Multiple David Douglas educators told the board Wednesday that provisions in the districtontract are producing immediate gains for staff and students.

Lincoln Fisher, a kindergarten teacher at Gilbert Park Elementary and an elected elementary vice president of the David Douglas Education Association, described two new paychecks under the contract and the difference the increased salary has made for his household. Fisher said the extra pay has allowed him to "pay bills early in the month" and breathe more easily during the holidays after several lean years.

Amy Fennell, a 21-year district employee at Gilbert Heights, praised non-salary contract provisions that give staff extra prep time and "teacher-directed Wednesdays," which she said help educators meet family and professional demands and restore planning time. Cassie Powell, representing Earl Boyles and newer to the district, echoed salary benefits and noted insurance premium and co-pay changes that ease out-of-pocket costs for staff members with families.

Board members and district leaders acknowledged the union's participation in bargaining and said administrative teams are working on implementation steps. Speakers at the meeting stressed these changes are not life-changing luxuries but practical measures that help teachers pay for groceries, childcare and avoid dipping into savings.

Union and district representatives said they will return with additional updates on how specific contract provisions are rolling out across the district.