Negotiations 5-4-26

This meeting of the Calendars USD negotiation team on May 4, 2026, focused primarily on discussions around collaboration time, professional development (PD) scheduling, and leave policies affecting teachers. The parties debated the structure and timing of collaboration and PD hours, with proposals to form a committee to explore these issues further, including class size and safety concerns. They also discussed the possibility of restoring two-hour PD workdays on specific dates and the flexibility of collaboration or PLC time as directed by principals. Additionally, the meeting covered leave bank language and potential concessions related to personal leave days, including limits on accrual and buy-back options. Significant attention was given to salary budget considerations, including step and column increases, base salary adjustments, and the introduction of new salary schedule columns (bachelor's plus 45 and master's plus 45), with concerns about the unknown cost impact of these changes. The team reviewed budget projections based on state aid increases and staffing changes, aiming to balance compensation improvements with fiscal responsibility. No formal votes were recorded, but action items included drafting specific language on leave and salary proposals and scheduling follow-up meetings to finalize agreements.