Patrick Tranter had a few questions for the board Thursday night, Nov. 5, about the teacher’s contract.

By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — The 2020-21 Wawasee Teacher Master Agreement was unanimously approved Thursday evening, Nov. 5, during a brief special meeting of the Wawasee Community School Corporation Board of School Trustees.

Very little of the content of the agreement was noted during the meeting. James Flecker, director of finance, noted Jason Scott, chief negotiator for Wawasee Community Educators Association, and Angela Lortie, WCEA co-president, negotiated a successful bargaining session “considering the event that took place. It didn’t take extremely long to come to an agreement.”

Given the opportunity, Scott stated, “While the teachers would have appreciated or would have liked to have a base increase, we understand the situation as it is and so we’re happy we’re able to come to an agreement where every teacher in the school corporation is going to be able to get a stipend this year.”

Only one patron, Patrick Tranter, provided any comments regarding the teacher contract. “I’m curious about the teacher’s stipend as far as where does that come from, how do you determine that … with the little pay they are getting as far as the stipend and why is the central office getting significant raises.”

Flecker responded noting the stipend amount “is bargained for this year … the teacher’s association bargained with the central office and school board on how much is available. This year we’re down 81 students, we were down 31 last year and after bargaining with the teachers, Mr. Scott, I believe, ratified that with the teachers today … that’s how much money is in the education fund. That’s what pays for teachers. So education fund money is specified for certified staff and then most of the central office is paid out of the operating fund, which is separate money.”

Tranter attempted to discuss the referendum stating “you guys went for this referendum because you’re broke but then …” but was interrupted by Flecker noting that was a separate conversation and he would be willing to talk with Tranter following the meeting.

Following the meeting, Scott and Lortie provided a few highlights of the agreement.

The stipend would be a $1,500 one-time payment in lieu of a raise. Additionally, the agreement will allow 75 percent of a retiring teacher’s sick day to be put in a sick bank. Scott said, “typically it would just go away.” Lortie added some additional COVID-19 protection was also added should the federal COVID days not extend beyond the year.

This will allow teachers to pull from the sick bank instead of taking personal or vacation days.