Dear VPS families:
As you may know from local media coverage, Vancouver Public Schools is negotiating a new contract with the Vancouver Association of Educational Support Professionals, the union that represents our secretaries, clerks, paraeducators and technology support specialists. As we experienced in the recent negotiations with the Vancouver Education Association, we are finding that the bargaining process is more challenging and time-consuming this year due to changes in the state’s funding system for K-12 education. Nevertheless, I am hopeful that we will reach an agreement soon.
Information about the status of contract negotiations with VAESP is available on the VPS website, where we have created a special page to post regular updates. The website also provides a form for you to send us questions, which we will be glad to answer. I encourage you to visit the website regularly to stay informed about the status of contract negotiations.
Vancouver Public Schools has a proud history of working together with its employee associations for the benefit of the students, families and community we serve. Our goal is to provide fair and competitive compensation in a fiscally responsible manner. We are prepared to negotiate as often as necessary to achieve a settlement with VAESP. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we complete this process.
Sincerely,
Steven T. Webb, Ed.D.
Superintendent