School Board approves agreement, swears in new president, vice president

ROYAL CITY — The Royal School Board swore in a new president and vice president Monday evening, along with a new Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) representative.

Warren Small took over the reigns as president, with Justin Brown stepping in as vice president, and Craig Janett as the new WIAA rep. Each will serve four-year terms in their new positions.

The board also voted unanimously to approve the ratification of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, which has been in negotiation since May. Prior to the board meeting, teachers and staff voted on the tentative agreement with a 71 percent approval.

The new one-year agreement includes a pay increase of about 5 percent to all certified teachers and staff members within the Royal School District. The increase in pay directly correlates to responsibility days — days when teachers are working additional hours outside of the classroom. Previously, the responsibility rate of pay was 2.8 percent, but now with the agreement that rate is 7.8 percent. Modifications to teacher evaluation procedures were also agreed on. Coaches are also no longer represented in the new agreement.

During the meeting Superintendent Roger Trail also announced that all schools will have one-hour late starts every Monday beginning on Jan. 29 through May 14. These late starts will allow teachers an opportunity to do their planning and evaluating.

“That’s time for teachers to look at data and share ideas,” said Trail. He explained that teachers use that time to share ideas and look at different strategies to better help their students and find new ways to make improvements.

The Red Rock Elementary School modernization project is also underway, as principal, David Andra, along with a group of teachers continue to look at different security features and plans. The robotics program also continues to grow as more teachers are being trained in the field, and students now have experience at competition.