“The Long Awaited Agreements for Peterborough Teachers: A Win-Win Situation for All Involved”
After nearly an entire year of uncertainty and negotiations, the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board has reached tentative deals with both secondary and elementary contract teachers in Peterborough, Ont. The agreements are subject to ratification but would be in effect from September 1, 2022, to August 31, 2026, providing much-needed stability for the teachers and students alike.
A Step Forward for Both Contract Groups
The negotiations have been deemed a “long process” by Dave Warda, president of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation District 14. It began back in December of 2022 at the local level, allowing both parties to delve into substantial issues and find collaborative solutions that focus on not only the working conditions for the teachers but also the learning conditions for the students. According to Warda, coming to an agreement has deepened the professional relationship between the two sides, allowing for a better understanding of each other’s concerns and needs.
Jaine Klassen Jeniga, the school board chairperson, expressed gratitude for the positive and collaborative approach during the discussions, emphasizing the board’s commitment to moving forward toward even greater success for all. The sentiments have been echoed by David Berger, president of the Kawartha Pine Ridge local of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario, who is pleased with the substantial gains that will positively impact both the teachers’ working conditions and the students’ learning environment.
Final Thoughts
Elementary and secondary school teachers are crucial to student success and well-being, and the agreements reached with these groups represent an optimistic step toward a promising future for all involved. As negotiations continue with local occasional teaching unions, it is clear that the board and the teachers are committed to fostering an environment that supports the needs of both educators and students.
It’s a win for teachers, a win for students, and ultimately a step forward for education in Peterborough. The agreements show that despite the challenges faced, the power of collaboration and understanding can lead to positive outcomes for everyone. It’s a testament to the commitment of everyone involved to support student success and well-being. This is a reminder that when all parties come together with a common goal in mind, meaningful and long-lasting change is possible.
Reference
