The recently ratified agreements between labor unions and the Douglas County School District were accepted by the board of education last week.
The contract negotiations went as well as could be expected with the tight budget constraints facing the school district, said Brenda Smith, president of the Douglas County Federation of Teachers.
"We knew there was not enough money to give raises, so we had to look at different alternatives," she said.
Taking into account the current economy and district budget shortfall, the unions agreed to take a pay freeze for the current year and an increase in cost for health plans.
"The unions understood the current economic challenges faced not only by the district, but by the state," said Susan Meek, acting communications director for DCSD. "It all boils down to the economy."
Smith said the pay freeze will make it difficult for Dougco to remain competitive with neighboring districts, where teachers might be able to make more.
"It doesn't take long to slip behind, and I think the district will struggle with that over the next few years," she said.
According to DCSD, recruiting and maintaining teachers remains one of its priorities. The board of education recently amended its compensation, benefits and employment policy to emphasize the district's Pay for Performance system, Meek said.
A committee will be formed to provide oversight on Pay for Performance and evaluate how the system can be improved, she said.
"The district will try to remain competitive with neighboring school districts and is looking for alternatives through the pay for performance system," Meek said.
Smith said she credits the interest-based bargaining process with the ability to reach an agreement.
Compared to positional bargaining, parties come to the table with an issue and background on why that issue is important, allowing more mutual understanding of an issue, she said.
The contract was negotiated through 2011; however, salary negotiations are held every year, Smith said.
Erin Feese: 303-954-2953 or feesee@yourhub.com