The Washoe County School District (WCSD) Negotiated Agreement: What You Need to Know
The Washoe County School District (WCSD) has recently reached a negotiated agreement with the Washoe Education Association (WEA). This agreement has far-reaching implications for teachers, school staff, and students across the district. Whether you are a WCSD employee or a parent, it`s important to know what the negotiated agreement means and how it will affect you.
Salary Increases
One of the most significant changes in the negotiated agreement is the salary increases for WCSD employees. Teachers will receive a 3% salary increase for the 2021-2022 school year, with an additional 1% increase for those who have been teaching in the district for eight years or more. School staff, including educational support professionals and school police officers, will also receive a 3% salary increase.
The negotiated agreement also includes a one-time payment of $1,000 for WCSD employees who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic. This payment is intended to recognize the hard work and dedication of school staff during a challenging year.
Health Benefits
WCSD employees will see changes to their health benefits under the new negotiated agreement. The district will continue to contribute the same amount to employee health plans as in previous years, but employees will now have more options for their plans.
Employees will be able to choose between a high-deductible health plan or a traditional plan with a lower deductible. Additionally, the district will provide a health savings account (HSA) to employees who choose the high-deductible plan. The HSA will allow employees to save pre-tax dollars and use them to pay for medical expenses.
Class Sizes
The negotiated agreement also includes changes to class sizes in WCSD schools. Elementary school classes will have a maximum of 28 students, and middle and high school classes will have a maximum of 32 students. This is a significant increase in the maximum class sizes for middle and high schools, which were previously 27 and 29 students, respectively.
The increase in class sizes is intended to help the district save money on staffing. However, some teachers and parents have expressed concerns that larger class sizes will negatively impact student learning.
What You Need to Know
The WCSD negotiated agreement includes significant changes to salary increases, health benefits, and class sizes. If you are a WCSD employee, you can expect a 3% salary increase and changes to your health plan options. If you are a parent or student, you may notice larger class sizes in middle and high schools.
Overall, the negotiated agreement represents a compromise between the district and the teachers` union. It is intended to provide fair compensation to WCSD employees while considering the financial constraints of the district. If you have any questions or concerns about the negotiated agreement, be sure to speak with your school`s administrators or the WEA.