Key points:

  • In VPS’ current financial proposal, VAESP members could receive a total base salary increase of 8.5 percent from 2017-18 to 2018-19.
  • Over four years, VAESP members would receive a total base salary increase of 15.5 percent.
  • On average, VAESP members would be ranked first or second in hourly compensation for similar positions across Clark County school districts.
  • VAESP hourly salaries at the top of the salary schedule would improve as follows:
    • Secretaries – from $25.32 in 2017-18 to $29.17 in 2021-22
    • Clerks – from $23.16 in 2017-18 to $26.66 in 2021-22
    • General education paraeducators – from $20.11 in 2017-18 to $23.20 in 2021-22
    • Special education paraeducators – from $20.71 in 2017-18 to $23.89 in 2021-22
  • VPS would face a shortfall of nearly $14 million over the next three years to pay for the current proposal and the recent settlement with the Vancouver Education Association (teachers’ union). The shortfall would be addressed through budget cutting and spending from the district’s ending fund balance.
  • VPS also must negotiate a new contract with the Service Employees International Union next year.

This evening, after negotiating for approximately 8.5 consecutive hours, Vancouver Public Schools presented a new financial proposal to the Vancouver Association of Educational Support Professionals. After receiving the proposal, and without presenting a counter proposal, VAESP leaders walked out of state-mediated bargaining at 6:30 p.m. Both parties and the mediator previously had agreed to negotiate into the late evening.

VPS and VAESP continue to bargain with the support of a state mediator to resolve the primary issues on the table, which are classified staff salaries and workload relief. Negotiations are scheduled to resume on Dec. 21 when the mediator is available to return to Vancouver.

Today’s proposal to VAESP would cost the district, on average, nearly $3 million each of the next four years for a total of $12 million.

Visit the district website for additional information and regular updates.