Huron Valley Schools Teacher Contract: What You Need to Know
In August 2021, the Huron Valley Schools district in Michigan reached a new three-year contract agreement with its teachers` union. The contract, which covers the period from July 2021 to June 2024, includes a number of provisions that affect both teachers and students in the district. Here are the highlights of the Huron Valley Schools teacher contract.
Salary Increase
Under the new contract, teachers will receive a pay increase of 1% in the first year, 2% in the second year, and 2.5% in the third year. This is a modest increase compared to some other districts, but it does reflect the financial constraints that many school systems are facing in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Health Care Benefits
The district and the union also agreed to maintain the current health care plan for teachers, with a few minor tweaks. Teachers will now be required to pay a slightly higher percentage of their health care premiums, but the district will contribute more money to each teacher`s Health Savings Account (HSA) to offset this increase.
Professional Development
The new contract places a greater emphasis on professional development for teachers. The district will now provide more opportunities for teachers to attend conferences, workshops, and other training events. In addition, teachers can earn a stipend for completing certain professional development activities outside of regular work hours.
Class Size
The new contract includes language that limits class size in certain circumstances. Specifically, if a class exceeds the district`s target size by more than two students, the teacher can request additional support and resources. This provision is intended to ensure that teachers can provide individualized attention to every student in their classroom.
Special Education
The contract also includes provisions related to special education services. The district will now provide training to teachers on how to work effectively with students who have special needs. In addition, special education teachers will receive a pay increase of 1% above the regular salary increase in each year of the contract.
In conclusion, the new Huron Valley Schools teacher contract represents a compromise between the district and the teachers` union. While the salary increase is relatively modest, the contract includes several important provisions related to professional development, health care benefits, and class size. These measures are designed to support both teachers and students and ensure that the district can continue to provide a high-quality education to all of its students.