From TSD#9 Superintendent Matt Ellis
The Tillamook School District is pleased to announce that the District and the Classified Association negotiating teams have successfully reached a final agreement following mediation on December 18, 2024. Through constructive dialogue and collaboration, both sides have settled on all contract terms, reaffirming their shared commitment to the success of our schools and the well-being of our dedicated staff.
Agreements Reached
The District and the Classified Association have now fully agreed on all twenty-two articles of the contract, covering key areas such as salaries, benefits, and working conditions. This agreement reflects a spirit of partnership, with both parties working together to address important priorities for the District and its staff.
Notable agreements include:
- Dismissal of Post-Probationary Employees – The District has agreed to the Association’s proposal to allow post-probationary employees to pursue grievances through arbitration, with a shared responsibility for legal fees, ensuring a balanced and fair approach.
- Salary – The salary agreement, which was conceptually agreed to on August 30, 2024, was adhered to and has been finalized, ensuring fair and competitive compensation for Classified staff members. The District is pleased to offer new contract pay rates for all Classified staff, which will be applied retroactively, effective July 1, 2024.
- Bereavement Leave & Jury Duty – The District is pleased to have reached an agreement clarifying compliance with the Oregon Family Leave Act and state law, providing enhanced support for employees during critical times such as bereavement or jury duty.
- Personal Leave Bank -After thorough discussion, the parties have agreed to maintain the current contract language, allowing Association members to donate personal leave days to one another in cases of serious medical conditions, preserving the existing leave-sharing structure.
- Vacancies -The District has agreed to language that prioritizes qualified staff members for internal transfers, with due consideration given to seniority. Additionally, the parties agreed to continue allowing the District to include an Association member in interview panels for District positions.
- Special Education -A new Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) has been established to form a collaborative committee that will help the District meet new state regulations related to Special Education, ensuring that our schools remain compliant and well-supported.
Moving Forward
The District is proud of the work accomplished during mediation and is confident that this final agreement will help strengthen our District while continuing to prioritize the needs of our students and staff. We value the dedication and hard work of our Classified staff and are committed to supporting the District’s mission of providing high-quality education for all students.
We greatly appreciate the collaborative efforts of both the District and the Association in reaching this successful resolution and look forward to continuing our work together to foster a positive and productive environment for both staff and students.
The Tillamook School District Board of Directors will vote on the Classified contract at the regular Board meeting on January 13, 2025, pending ratification by Association members prior to January 9, 2025.
For additional information, please contact:
Matthew Ellis, Superintendent, Tillamook School District
ellism@tillamook.k12.or.us