The Snohomish School District has recently announced that it has reached a new collective bargaining agreement with its teachers` union. The new agreement is set to provide a number of benefits to both teachers and students in the district, while also being fully compliant with state regulations.
One of the key benefits of the new agreement is an increase in teacher compensation. Teachers in the district will receive a 4.5% salary increase in the first year of the agreement, followed by a 4% increase in each of the two subsequent years. This increase in compensation is designed to help attract and retain high-quality teachers, which in turn can improve outcomes for students.
The agreement also includes provisions for reducing class size in certain grades and subjects. Under the new agreement, class sizes in kindergarten through third grade will be capped at 27 students, while classes in English Language Arts, math, and science for grades four through twelve will be capped at 30 students. These changes are meant to provide students with more individualized attention from their teachers, which can lead to better academic outcomes.
Another benefit of the new agreement is a focus on professional development for teachers. The district will provide a minimum of two days of professional development per year to help teachers stay up-to-date with the latest teaching techniques and best practices. This investment in professional development can help teachers improve their overall effectiveness in the classroom, which can benefit students in the long run.
Finally, the new agreement includes changes to how teacher evaluations are conducted. Evaluations will now be based on a number of factors, including observations, student performance, and professional growth. This more comprehensive approach to teacher evaluations can help ensure that teachers are being held accountable for their performance, while also providing them with the support and resources they need to succeed in their roles.
Overall, the new collective bargaining agreement between the Snohomish School District and its teachers` union is a positive development for both teachers and students. The increase in compensation, reduction in class size, and focus on professional development and teacher evaluations are all designed to improve outcomes for students and provide teachers with the support they need to succeed. With this new agreement in place, the Snohomish School District is well-positioned to continue providing high-quality education to its students for years to come.