Other
12 Month School Year Reopener — If District adopts year-round or extended school year calendar, association retains right to reopen negotiations concerning affected terms and conditions of employment.
In the event that the District should decide to adopt a year-round or extended school year calendar, the parties agree that the association retains the right to reopen negotiations concerning affected terms and conditions of employment.
Other
Academic Freedom Policy — Board and Administration agree to adhere to existing board policy on academic freedom as non-contractual policy, subject to mid-term bargaining if changed
The Board and the Administration agree to adhere to the existing board policy on academic freedom as a non-contractual policy of the Board. Should the Board and/or the Administration decide to change such policy, the policy shall be subject to mid-term bargaining.
Other
Access To Public Information — The Board agrees to provide the President of the Association in response to reasonable written requests with the agenda and minutes of all Board meetings, current annual financial reports and audits, a list of names and addresses of certificated personnel, tentative budget when it is placed on public display, and any other public information normally available
The Board agrees to provide the President of the Association in response to reasonable written requests with the agenda and minutes of all Board meetings, current annual financial reports and audits, a list of names and addresses of certificated personnel, tentative budget when it is placed on public display, and any other public information normally available.
Leave
Accident Injury Reporting — employees must immediately report accidents or injuries; custodial/maintenance report to Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds; others to immediate supervisor
Employees shall immediately report all accidents or injuries sustained by themselves or others in which they are involved. All custodial/maintenance employees shall report said accidents or injuries to the Office of the Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds.
Other
Agreement Complete Understanding — Terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement represent complete understanding between parties and may be modified only by mutual written consent
The terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement represent the complete understanding and commitment between the parties. Lack of consent by either party shall not constitute a violation of this Agreement.
Other
Agreement Ratification Process — When agreement has been reached on matters being negotiated, the items will be reduced to final form, initiated by representatives of both parties, and submitted to the membership of the Association for ratification and to the Board for official approval
When agreement has been reached on matters being negotiated, the items will be reduced to final form, initiated by representatives of both parties, and submitted to the membership of the Association for ratification and to the Board for official approval.
Other
Agreement Supersedes Policy — Any Board policy in conflict with this Agreement is void and this Agreement supersedes
Any Board policy which is in conflict with this Agreement shall be void and this Agreement shall supersede.
Grievance
Arbitration Binding — Binding arbitration with American Arbitration Association
If the grievance is not settled in accordance with the foregoing procedure, the Union may refer the grievance to binding arbitration within fifteen (15) business days after receipt of the Superintendent's answer in Step 2. The parties shall attempt to agree upon an arbitrator within fifteen (15) business days after receipt of notice of referral.
Workday
Assignment Notice Timing — Returning full-time teachers given assignment document on or before last day of previous school year; changes after August 1st requires notification and counseling
A returning full-time teacher will be given a document showing his/her regular teaching assignment for the forthcoming year on or before the last day of the previous school year.
Other
Association Officers Roster Submission — The Association shall submit by November 1st each year to the Superintendent or his/her designee a current list of officers, negotiating committee, grievance committee members, the members of the representative assembly, and a membership roster. Any revision of this list shall be submitted to the Superintendent.
The Association shall submit by November 1st each year to the Superintendent or his/her designee a current list of officers, negotiating committee, grievance committee members, the members of the representative assembly, and a membership roster. Any revision of this list shall be submitted to the Superintendent.
Other
Association President Released Time Days — The President(s) of the Association and/or his/her/their designee shall each be granted up to a maximum of five (5) days released time for the purpose of Association business. The Association shall be granted an additional ten (10) days subject to specific conditions.
The President(s) of the Association and/or his/her/their designee shall each be granted up to a maximum of five (5) days released time for the purpose of Association business. The Association shall be granted an additional ten (10) days subject to the following:
Compensation
Ba Min Salary — 41528 for 2022-2023
Beginning in the 2022-2023 school year and going through the 2025-2026 school year, newly hired teachers with no previous experience and no hours beyond a BA/BS, will receive a starting base salary of the following, plus Board-paid TRS contribution of 9%: 2022-2023 $41,528
Other
Bargaining Unit Recognition — Sterling Education Association affiliated with IEA/NEA recognized as sole and exclusive bargaining representative for all certificated teaching personnel
The Board recognizes the Sterling Education Association, affiliated with IEA/NEA, as the sole and exclusive bargaining representative for all certificated teaching personnel including all certificated alternative teachers, hereinafter referred to as 'teachers,' employed by the Board.
