The Sau 21 Collective Bargaining Agreement: What It Means for Teachers and the District

The Sau 21 Collective Bargaining Agreement, also known as a contract, is a legally binding agreement between the teachers’ union and the school district. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions of employment for teachers, including salaries, benefits, and working conditions.

For those unfamiliar with Sau 21, it is a regional school district in New Hampshire consisting of six towns: Hampton Falls, North Hampton, Seabrook, South Hampton, Hampton, and Winnacunnet. The district serves over 5,000 students and employs more than 500 teachers and staff.

The most recent collective bargaining agreement between Sau 21 and its teachers’ union was negotiated in 2019 and runs through June 30, 2022. The agreement includes provisions for salaries, benefits, and working conditions.

Salary

The collective bargaining agreement outlines a salary schedule for teachers based on their years of experience and level of education. The schedule includes annual step increases for teachers who meet certain criteria, such as completing professional development hours or receiving a satisfactory evaluation.

Benefits

The agreement also includes provisions for health insurance, dental insurance, and retirement benefits. Sau 21 offers a variety of health insurance plans, including high deductible plans with health savings accounts and traditional PPO plans with deductibles and co-pays. The district contributes a portion of the premium cost for each plan.

Dental insurance is also available to teachers and their families at a cost to the employee. The district offers a retirement plan through the New Hampshire Retirement System, and employees are required to contribute a portion of their salary to the plan.

Working Conditions

The collective bargaining agreement includes provisions for working conditions such as class size, prep time, and duty assignments. The agreement also outlines procedures for addressing disciplinary action or grievances.

Class size is a significant concern for many teachers, and the agreement includes language that limits the number of students in a class. The agreement also provides for a certain amount of prep time during the day, which is essential for teachers to plan lessons and grade assignments.

Duty assignments refer to non-teaching responsibilities that teachers may be required to perform, such as monitoring hallways or supervising lunch periods. The agreement outlines how these assignments are assigned and compensated.

In conclusion, the Sau 21 Collective Bargaining Agreement is an essential document that outlines the terms and conditions of employment for teachers in the district. The agreement includes provisions for salaries, benefits, and working conditions that are designed to attract and retain high-quality teachers. It is a critical component in maintaining a positive relationship between the district and its employees.