“The District recognizes the value of appropriate special education caseloads and will attempt to keep the caseload as low as possible,” the contract said.
The full details of this section of the contract can be found on page 39.
Cost-of-living adjustments
Another of the union’s chief concerns entering bargaining was that teachers be extended this year’s full 5.5 percent state cost of living adjustment allocation — essentially a state-mandated salary boost to combat inflation — as well as an understanding that any further state allocations be guaranteed without a need to reopen bargaining.
The district ultimately has extended the full breadth of the 2022 cost of living adjustment and has agreed to follow state guidelines on inflation-related salary increases going forward.
“Consistent with the provisions of RCW 28A.400.205, and applicable appropriations of the Washington State Omnibus Appropriations Act (state budget), compensation (e.g., IPD) and insurance benefits (SEBB) shall be adjusted per funding guidelines by the legislature, Article 4, Section 15 (Salary) of this agreement, and applicable state K-12 funding and state funded inflationary factors,” the contract said.
Further trainings
The district also agreed to provide annual training to teachers in de-escalation tactics to help maintain safer classrooms going forward.
“Annually, the district will provide training in current best practices around appropriate discipline/management techniques, including de-escalation, relationship building, and restorative practice,” the contract said.
