Hillsboro SD 1J board ratifies three‑year teachers’ contract, approves matching nonunion pay changes

The Hillsboro SD 1J Board of Directors on Monday ratified a three‑year collective bargaining agreement with the Hillsboro Education Association (HEA) and approved matching memoranda of agreement for nonunion employees.

The board voted unanimously by roll call to approve the contract, which runs from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2027. Director Mark Watson moved the measure and Director Nancy Thomas seconded it; the clerk recorded aye votes from Sheehan Kim, Nancy Thomas, Monique Ward, Mark Watson and Yvette Pantoja. "I move that the Board of Directors of Hillsborough approve the 3 year collective bargaining agreement with the Hillsborough Education Association, effective 07/01/2024 through 06/30/2027, as tentatively agreed to by the District Bargaining Team," Watson said when making the motion. After the roll call the chair announced, "Motion carries."

Under the agreement, general salary increases (GSI) are 3.5% for the current year (retroactive to July 1), 4.75% the following year and 4.25% in the third year. The contract applies the same GSI percentages to extra‑duty stipends and hourly rates. The district also raised certain stipends, including increasing the district nurse stipend toward $4,279 a year and adding an elementary after‑school lead stipend of roughly $1,800.

The parties agreed to streamline leave language: a long‑standing sabbatical leave was removed, and unit members now receive three personal days per year (non‑accruable). The contract adds up to three days of paid leave for staff with an accepted workers’ compensation claim following a physical attack, covering the period before workers’ compensation typically takes effect.

District presenters described two new pooled funds: a $700,000 class‑size/caseload relief fund to target hot spots with staffing or supports beginning next year, and an initial $600,000 professional development/tuition fund that the presenter said would fund up to six quarter‑hour credits per year per unit member until those funds are exhausted (the presenter said the fund increases by $10,000 annually thereafter).

On benefits, the district contribution to insurance was described as $13.70 per pay period for the current year, rising to $14.20 the next year and $14.70 the final year of the agreement. Officials said the district and union designed an insurance pool that performed well enough to redirect expected insurance increases into salary in year one.

Michelle Morrison, a bargaining team member, framed the agreement as the result of a "really collaborative process" and said it leaves teachers "feeling valued, and they feel transparency and connection with the district." The presenters also told the board the agreement reflected concessions tied to state funding and district budget pressures.

Following approval of the licensed‑staff contract, the board approved a separate motion to adopt individual contracts and MOA revisions for nonunion employees (administrators and selected technical staff) that mirror the same GSI and health‑benefit contributions. That motion was also moved by Director Watson, seconded by Director Thomas and passed by unanimous roll call.

What happens next: district staff will implement payroll and benefit changes retroactive where specified and administer the new funds and leave provisions. Board members praised the local bargaining team and the collaborative process during the roughly 23‑minute special session. The meeting adjourned at 12:27 p.m.