Local school trustees are among those who raised their hands for a new pact with teachers.
Both the North Okanagan-Shuswap and Vernon school boards were among those who voted for a two-year contract with teachers.
School District #83 board chair Bobbi Johnson, Salmon Arm chairperson, said she is glad they were able achieve a new contract, though she wouldn’t say if she is satisfied with what was ultimately decided upon.
“This is what we got, and this is what we will work with,” said Johnson. “Both sides probably wanted something more, but we negotiated this, and we are just happy to have a contract.”
There was no discussion on extra-curricular activities in schools when districts voted last Wednesday.
Johnson says all extra-curricular activities remain in control of the individual teacher.
The school board does not have the ability to force teachers to volunteer their time, she says. This does not necessarily mean there will be no after-school soccer games or band classes for students. If teachers would like to donate their time, they are permitted to do so.
As for next year, Johnson says all other activities will return to normal and, come September, teachers will be meeting with parents and sending out report cards as they normally would.
The district chair described the entire contract agreement process as being “very long.”
“We have to find a way to do it that doesn’t take so long,” says Johnson, “but there are issues that need to be solved and that takes time.”
Johnson hopes that a quicker, more efficient process can be established in the future.
Bill Turanski, Vernon chairperson, says there are other things that could have been achieved and even more that should be worked towards.
“We appreciate that there’s some resolution but other issues are still back there,” said Turanski, adding there are a number of things still to be negotiated.
While the agreement, which has also been ratified by teachers, dealt with issues like benefits, there was no resolution on wages, class size or class composition. Turanski expects the next round of talks will be difficult because the outstanding items place financial pressures on districts, while the government is not providing any new funding. However, he is optimistic based on the new contract.
“Both parties have learned something — that we can come to an agreement. Perhaps that will be an incentive,” said Turanski.
