Rutland City School Board Unanimously Approves Teachers' Contract

Following one and a half years of negotiations, the educators and the school board in Rutland City's public school system have ultimately reached a ratified agreement.

The Rutland City School Board convened at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, where they all agreed to approve the contract for the teachers' union.

The approval officially finalizes the agreement, making the contract effective. Starting from 2024 to 2027, teachers will receive increased salaries structured across various pay steps within this contract period.

• 5.7% 2024-25 (back pay)
• 5.8% 2025-26
• 5.6% 2026-27

Educators will get a one-time retrospective payment for the current academic term. The board stated that seven vacant district roles will remain unfilled for the next school year. It remains uncertain whether additional positions will stay unoccupied in the subsequent year (26-27). Nobody will lose their job due to the newly agreed upon contract.

Earlier this month, both parties reached an accord mere hours before a scheduled strike was due to begin. However, the agreement wasn’t officially sealed until today since it still needed approval from the board. Last week, members of the Rutland Education Association gave their consent to the contract.

Proceeding ahead, both the board and the union have expressed their readiness to investigate possibilities for crafting the subsequent agreement.

It would be beneficial to discuss this in perhaps a more accessible platform," stated Charlene Seward, who serves as both a board member and lead negotiator. "This way, individuals could have greater access to information. Much of that detail seems to have been overlooked during these proceedings.

Sue Tanen, president of REA, stated during a telephone conversation, 'We adhere to the procedure we have consistently used.' However, she added, 'We would definitely consider exploring alternative methods.'

The tension escalated throughout the disagreement leading up to its peak when a provisional agreement was finally made. Currently, the district members wish to progress forward.

“I believe that prior to these latest contract discussions, our relationship with the teachers was quite strong, unified, and positive,” stated Board of Commissioners Chair Cathy Solsaa. “I am hopeful that we can return to that state.”

"This was an extremely difficult process for both sides," Tanon said. "When you're in a situation like this, you have no choice but to move forward, to put things in the rearview mirror... both the board and the teacher's job is to work for the students of our city."

District Superintendent Bill Olson shared a similar sentiment.

"I think we can return our focus back toward serving our students. And that's really what we're here for. And I think the board wants to make that their focus as well," he said.

Negotiators with the union and board are expected to meet again in the fall of 2026 to discuss the next three-year contract.

READ MORE: The Rutland City School Board unanimously approves the teachers' contract.

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