TTSD Teachers are finally working under new contracts after long negotiations came to a close on Jan. 13; the process was frustrating and, at times, confusing.
A tentative agreement on the contract was reached before winter break, and after returning in January, teachers reviewed and voted on the terms of the contracts. Once ratified by the teachers on Jan.9, the school board then voted to approve the new contract at their meeting on Jan. 13.
William Hendricks is a Tualatin High School chemistry teacher and a member of the TWI program. Hendricks is also on the union’s Building Action Team (BAT), talking to people in the building and answering questions throughout the negotiations.
“I would say that the big thing that felt really different about the process this time is, since this process began, you have seen more people go on strike,” said Hendricks. “Several school districts have gone on strike already, or come close. The big thing that felt different, is this time that felt like a possibility that was on people’s minds.”
While the teachers were relieved to have a current contract again, most agreed that the process was not perfect.
“Both sides could stand to improve on the communication piece,” Hendricks said. “We’ve reached an agreement, and we never got to mediators, but when it happened in Portland Public and Greater Albany school districts, it made everyone feel uncertain: teachers, students, families. I feel like it’s important that people understand that the process is very well-defined. General communication with people about where that process is at is helpful. The ultimate goal is that we are teaching students. I never want kids and families to feel uncertain about what’s going on.”
Jennifer Paolini, a math teacher, expressed gratitude for the multitude of students who truly cared.
“What was really nice was that I had a lot of students who were really interested and passionate about it, asking me about what was going on,” she said. “I appreciate feeling that support from students and the community.”
The negotiations, however, were still a matter of frustration, as well as uncertainty for Paolini and others.
“I’d like more transparency with the union and the school board as to how much money we actually have,” said Paolini. “They aren’t always clear about where they’re getting the numbers from. Both sides come up with different numbers, and that can be confusing to follow. Also just in general, it’s easy to feel devalued as an educator because we are a profession known to be so underpaid for what we do. It’s public record what we make, and it’s a profession that takes a lot of work. This is especially true in an economy with a lot of inflation.”
The previous teacher contract expired in August of 2024, but negotiations started months before that. Teachers had been working under their old contracts until recently. In Oregon school districts, contracts typically last two years, and when they end, the school board and the teacher’s union begin meeting to discuss the terms of the next contract.
