Dear HTH Families:
We want to share with you an overview of where we are in the collective bargaining process. We are encouraged, but also realize there is still much work to be done.
Sincerely,
Interim Chief Executive Officer Dr. Kaleb Rashad
Board Chair Gary E. Jacobs
Overview
The High Tech High (HTH) bargaining team and the High Tech Education Collective (HTEC) have met remotely on multiple occasions since Tuesday, January 11, 2022, for collective bargaining. Both sides have discussed proposals, shared counters, and identified common areas of interest.
A collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is brand new to High Tech High. There are a range of items that need to be bargained, from performance evaluation processes to benefits, leaves, hours, salaries and wages. Bargaining is a process. Our goals in bargaining are to ensure teachers are valued and appreciated, that we have a sustainable financial model, and that we work together to support the learning and growth of all students. We remain committed to a collaborative problem-solving process to reach an agreement.
HTH Teachers
High Tech High teachers create a place where every student is known well and meaningfully connected to one another and work that matters. We also acknowledge that this has been an incredibly challenging period for our teachers, and teachers everywhere. High Tech High has not been immune to the difficulties in educating students amid an on-going pandemic. This has been compounded by a teacher and substitute teacher shortage that has impacted schools. We truly believe that our teachers do some of the most critical work in education. In partnership with the High Tech Education Collective (HTEC), we will work collaboratively to address the unique challenges we face.
What’s next?
More bargaining dates are scheduled. Bargaining is typically a gradual process that takes time to work out the fine, often complex details of an agreement. We have committed members at the table seeking an agreement as soon as possible.
Calendar
March 16th – Full Day Bargaining
April 14th – Half Day Bargaining
April 28th – Full Day Bargaining
What’s the status of teacher pay increases?
The HTH Board approved an increase of teacher salaries in order to meet minimum threshold requirements for employees whose salaries had to be increased as part of the state’s new minimum wage requirements that went into effect January 1. This resulted in nearly half of our teachers, or 46%, receiving a salary increase of 3-6%. This was a first step in reviewing and revising all of our salary schedules and compensation frameworks so that they are as equitable, competitive, and sustainable as possible.
Why don’t we have an agreement already?
Whereas other school districts already have Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) in place, this is brand new to High Tech High. Benefits, leaves, hours, salaries, and wages all need to be collaboratively negotiated. HTH is also working hard to make sure the CBA captures what makes us unique. This process can take time. We are committed to working together to honor our teachers’ hard work, and continue to provide the educational experience for our kids that we all value so deeply. We will not compromise our organizational design principles throughout this process.
How will collective bargaining impact class sizes at my child’s school?
HTH has had historically lower class sizes and school enrollment than comparable traditional school districts. For example, a typical public high school can have class sizes of 40 students and teacher workloads of 150 students or more in a typical day consisting of at least five class periods with students (oftentimes with multiple classes to plan for). By comparison, HTH campuses traditionally have had class sizes in the 20s. Because of our focus on Project Based Learning, HTH is committed to doing all it can to preserve our unique culture and learning environment while meeting our financial responsibilities.
Are there really budget differences between charter schools and traditional school districts?
Yes, and important differences at that. For example, HTH spends a significant portion of the money we receive from the state to operate our schools to pay for the loans that were needed to purchase, maintain, and renovate our campuses. Traditional school districts do not have this expense because buildings are typically paid for through separate bond funding. Charter schools generally do not have access to that funding.
What are you doing to ensure teachers are heard and valued?
Dr. Kaleb Rashad, our Interim CEO, and Janie Griswold, our Chief Learning Officer, have been working closely with our sites and teachers since the start of the New Year to understand and respond to the needs of our learning community. They have been visiting each of our campuses along with the charter management staff, Board members, and Graduate School of Education staff to provide support and ensure we see, hear, and respond to the needs of our students, teachers, and directors.
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