District, SHTA Announce Collective Bargaining Agreement
February 14, 2018 -- The Shaker Heights Teachers’ Association (SHTA) and the Shaker Heights City School District have entered into a new three-year contract, retroactive to January 1, 2018. The agreement, which was approved by the SHTA members on January 22 and by the Board of Education Tuesday, calls for base salary increases of 2% each year in 2018, 2019 and 2020. The increase brings the annual base salary for a beginning teacher with a bachelor’s degree to $46,208 for 2018. The agreement also outlines an increase in the employee-shared premium percentage of health, dental and prescription coverage from 12% to 13% effective January 1, 2020.
”The two negotiating teams deserve our gratitude for their collaborative approach in reaching an agreement. We hope that this contract demonstrates how we value and appreciate our teachers’ hard work and commitment to Shaker Heights Schools,” said Mr. Isaacs. “Even in an extremely challenging revenue environment, it is important that we don't lose ground to neighboring districts. We continue to look for operational efficiencies to demonstrate our commitment to excellence and fiscal stewardship.”
Dr. John L. Morris, President of the SHTA, said the contract was approved by 99% of the teachers who voted.
“SHTA members overwhelmingly approved the new agreement and look forward to three more years of stability and compensation that we hope continues to bring and retain the best and brightest teachers to our district,” said Dr. Morris.
The District and SHTA employed a negotiations process known as interest-based bargaining, which is more collaborative and solution-oriented than traditional labor negotiations.
“Negotiations, by nature, require thoughtfulness, time and tough conversations. Our use of interest-based bargaining ensured that we collaborated and kept our young people at the top of mind,” said Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr., Superintendent of Schools. “Our discussions were always respectful, productive and reflective of the team culture we’ve fostered throughout our school district.”
The agreement also features a new pilot program for the transfer of sick days for teachers who have experienced a catastrophic illness, as well as an extension of maternity leave and newly introduced adoption leave.
The SHTA represents more than 400 employees, including classroom teachers, but also computer, art, music and physical education specialists; nurses; librarians; guidance counselors; school psychologists; and speech and hearing therapists.