The Kent Association of Educational Office Professionals (KAEOP) is seeking higher pay alongside other requests while negotiating a new contract with the Kent School District.

“They’re looking for a contract that treats them equitably and with respect,” said Andy Wiesenfeld, a Public School Employees of Washington field representative.

The previous contract began in September 2009 and officially ended last August. But because an agreement had not yet been made at the time, the contract was extended for one year after its initial expiration date.

The KAEOP is asking for reasonable wages that reflect an increase in job responsibilities for office professionals in the district in addition to addressing safety concerns for students and staff in all schools. The contract covers most regular and temporary office-clerical and non-instructional support personnel.

In a recent study, seven comparable school districts in size and socio-economic makeup (Auburn, Federal Way, Highline, Lake Washington, Puyallup and Tacoma) were considered in determining the range of wages other office professionals in the South King County area are being paid. The KAEOP claims that in Kent, office professionals are paid 6 to 7 percent less than their peers in the surrounding, comparable districts.

The Kent contract pays office professionals about $11.90 to $20.74 per hour depending on the specific job and years of experience, according to the collective bargaining agreement.

The KAEOP also addressed concerns regarding safety procedures for office professionals when faced with certain scenarios.

“What happens is you have students for whatever reason acting out in class and sent to the front office,” Wiesenfeld said. “Many times because the office professionals are engaged in other administrative activities, they don’t have the time to oversee these students (who) often times, aren’t well behaved. It leaves the office under managed, which (provides) a less than secure workplace for our members as well as students and other staff.”

Kent School District officials stated that safety is a number one priority throughout the district and hopes to “navigate (all) issues with grace and respect” while still maintaining district-wide sustainability in terms of funds.

“This is an important partnership,” said Chris Loftis, spokesman for the Kent School District. “We’re committed to a change process that’s fair, thoughtful and productive.”

The KAEOP has organized two informational pickets, including March 20 at the intersection of 104th Avenue Southeast and Kent-Kangley Road and on March 27 at the Kent School District administration building, 12033 S.E. 256th St. Both are from 4 to 6 p.m.