ALBANY, Ore. — Greater Albany Public Schools said Sunday evening that a deal with the union bargaining team for striking teachers was "being finalized," although there would still be no classes on Monday, Dec. 2. The union later confirmed that they'd reached a tentative deal.
The district said initially that bargaining teams had been working over the Thanksgiving break and were in the process of signing all remaining articles for a new contract, though there were still a few details to finish.
"The District will continue to work collaboratively with the GAEA (teachers union) on a final strike settlement agreement to end the strike and return staff to work as soon as possible," the district said in a statement.
Even if the union bargaining team signs off on a deal, union members will need to vote to ratify the agreement before it can go back to the Albany school board for sign-off.
After an agreement is ratified, the district said, students will be on a two-hour late start the following day. That start date will be announced as soon as everything else is finalized, but the district said it hoped to have classes back in session on Tuesday.
"We understand this situation continues to be challenging for everyone involved," the district bargaining team said. "We will remain committed to keeping you informed and will provide updates as soon as we have more information to share."
Later Sunday night, the Greater Albany Education Association confirmed in a message to members that they had reached a full tentative agreement with the district.
According to the union, the agreement includes several key concessions from the district:
Class size and safety: New thresholds for class sizes and dedicated funds to provide additional certified and classified support; committees established to address overcrowded and unsafe conditions at both elementary and secondary levels. Guaranteed solutions at the elementary level with appropriated funding. A memorandum of understanding that commits to ensuring reasonable kindergarten class size at 22 for Title 1 and 25 for non-Title with dedicated funds prioritized to hire more teachers and classified staff.
Pay increases:
2024-2025: 7% for years 1-15; 9% for longevity.
2025-2026: 4.5% for years 1-15; 5.5% for longevity.
2026-2027: Minimum 3%, up to 5%, based on inflation.
Prep time: Daily uninterrupted prep time
Professional development: A 30-hour cap on professional development and clear language that protects PLC time.
Two daily restroom breaks.
The GAEA said that it still needed to negotiation a return to work agreement, and that they had not agreed to the two-hour delay outlined by the district.
"All of those details are subject to negotiation and we have not begun to negotiate it," the union said. "Details later tonight to come."
Union members will meet Monday and vote on whether to ratify the agreement, and over 50% of full union members must vote in favor for it to pass. The strike remains in effect until a contract is ratified.
