Hillsboro School District board approves three-year teacher contract, aligns nonunion pay

The Hillsboro School District board of directors voted unanimously at a special session to approve a three-year collective bargaining agreement with the Hillsboro Education Association and to adopt matching memoranda of agreement for nonunion employees.

The collective bargaining agreement, described by district bargaining team members during the meeting, covers July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2027. Key provisions include general salary increases (GSI) of 3.5% for 2024–25 (retroactive to July 1), 4.75% for 2025–26 and 4.25% for 2026–27; adjustments to stipends including an increased district nurse stipend ($4,279 per year) and a newly added elementary after-school lead stipend (~$1,800); and maintained district insurance contribution caps ($13.70 per employee this year, rising to $14.20 and $14.70 in subsequent years).

District representatives said the parties negotiated the agreement over roughly 20 bargaining sessions and described the process as collaborative. Michelle Morrison, a member of the district bargaining team, said the agreement was reached after budget constraints required “targeted strategic reductions to reduce our budget gap without impacting schools,” and that union partners agreed to those changes. Brian Hungerford, identified by speakers as the district’s bargaining lead, explained the insurance pool’s current performance allowed the district to allocate some funds to salary in the first year rather than raising the insurance contribution.

Other contract changes described by district staff include revisions to leaves (unit members now receive three personal days per year, replacing prior accrual language), a new three-day paid leave provision while a workers’ compensation claim is processed following an accepted claim for physical attack or injury by a student, and elimination of an existing sabbatical leave from the contract. The agreement also creates a class-size/caseload relief fund of $700,000 beginning next year to address identified “hot spots” with additional licensed or classified staff or other supports. The district described a professional development/tuition fund initially set at $600,000 for the year, increasing by $10,000 each year until funds are exhausted; unit members are eligible for up to six quarter-hour credits per year while funds remain available.

Board discussion before the vote emphasized gratitude for the bargaining teams and the collaborative process. Vice Chair Mark Watson moved approval of the teacher contract; Director Nancy Thomas seconded. Board clerk Rose read a roll call in which all five voting members recorded “aye.”

Immediately after passing the teacher contract, the board approved a short memorandum of agreement for administrators and other nonunion employees. The MOA mirrors the teacher contract’s percentages for GSI (3.5%, 4.75%, 4.25%) and matches the district insurance contribution schedule; attendees said no other terms in the MOAs change.

Votes at a glance

- Approve three-year collective bargaining agreement with the Hillsboro Education Association, effective 07/01/2024–06/30/2027 — Moved by Vice Chair Mark Watson; seconded by Director Nancy Thomas. Roll call: Sheehan Kim, Nancy Thomas, Monique Ward, Mark Watson, Yvette Pantoja — all aye. Outcome: approved.

- Approve 2024–27 individual contracts/MOAs for nonunion employees aligning GSI and health contributions with the licensed bargaining agreement — Moved by Vice Chair Mark Watson; seconded by Director Nancy Thomas. Roll call: Sheehan Kim, Nancy Thomas, Monique Ward, Mark Watson, Yvette Pantoja — all aye. Outcome: approved.

The board adjourned the special session following the votes. District staff and board members said they will continue discussions with union partners and pursue advocacy for adequate state funding for K–12 education as they implement the agreement.