Compensation
Base Salary Increase Yr1 — 3% increase for 2025-2026 school term
For the 2025-2026 school term, employees who began working for the District prior to the end of the 2024-2025 school year, shall receive an increase of 3% over their 2024-2025 hourly rate.
Compensation
Base Salary Increase Yr2 — 3% increase for 2026-2027 school term
For the 2026-2027 school term, employees who began working for the District prior to the end of the 2025-2026, shall receive an increase of 3% over their 2025-2026 hourly rate.
Compensation
Base Salary Increase Yr3 — 2.5% increase for 2027-2028 school term
For the 2027-2028 school term, employees who began working for the District prior to the end of the 2026-2027, shall receive an increase of 2.5% over their 2026-2027 hourly rate.
Leave
Bereavement Days — Up to five bereavement leave days per occurrence for immediate family; up to three paid and up to two unpaid dock days
An employee may submit a request to use up to three (3) paid personal leave days. If the employee has previously exhausted his/her personal leave days, he/she may request up to two (2) days deducted from sick leave. Additionally, if all other leave days are exhausted, employees may take up to three (3) unpaid Dock Days, for a total of up to five (5) Bereavement Leave Days per occurrence.
Other
Board Agenda Item Notification — The Board shall place on the agenda of each regular Board meeting for consideration under SEA Communications any matters brought to its attention for its consideration by the Association so long as these matters are made known in writing to the Superintendent eighty-two (82) hours prior to the regular meeting.
The Board shall place on the agenda of each regular Board meeting for consideration under SEA Communications any matters brought to its attention for its consideration by the Association so long as these matters are made known in writing to the Superintendent eighty-two (82) hours prior to the regular meeting.
Other
Building Use For Union Meetings — Association and its representative shall have the right to use school buildings for meetings and to transact Association business on school property outside of the teacher's required school day. Request for building usage will be submitted to the principal twenty-four (24) hours prior to intended use.
The Board agrees that the Association and its representative shall have the right to use school buildings for meetings and to transact Association business on school property outside of the teacher's required school day provided that this does not interfere with any school or community sponsored activities. A request for building usage will be submitted to the principal twenty-four (24) hours prior to intended use.
Other
Building Use Special Custodial Charge — When special custodial service is required, the Board may make a reasonable charge for this service. This section shall not be applicable to any meeting of ten (10) or more persons where more than fifteen percent (15%) of those attendance are other than employees or members of the immediate family or employees of the Board.
When special custodial service is required, the Board may make a reasonable charge for this service. This section shall not be applicable to any meeting of ten (10) or more persons where more than fifteen percent (15%) of those attendance are other than employees or members of the immediate family.
Other
Bulletin Board Space — Board agrees bulletin board space shall be provided for the use of the Association in each school building for posting notices of Association concern
The Board agrees bulletin board space shall be provided for the use of the Association in each school building for posting notices of Association concern.
Other
Calendar Committee Representation — Association entitled to representation on school calendar committee and appropriate district advisory committees
The Association shall be entitled to representation on the school calendar committee and any appropriate district advisory committee.
Other
Collaborative Decision Not Subject To Reopener — Implementation of any collaborative decision will not be subject to Article 4.7 reopener clause
The Board agrees that the implementation of any collaborative decision will not be subject to Article 4.7 of this Agreement.
Other
Compensation Survey — if Association notifies by July 15 of intent to jointly prepare Compensation Comparability Survey, parties establish joint committee by September 15 to determine data scope and analysis
If the Association notifies the Administration by the July 15th prior to the expiration of the collective bargaining agreement that it wishes to jointly prepare a Compensation Comparability Survey, the parties agree to establish a joint committee for such purpose by no later than September 15th of the same year.
Leave
Conference Leave Paid — Teachers attending State Conference shall be granted leave of absence without loss of salary or other benefits provided the Association shall remit to the Board an amount equal to the normal short-term substitute salary rate for each teacher attending
Teachers attending such conferences shall be granted leave of absence without loss of salary or other benefits provided the Association shall remit to the Board an amount equal to the normal short-term substitute salary rate for each teacher attending such conference.
Workday
Contract Days Teacher — District may require employees to work on non-student attendance days and early outs for job-related training or duties
The district may require employees to work on non-student attendance days and early outs for job-related training and/or duties. If there are no essential trainings and/or duties to be performed on these days, employees may request a non-paid day.
Other
Course Hours Limit — One semester hour per twelve (12) clock hours may be assigned to approved courses
One semester hour per twelve (12) clock hours may be assigned to approved courses.
