The following is from a press release from the Sumner School District:

Members of the Sumner Education Association voted to ratify a proposed contract for the 2011-12 and 2012-13 school years.

Seventy-two percent of members attending the meeting voted to accept the tentative agreement, which the District and the union finalized on Sept. 16.

“Our educators have a strong commitment to students and families in our District,” said Superintendent Craig Spencer. “Our students were able to start school on time while the bargaining team continued negotiations, reaching a tentative agreement that has resulted in a fair contract for teachers despite challenging budget issues.”

Spencer described the two-year contract as “sustaining more planning time and lower class size than surrounding districts, along with competitive compensation. Sumner School District has strong reputation as a great place to learn and work. What makes us special is our commitment to working collaboratively toward professional development that advances learning for all. This contract allows us to continue to do so despite the difficult financial times we are experiencing.”

Highlights of the contract with the Sumner Education Association:

• Teachers will be compensated for the 1.9 percent state reduction in salaries with an annual stipend and furlough time, equaling 3.4 days pay;

• Teachers will maintain the same amount of planning time and work day, base and TRI compensation;

• Teachers will NOT have an increase in class size;

• Teachers will have opportunities for professional development to replace the loss of all state LID days through the use of student waiver days and late starts;

• Teachers will use a new evaluation instrument that aligns with new state teacher evaluation criteria;

• Teachers will have extended leave benefits for maternity, paternity and adoption; and

• Teachers will have opportunities for leadership development and stipends through the Teacher Leader Program.

“We value the work our teachers do and we want them to be successful in the classroom,” Spencer said. “The new Teacher Leader Program expands the traditional department chair model to elementary schools and rewards instructional leadership. The Program also gives teachers valuable experience in leadership that is aligned with our Professional Learning Communities model.”

The Sumner School District Board of Directors is scheduled to vote on the contract at the regular meeting today, Wednesday.