Jefferson County Schools Reach Agreement on Labor

I wanted to let you know that Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) and the Jefferson County Teachers Association (JCTA) have reached a tentative agreement on a new five-year labor contract.

Meeting student needs and providing the best possible education have been the primary goals for both parties throughout our negotiations, and the agreement builds upon ongoing efforts that are designed to boost academic achievement.

The agreement must be approved by the Jefferson County Board of Education and ratified by the JCTA membership before it is final.

Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) and the Jefferson County Teachers Association (JCTA) have reached a tentative agreement on a new five-year labor contract. Read the letter from Superintendent Donna Hargens below:

JCPS and JCTA responded to the concerns of the community through the following key provisions in the contract:

All principals will have more flexibility in hiring teachers who are requesting transfers.

All principals will be able to assign teachers where they can best serve the students’ academic needs. Assignments are based on several equally weighted criteria, including certification, preference, measurable employee capabilities, needs of the educational program, seniority, and balance of workload.

Principals at Priority Schools continue to have complete autonomy in hiring.

Pursuant to state law, the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement will not supersede the statutory requirements for Priority Schools.

All parents will have the opportunity to access grades and attendance online via the Parent Portal, a secure Web-based system.

In addition, although it is not part of the contract, the district has committed to use $5 million in fund balance to provide targeted extra learning hours for students.

Donna M. Hargens, Ed.D.

JCPS Superintendent