Other
Course Hours Per Semester Limit — Up to the greater of two courses or six (6) credit hours per semester taken during Sterling Public Schools school term will be considered educational salary credit unless: a) teacher required to take more than two courses or six (6) credit hours per semester under approved program or b) teacher has prior approval to take more than two courses or six (6) credit hours
Up to the greater of two courses/six (6) credit hours per semester taken during a Sterling Public Schools school term will be considered educational salary credit unless: a) the teacher is required to take more than two courses/six (6) credit hours per semester under either an approved program leading to National Board Certification, or the teacher's approved graduate program; or b) the teacher has the prior approval of the Superintendent, or his/her designee, to take more than two (2) courses/six
Other
Courses Improve Teaching Ability — Courses must improve full-time teacher's ability to perform assigned duties in school system, unless one other area of emphasis within teacher's certificate is declared to Superintendent. Undergraduate, workshops, extension courses may be approved to improve teaching skills or supervision of supplemental activities.
Courses must improve a full-time teacher's ability to perform his/her assigned duties in this school system, unless one other area of emphasis or specification within a teacher's certificate is declared to the Superintendent or his/her designee. Undergraduate courses, workshops, and extension courses may be approved for the purpose of improving one's teaching skills or supervision of supplemental activities.
Other
Coursework Before Graduate Program Approval — Any coursework completed before approval of graduate program requires advance approval. Course approved by accredited college or university as part of graduate program accepted by Superintendent for educational salary credit. All educational salary credit Master's degrees recognized for educational salary credit.
Any coursework completed before the approval of a graduate program requires advance approval pursuant to Section 6.1A. Any course approved by the accredited college or university as part of the teacher's graduate program will be accepted by the Superintendent, or his/her designee, for educational salary credit. All educational salary credit Master's degrees will be recognized for educational salary credit.
Insurance
Dental Coverage — Board pays 60% of dental premium for individual and family plan per month for 2025-2026 school year
For the 2025-2026 school year the Board shall pay 60% of the dental premium for an individual and family plan per month.
Evaluation
Differentiated Evaluation Option — Tenured teachers may choose Differentiated Evaluation Option (DEO) with mutual agreement and minimum Proficient rating
A tenured teacher may choose to participate in the Differentiated Evaluation Option (DEO), which is a plan created by the teacher and the building principal, or designee, as a means to creatively improve and/or develop instructional best practices.
Leave
Disability Leave — Full-time non-probationary employees who exhaust sick leave may apply for unpaid disability leave for temporary disability
Any full-time, non-probationary employee who is temporarily disabled and has exhausted all available sick leave may apply for a disability leave without pay or other benefits subject to the general conditions of Section 19.8 below.
Grievance
Disciplinary Action Representation — Teacher subject to discipline has right to Association representation (Building Rep, SEA Executive Committee member, or UniServ Director)
If as a consequence of such complaint any disciplinary action shall be taken, the teacher involved shall have the right to Association representation, which shall mean a "Building Rep.", a member of the SEA Executive Committee, or the UniServ Director.
Other
Disciplinary Causes — nine categories of conduct subject to discipline: dishonesty, incompetence, insubordination, drug/alcohol use, neglect of duty, damage to property, etc.
Disorderly or immoral conduct; Incompetency or inefficiency; Insubordination; Use of alcoholic beverages or marijuana outside of duty or on school grounds that results in impairment while on duty; Use of illegal drugs while on duty; Neglect of duty; Negligence or willful damage to public property or waste of public supplies or equipment.
Other
Drug Alcohol Policy — Board and Administration agree to adhere to existing board policy on drug and alcohol abuse as non-contractual policy, subject to mid-term bargaining if changed
The Board and the Administration agree to adhere to the existing board policy on drug and alcohol abuse as a non-contractual policy of the Board. Should the Board and/or Administration decide to change such policy, the policy shall be subject to mid-term bargaining.
Workday
Duty Free Lunch Elementary — forty minute duty-free lunch period for elementary teachers
Each elementary teacher (K-5) shall be entitled to a forty (40) minute duty-free lunch period.
Other
Education Support Personnel Manual — manual contains general information regarding Board policies and practices; Administration annually reviews manual with unit members at annual orientation meeting
The education support personnel manual ("manual") shall contain general information regarding Board policies and practices which affect the unit members as employees. Additionally, the Administration shall annually review the manual with the unit members at an annual orientation meeting.
Other
Educational Credit Evidence — Statement from instructor or final grade acceptable evidence of completion. Official transcripts must be submitted to office of Superintendent or designee by beginning of Sterling Public Schools term or explanatory letter filed in Superintendent's office.
