Development News for Caldwell, Idaho

School District and CEA Continue Master Agreement Negotiations, Addressing HB 516 and Salary Schedule Adjustments

The school district and the Caldwell Education Association (CEA) are continuing negotiations on various aspects of the master agreement, including salary schedules, stipends, and representational activities. Key discussions revolved around the implementation of HB 516, which mandates new rules for teacher union activities and requires clear language in the master agreement regarding representational activities, use of facilities, and reimbursement procedures. The parties are working to finalize language that complies with the new law while also addressing concerns about fairness, clarity, and avoiding past issues with contract issuance and pay adjustments. Specific points of contention and discussion included the interpretation of 'duty hours' versus 'duty status,' the process for stipend payments, the use of district facilities, and the structure of problem-solving teams (CAPS meetings). The upcoming meeting will focus on finalizing language for the relationship compact, CAPS meetings, 15 hours/staff meetings, fractional time, and workplace safety. Previous discussions on salary schedules and HB 516 language were advanced, with agreements reached on some points and others tabled for further discussion. The Teacher of the Year selection process and potential inequities were identified as a 'parking lot' item for future discussion.