Board approves tentative agreements with support staff and educators that include temporary work‑year reductions

Executive Director of Human Resources Jeannie Dwyer presented tentative bargaining agreements for both the Douglas County Support Staff Organization (DCSSO) and the Douglas County Professional Education Association (DCPEA). The DCSSO agreement reflects schedule language tied to previously reduced student-only days. The DCPEA tentative agreement covers July 1, 2025–June 30, 2027, and includes a one-year work‑year reduction from 185 to 180 days (a 2.7% cut) and an alignment of the contract year to the fiscal year, with estimated district savings of approximately $392,589 for the contract period.

Dwyer explained that the classified agreement's savings of about $144,000 are salary impacts only and that benefits are negotiated separately. During public comment, DCPEA President Karen Lamb told the Board that a "5-day reduction does not reduce their workload" and urged the district to seek ways to pay certified staff a livable wage. Trustees approved both tentative agreements in separate motions (each passed 6-0) and noted negotiations will reopen in February 2027 for future agreement terms.