The Olathe School District Negotiated Agreement: An Overview
When it comes to public education, negotiations between school districts and their employees are crucial to ensuring that everyone`s needs are met. One example of such negotiations is the Olathe School District Negotiated Agreement, which details the terms of employment for teachers, support staff, and other employees in Olathe, Kansas.
This agreement is negotiated annually between the Olathe School District and the Olathe National Education Association (ONEA), the union that represents district employees. The current agreement runs from July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021, and covers a variety of topics, including salaries, benefits, and working conditions.
One of the most significant components of the Olathe School District Negotiated Agreement is the salary schedule. This document outlines the base salaries for various positions within the district, as well as the steps and lanes that employees can progress through as they gain experience and education. For example, a first-year teacher with a bachelor`s degree would start at step 1, lane 1, with a base salary of $43,520. As that teacher gains years of experience or advanced degrees, they can move up the steps and lanes and earn a higher salary.
In addition to the base salary schedule, the negotiated agreement also includes provisions for annual salary increases. For the 2020-2021 school year, employees received a 1% increase to their base salary, as well as a $500 stipend to help cover the costs of remote teaching and other COVID-related expenses.
Another important aspect of the Olathe School District Negotiated Agreement is the benefits package. This includes health insurance, dental insurance, and retirement benefits. The district currently offers two health insurance plans, one with a high deductible and one with a lower deductible, as well as a dental plan. Employees are also eligible to participate in the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS) and can opt to contribute to a tax-deferred annuity plan.
The negotiated agreement also covers a variety of other topics related to employment in the Olathe School District. For example, it outlines the district`s policies related to sick leave, personal leave, and bereavement leave, as well as the process for requesting time off. It also covers issues related to evaluation and due process, outlining the procedures that must be followed if an employee is facing disciplinary action.
Overall, the Olathe School District Negotiated Agreement is a crucial document for employees and the district alike. By outlining the terms of employment for everyone involved, it helps ensure that everyone understands their rights and responsibilities and that they are treated fairly. If you are a current or prospective employee of the Olathe School District, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the terms of this agreement and to stay informed about any updates or changes that occur from year to year.