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Klamath County SD board approves four-year classified contract with pay and benefit increases
Summary
At a special meeting called to order at 9:03 a.m., the Klamath County SD board approved a four-year contract for classified employees that raises the salary schedule, increases insurance caps, front-loads sick leave and loosens bus-driver trip eligibility to aid recruitment and retention.
The Klamath County SD board voted to approve a four-year contract for classified employees at a special meeting called to order at 9:03 a.m.
Jamie, a district staff member who presented the agreement, said bargaining was constructive and led to contract language that preserves managerial rights while adding employee protections. "It was a good process," Jamie said, and called the result "a great contract both for district and for the employees." Jamie recommended the board adopt the agreement.
The contract includes a $1.50 increase to the classified salary schedule in the first year and a $0.60 increase in the second year, Jamie said. The district will implement insurance-cap increases of 3.5% in the first year and 3% in the second. The contract is four years long and includes a financial reopener for years three and four, meaning the parties will return to bargaining solely on financial terms in 2027 and 2028.
Jamie also described changes to working conditions: sick leave will be front-loaded rather than accrued monthly, and bus drivers will be eligible to drive overnight or out-of-district trips after one year of service, instead of the previous five-year requirement. Jamie said those adjustments are expected to help recruit and retain drivers.
Board members praised the negotiated outcome. One board member said, "I think it's good for everybody. And I'm really glad to get it done, and I'm certainly in favor of it," and another noted the dollar-based increase helps lower-paid employees more than percentage-based raises typically would.
A board member asked whether IT staff received 10 vacation days; Jamie confirmed IT positions were moved to a 260-day contract (250 working days plus 10 vacation days).
A board member moved to accept the negotiated contract "as presented"; the chair seconded the motion. The board voted by thumbs-up/voice and the chair announced "all in favor"; the motion passed. The transcript does not record a roll-call tally by name.
Jamie asked that designated staff sign the signature page; Jamie said Stephanie would have the signature page on her desk and that Brooke and Glenn would sign to finalize the fully executed contract. The meeting adjourned shortly after the vote.
