools

Renton Teachers Reach Unanimous Contract Agreement

The agreement was reached on Aug. 30.

Teachers and staff in the presented the School Board recently with their approved contract for the next two years. Members of the Renton Education Association (REA) — the union that represents district employees including teachers and other employees with professional certificates, such as guidance counselors, librarians and nurses — unanimously approved the contract on Aug. 30.

REA president Phyllis Silling described the relationship between the district and the REA as strong and said that both sides have always worked in a collaborative manner with an intense focus to place the needs of students first.

“Renton teachers and the Renton School District have been working on establishing collaborative, interest-based negotiations for more than 15 years,” Silling said. “Our staff are thankful that they’re supported by such a caring school district.”

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Renton Schools Superintendent Dr. Mary Alice Heuschel said Renton’s negotiations process represents a collaborative, respectful approach to understanding concerns, addressing issues and effectively working together to find common solutions that work to the benefit of all district students and staff.

“We share common goals and maintain a fierce focus on student achievement,” Dr. Heuschel said.

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The negotiated agreement includes time for professional development activities focused on student learning and some future teacher and staff salary incentives that would come if local citizens approve to replace the Education Maintenance and Operations levy which expires in Dec. 2012. About 30 cents of every dollar spent in the school district comes from local levy funding which expires every four years and needs voter approval to continue. The replacement levy is on the Feb. 2012 ballot.

 

*Editor's Note: Information for this report was provided by the Renton School District.


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