Teachers with Grande Prairie and District Catholic Schools have reached a new agreement with the school division. After a lengthy negotiation process, the board of trustees and the Teacher Welfare Committee representing the teachers ratified a memorandum of understanding on March 10th.
It’s reported the agreement includes more funds for professional development, accommodations for teachers to work from home when road conditions are poor and paid sick leave for substitute teachers who get injured at work. It also includes more flexible scheduling for administrators during August in the lead-up to school opening and a defined date for teachers on a probationary contract to receive notice of contract extension.
Deputy Superintendent Greg Miller says he is thrilled with the results of the negotiation.
“We are always trying to update and change our collective agreement to make it work for both parties and we come to some compromises but we both feel very happy with where we landed.”
The chair of the Teacher Welfare Committee Kim Henry says her team is thankful to the board for recognizing how the agreement would build a positive and collaborative culture for teachers and students.
“It is my pleasure to share that this successful round of negotiations with our District Board has concluded, and we have reached a fair and equitable agreement that recognizes the hard work and dedication of our teachers.”
The agreement came into effect on March 13th and remain until August 31, 2024.