December 17, 2009

Boulder Valley Teachers Accept Contract Offer

In an effort to end the 2009-10 contract dispute between Boulder teachers and the Boulder Valley School District, members of the Boulder Valley Education Association (BVEA) have reluctantly voted to accept an offer by the school district.

Last month, members rejected the district's offer at the time. Several weeks ago, BVEA approached the district about bringing closure to the current situation so that all could move forward. After several meetings and some minor changes to the district's final offer, BVEA asked its members to vote once again. Yesterday they approved the contract offer.

BVEA President Melissa Tingley said, "The two votes, first to reject and now to accept, show how dissatisfied teachers are with this entire process. They are distressed by the lack of respect for the valuable role they play in the success of this district. Neither the school board nor the administration seems willing to recognize that students cannot learn and become successful citizens without the dedication and hard work of the district's teachers.

"For months the district and school board have ignored our requests to work together to solve problems and move forward for the benefit of the students, the teachers, and the district. The administration's hard line position taken last spring has not changed. Throughout the metro area, districts have chosen to recognize how important employees are to student achievement. BVSD has chosen to stonewall," Tingley asserted.

"We hope that the district understands the serious morale problem it has created among all its employees. Our members will continue to provide quality education to Boulder Valley students. That is their mission and their commitment. But the district and the community must realize that the disrespect and lack of collaboration is taking a toll on our dedicated employees.

"We ask that the district and the school board make a New Year's resolution to rebuild its relationship with its employees for the benefit of the students, the district and the community," concluded Tingley.