West Hartford Public Schools Teacher Contract 2019 Overview

West Hartford Public Schools is a well-known school district in Connecticut that serves a diverse population of students. The district has a reputation for providing high-quality education and has consistently ranked as one of the top districts in the state. One of the key factors that contribute to the district`s success is its dedicated and experienced faculty. In 2019, the district negotiated a new contract with its teachers to ensure that they are compensated fairly for their hard work.

The contract negotiations took place in the spring of 2019 and were the result of months of discussions between the school district and the West Hartford Education Association (WHEA), the union representing the teachers. The negotiations were focused on improving teacher salaries, benefits, and working conditions.

Salary Increases

One of the main goals of the negotiations was to increase teacher salaries. The district recognized that the cost of living in the West Hartford area is high, and it wanted to ensure that its teachers were being compensated fairly for their work. The new contract includes a 2.25% salary increase for each of the three years of the contract. This increase is significant, as it will help to keep the district competitive with other school districts in the area.

Benefits

In addition to salary increases, the new contract also includes improvements to teachers` benefits. The district agreed to increase its contribution to the teachers` health insurance premiums, which will help to offset some of the rising costs of healthcare. The district also agreed to increase its contribution to the teachers` retirement plans, which will help to ensure that they are financially secure in their retirement.

Working Conditions

The new contract includes several improvements to teachers` working conditions. For example, the district agreed to limit the number of students in certain classes, which will make it easier for teachers to provide individual attention to their students. The district also agreed to provide teachers with more planning time, which will give them more time to prepare for their classes and provide feedback to their students.

Conclusion

The 2019 West Hartford Public Schools teacher contract negotiations were a success for both the teachers and the school district. The new contract includes significant improvements to teacher salaries, benefits, and working conditions, which will help to ensure that the district continues to attract and retain high-quality teachers. The negotiations were a testament to the district`s commitment to providing high-quality education to its students and to valuing the hard work and dedication of its teachers.