A statement from the instructor teaching the course or a final grade shall be acceptable evidence of completion. Official transcripts of completed courses must be submitted to the office of the Superintendent, or his/her designee, by the beginning of the Sterling Public Schools' term or an explanatory letter filed in the Superintendent's office.
Other
Educational Credit Timing Submission — Teachers submitting evidence before first semester start receive full credit. Those submitting after first semester start but before second semester start receive half credit, remainder applied at start of first semester following year.
A teacher who submits evidence of completion prior to the start of the first semester shall receive the full amount of the educational service credit. A teacher who submits evidence of completion after the start of the first semester, but prior to the start of the second semester, shall receive half the amount of the educational service credit, with the remainder to be applied at the start of the first semester in the following school year.
Other
Educational Salary Credit Accredited Institutions — Board awards educational salary credit for credits from accredited college or university. Other institutions offering courses, workshops or seminars during Sterling Public Schools regular school year subject to prior approval by Superintendent or designee.
The Board of Education will award educational salary credit for a teacher earning approved credits from an accredited college or university. Other institutions or organizations offering courses, workshops or seminars during the Sterling Public Schools regular school year shall be subject to prior approval by the Superintendent or his/her designee.
Other
Educational Salary Credit Twice Yearly — Educational salary credit awarded twice a year at the beginning of each semester upon receipt of evidence of completion of a course with C or better grade or pass from pass-fail course
Educational salary credit will be awarded twice a year at the beginning of each semester upon receipt of evidence of completion of a course with a 'C' or better grade or a 'pass' from a pass-fail course.
Workday
Elementary Planning Time — Board shall provide each elementary teacher with 250 minutes of planning time per week during student attendance hours
The Board shall provide each elementary teacher with 250 minutes of planning time per week during student attendance hours exclusive of recess time with such planning time to be distributed
Insurance
Employee Premium Share Pct — Dental premium increases split 50/50 between Board and employee
Dental premium increases will be split 50/50 between the Board and the employee.
Compensation
Esp Group 1 Fy26 Hourly — Group #1 starting hourly rate FY26
Special Education Aide, Library Aide, Security Aide, Custodian, Grounds, Parent Coordinator, Title 1 Aide, Vocational Aide, Bilingual Aide, PreK Aide - $15.91/hour FY26
Compensation
Esp Group 1 Fy27 Hourly — Group #1 starting hourly rate FY27
Group #1 FY27 - $16.15/hour
Compensation
Esp Group 1 Fy28 Hourly — Group #1 starting hourly rate FY28
Group #1 FY28 - $16.39/hour
Compensation
Esp Group 2 Fy26 Hourly — Group #2 starting hourly rate FY26
Receiving, Head Custodian - $17.08/hour FY26
Compensation
Esp Group 2 Fy27 Hourly — Group #2 starting hourly rate FY27
Group #2 FY27 - $17.34/hour
Compensation
Esp Group 2 Fy28 Hourly — Group #2 starting hourly rate FY28
Group #2 FY28 - $17.60/hour
Compensation
Esp Group 3 Fy26 Hourly — Group #3 starting hourly rate FY26
Maintenance, Head Groundskeeper - $19.55/hour FY26
Compensation
Esp Group 3 Fy27 Hourly — Group #3 starting hourly rate FY27
Group #3 FY27 - $19.85/hour
Compensation
Esp Group 3 Fy28 Hourly — Group #3 starting hourly rate FY28
Group #3 FY28 - $20.14/hour
Compensation
Esp Group 4 Fy26 Hourly — Group #4 starting hourly rate FY26
Nurse, Law Enforcement Security Officer - $23.23/hour FY26
Compensation
Esp Group 4 Fy27 Hourly — Group #4 starting hourly rate FY27
Group #4 FY27 - $23.58/hour
Compensation
Esp Group 4 Fy28 Hourly — Group #4 starting hourly rate FY28
Group #4 FY28 - $23.93/hour
Compensation
Esp Group 5 Fy26 Hourly — Group #5 starting hourly rate FY26
Health Aide (CNA) - $17.17/hour FY26
Compensation
Esp Group 5 Fy27 Hourly — Group #5 starting hourly rate FY27
Group #5 FY27 - $17.43/hour
Compensation
Esp Group 5 Fy28 Hourly — Group #5 starting hourly rate FY28
Group #5 FY28 - $17.69/hour
Compensation
Esp Group 6 Fy26 Hourly — Group #6 starting hourly rate FY26
Health Aide (Medical Assistant) - $18.18/hour FY26