Kensington teachers reach five-year collective bargaining agreement; town asked to approve first-year cost

Kensington — The Kensington School Board presented Article 2, a five-year collective bargaining agreement between the district and the Kensington Education Association that calls for salary increases structured as 2.75% in the first year and 2.5% in each of the next four years.

A board member who worked on negotiations praised the process and the teachers’ outlook: "They came to us asking for a 2.75% salary increase the first year and a 2.5% increase for the following 4 years," she said, adding that negotiators prioritized the district’s long-term interests.

Moderator Harold Bragg explained the warrant asks voters to approve the first-year fiscal impact ($92,767) and to accept the out-year indicators so the community understands potential future costs. Public commenters asked for clarification that Article 2 represents the negotiated delta above current salary levels and whether administrators’ benefits are affected. Board staff said Article 2 covers teachers' negotiated items only; administrator benefits are not part of this article.

Discussion clarified health-insurance contribution rates: the district pays 88% of the premium and teachers contribute 12% of the premium, the board said. Documents related to the collective bargaining agreement and the MS-26 summary were made available for review.

What happens next: Article 2 will appear on the March ballot for voter approval; if it fails the district would remain at current staffing-year compensation levels.