Washougal School District OKs deal with employees association

The Washougal School District’s board of directors has voted to approve a new two-year agreement between the district and Washougal chapter of the Public Schools Employees association.

The new deal, which runs from 2017 to 2019 with a possible re-opener on salary only in 2018, calls for a 2.7 percent salary increase across the board, in addition to the 2.3 percent state cost of living allowance.

The Public School Employees association is made up of the district’s classified staff, such as paraprofessional educators, bus drivers and custodians. Washougal teachers ratified a one-year contract for the current school year in September.

As part of the agreement, spouses who are both in the employee group can pool insurance allocations and provide specific job title pay increases for paraprofessionals, warehouse persons, dispatchers and early learning staff throughout a two-year period.

Members of the association voted to ratify the contract on Nov. 27.

“The school district appreciates the support all (association) members provide to students, staff and families throughout the school year,” Superintendent Mike Stromme said in a release from the district. “Their commitment to educating all Washougal children and supporting teachers and families is evident as they are often the first to greet students in the morning, support teaching and student learning throughout the school day and are often the last to see students as they head home.”