Redding Teachers Get a New Deal

The Redding Board of Education and the Redding Education Association (REA) have agreed on the terms of a new three-year contract, starting July 1, 2012, and ending June 30, 2015. The contract is contained in an award stipulated to by the parties and issued by Arbitrator Larry Foy on Nov. 14.

The stipulated award provides Redding teachers a 1.0% Total Wage Increase (“TWI”) in year one, a 2.8% TWI in year two and a 2.8% TWI increase in the final year. The salary increase over the three year term will be an annual average of 2.2%. In addition, the stipulated award calls for a 15 minute increase in instructional time each school day, for a total 6 hour 45 minute instructional day. Important healthcare cost savings were also agreed to and included in the stipulated award.

“The two parties worked very hard to reach agreement and the results are both fair and fiscally responsible, especially considering the increase in instruction time each day,” said Dr. Jess Gaspar, Redding board chair.

Dr. Bernard Josefsberg, the superintendent of schools for Redding, added, “The contract balances well the education needs of our town, with the interest of the taxpayers, and the interest of members of the Redding Education Association. The agreement continues to provide incentives to teachers who distinguish themselves in their education of our students and in their contributions to our school district.”

Melissa Svahra, REA Negotiations Chair, stated: “The REA is pleased that we could resolve all outstanding issues and conclude negotiations. We thank all involved during this process for their collaborative efforts in bringing about an agreement."