For more information:
Melissa Reeves, mdreeves@jeffco.k12.co.us, Jeffco Public Schools, 303-982-6567
Lynn Setzer, lsetzer@jeffco.k12.co.us, Jeffco Public Schools, 303-982-6810
Dexter Meyer, dmeyer@nea.org, Jefferson County Education Association, 303-232-6405

Jeffco Schools reaches agreement with teachers’ association

Jeffco Public Schools has reached a tentative two-year agreement on economic items during contract negotiations with its teachers’ association, the Jefferson County Education Association (JCEA). The remainder of the four-year contract is in effect until August 31, 2011.  The contract must be approved by the Jefferson County Board of Education and ratified by JCEA members.

“Our negotiating teams recognized the tough economic conditions facing the state and the district; this settlement honors our employees, but at the same time reflects our fiscal reality,” said Superintendent Cindy Stevenson.

In the first year of the agreement, teachers will receive steps (years of service) and levels (educational credits).  Increases in steps become effective on Sept. 1, 2010.  Level increases become effective as earned during the school year.

In the second year of the contract, steps will be frozen; teachers will not move on the salary schedule in 2011. However, teachers will get earned level increases.

There will be no cost of living increases in either year and the district will not increase the amount it pays toward employee benefits.  In addition, the district will pay the increased PERA (Public Employees’ Retirement Association) contribution for all employees— the increase is mandated by the state legislature.  This represents a .90 increase in what the district already pays.

“Jeffco teachers understand the economic realities both our school district and the state face, but we remain committed to the goal of providing great public schools for every child,” said JCEA President, Kerrie Dallman.

 “However, we are very concerned about how Jeffco Schools will be able to achieve that goal given the reality of inadequate state and local funding, on-going budget cuts, and the failure to reasonably compensate teachers commensurate with their responsibilities and contributions to society,” Dallman said.

The district has also reached a tentative settlement with the Classified School Employees’ Association (CSEA), which in part, mirrors the agreement with JCEA.  Classified employees will receive step increases in the first year and none in the second year.  The district’s administrative staff, while not on a salary schedule and therefore not eligible for step increases, will receive a compensation package equivalent to that agreed to with the other associations. The district will save $11.3 million by not giving step increases for JCEA and CSEA and salary increases for administrators in the second year of the contract.

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