Kent School District teachers voted Tuesday night to approve a new three-year contract.
The Kent Education Association (KEA) voted to pass the contract with a 98 percent approval. The Kent School Board voted on the contract Wednesday night, after the Kent Reporter press deadline.
The new contract covers several pay increases, reduces class sizes, and also requires teachers to update grades every two weeks, so parents can track their children’s progress.
“This was one of the best contracts we’ve seen in years,” said KEA member Christie Padilla. “Both sides, the teachers union and the district put in some real effort to bargain amicably.”
The Kent Association Educational Office Professionals (KAEOP) also approved a new contract with the district.
Kathi Adderson, with the KAEOP, said that she felt the association could have gotten a better deal, but accepted the contract with the intention of returning to negotiate in 16 months.
“The bargaining teams did a very good job of navigating a number of tough issues,” said Chris Loftis, Kent School District spokesman.
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