Local teachers and Summit School District have unanimously agreed on a new contract.
The contract is good through 2027 and promises better pay, professional development, and hours.
“Summit School District (SSD) and the Summit County Education Association (SCEA) are pleased to announce an agreed upon contract and compensation package for teachers and special service providers,” the two said in a joint statement. “This agreement reflects our common desire to provide high-quality education for Summit County students. It represents our shared belief that recruiting and retaining the best educators possible ultimately improves the student experience and outcomes.”
New, higher wages are tied to incentives and experience. Bilingual and special-ed teachers get a $2500 stipend.
Teachers can also earn more based on years in the classroom and continuing education, like graduate school or education conferences.
This contract ends months of wage negotiations, where superintendent Doctor Tony Byrd previously said the district could hardly afford to pay teachers more. He said that more than 80 percent of the district budget already goes to wages and benefits. Summit Schools has the second-highest wages in the state behind schools in Boulder County.