In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around updates to the collective bargaining agreement for athletic and instructional supplementals, which had not been revised in nearly a decade. Key stakeholders, including the academic team and the District Education Association (DEA), collaborated over the summer to address longstanding issues, culminating in a ratification by the DEA just prior to the meeting.
One significant point raised was the funding for minor sports, which some members felt was inadequately addressed in the current proposal. Concerns were voiced about the absence of specific positions, such as site coordinators at high schools, which had been included as placeholders in the contract. The need for clarity regarding the Welcome Stadium position was also emphasized, as it was initially overlooked in the documentation.
The meeting also highlighted the elimination of certain roles, including cheerleading and drill team positions, which raised questions about parity and compliance with Title IX regulations. The administration assured attendees that cheerleading roles had been reinstated at higher pay rates to ensure equity among sports programs.
Additionally, there was a proposal to extend the contract duration from one year to two years, aimed at fostering program development and stability. This suggestion will be considered in upcoming negotiations, as the board seeks to maintain a collaborative relationship with the DEA.
Overall, the meeting underscored the importance of updating and clarifying the collective bargaining agreement to better support both athletic and instructional programs within the district.