Lake Washington Teachers Get New Contract: Longer Work Day, Snow Day Added

REDMOND, WA - Teachers in the Lake Washington School District have a new four-year contract with the district. The teachers approved the contract with 86 percent approval in a vote that ended May 29. The Lake Washington school board approved the contract at its June 5 meeting.

Two of the biggest changes in the contract include a longer work day for teachers, which will allow them more planning time, and an additional snow day beginning in the 2018-19 school year.

Here are the most notable changes, according to the school district:

Longer work day for teachers: Teachers will get an additional 30 minutes of work time each day, and will be compensated for the extra time. The extra time will go toward teacher planning and prep time, and the district believes it will help attract and retain top teacher talent.

Snow day added: Beginning in the 2018-19 school year, the district will add an additional snow day. The snow day will be the Tuesday after Memorial Day each year. If the day does't get used, students will get that day off.

Better substitute pay: The district will increase compensation for substitute teacher to address a shortage of the temporary teaching staff.

New support staff: The district will hire new special education staff, including teachers and specialists; the district will also add a full-time counselor at each elementary school for social and emotional support and development.

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