The Ridgefield School District has been actively engaged in bargaining with the Ridgefield Education Association (REA) since June 2022. The district first requested to initiate bargaining in February 2022, but waited until REA leadership was available to come to the bargaining table. To date, the district and REA have participated in 20 negotiation sessions.
\r\nTo help support the process of reaching a tentative agreement with REA, the parties agreed to request mediation from the Public Employees Relation Commission (PERC). The RSD and REA began negotiations with the mediator on Saturday, September 9. The district continues to approach each bargaining session in good faith and remains hopeful for resolution through established bargaining practices, under the direction of the PERC mediator.
\r\nSince August 29, the district has posted its complete package proposals and summaries, as well as a strike FAQ on its website at www.ridgefieldsd.org/page/bargaining-update. The district has offered a fair and sustainable financial package that includes the full Implicit Price Deflator Index, or IPD (also known as COLA) in accordance with Washington State law.
\r\nThe district’s financial offer includes the following enhancements:
\r\nIncreased certificated staff base salaries by 6.5% in 2022-2023
Increased salary by at least 4.5% or IPD (whichever is higher) in 2023-2024
Increased salary by at least 3.0% or IPD (whichever is higher) 2024-2025
Increased TRI (Time, Responsibility, and Incentive) pay 2%
Compressed the salary schedule by 2 steps (teachers will max out on the salary scale two years sooner)
Salary schedule compressed laterally by 2 columns creating higher starting salary for beginning teachers
Increased extra-curricular stipends by 6.5%, 4.5%, and 3% over next 3 years
Increased extra-curricular assistants pay to 75%
Enhanced stipend for various positions (robotics, etc.)
Overload pay increased to $7, doubling to $14 at the 3rd student
For illustration purposes, see the table below which shows approximate salary increases (including TRI) for three different employee types, entry level, 10 years of service, and 20 years of service
\r\nSchool Year | BA 0 (0 years of service) | BA 90 (10 years of service) | MA 90 (20 years of service) |
2021-2022 | $51,789 (0 years of service) | $73,893 (10 years of service) | $102,610 (20 years of service) |
2022-2023 | $60,809 (1 year of service) | $82,181 (11 years of service) | $111,335 (21 years of service) |
2023-2024 | $66,763 (2 years of service) | $90,227 (12 years of service) | $116,345 (22 years of service) |
2024-2025 | $72,247 (3 years of service) | $97,638 (13 years of service) | $119,836 (23 years of service) |
The district has a long history of fiscal responsibility, meeting the needs of both students and staff while planning for anticipated district needs and considering legislative and fiscal changes. The district utilizes transparent budget processes which are reflected in public presentations and demonstrated by the receipt of the State Auditor’s Financial Stewardship Award, a recognition granted to schools for meeting high standards for budget planning and public communication.
\r\nIn addition to the financial enhancements being offered to help attract and retain highly-qualified and skilled educators, the district has also proposed many solutions to improve working conditions for our staff.
\r\nProposed improvements to working conditions include:
\r\nStarting in the 2023-2024 school year, teachers would not be assigned to AM/PM supervision duties providing for more classroom planning and preparation time to enhance student achievement
Providing de-escalation training to promote a safer school environment
Lowered Special Education caseload for every Special Education professional
Increased compensation for every Special Education professional
Increased Special Education program staffing
Increased Special Education staffing hours
The district will continue to bargain in good faith with the REA and collaborate as negotiations continue with the goal of reaching a mutually acceptable contract agreement. We look forward to continuing the school year once the teacher strike has concluded.
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