Jeffco’s teachers spent the summer not knowing what their salaries would be when they returned to class in August. While negotiations with support staff resulted in contracts in the spring of 2019, negotiations with the Teachers Union broke down just after school finished in spring of 2019.
Teachers and the District Negotiators came to agreement on all the contract terms except compensation. So Jeffco teachers finished school for the summer and did not know what their salaries would be when they returned to school. District negotiators and the Teacher’s bargaining team decided it would be best if they took a break over the summer.
When they returned to the bargaining table in August the District put more money on the table. They offered $3 million to teachers who had been on staff during salary reductions. Staff was also offered a 2.5% Cost of Living increase which was 1% higher than the offer that had been made in the spring. All teachers also were moved up on the salary schedule.
The increases in spending resulted in in the board approving an increase in spending of over $60 million while there was only an additional $40 million in new revenue for the 2019-2020 year.
The negotiated agreement did not significantly raise entry level salaries for teachers new to Jeffco keeping salaries for entry level teachers in Jeffco below most neighboring districts. The agreement also does not offer additional years of service for teachers who want to come to Jeffco from other districts. It remains difficult for high performing teachers with years of experience in other districts to come to Jeffco and get paid for all of their years of service.
Jeffco teachers deserve better.
Sources:
Jeffco Negotiations Schedule: https://www.jeffcopublicschools.org/about/board/board_negotiations
Jeffco Negotiations
http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/jeffco-teachers-to-be-paid-back-for-2010-pay-freeze,285082