An agreement was reached last Tuesday, Sept. 1 between the Lake Stevens School District and the Lake Stevens Education Association.

Teachers met with the LSEA leaders on Thursday morning and voted to sign the agreement, which includes a one and a half percent pay increase for teachers. They also agreed to sign a one-year contract instead of the usual three-year contract. The Lake Stevens School Board will have the contract to review at their Sept. 9 meeting.

Throughout this negotiation process good work was accomplished to discuss issues of concern and possible solutions to mutual problems. Work will continue throughout the year at Labor Management Committee meetings to continue the work that began last May.

“It takes long hours of diligent work to collaborate and come to a mutual agreement on a collective bargaining agreement,” Arlene Hulten, Community Relations Director for the Lake Stevens School District said. “These are extremely difficult financial times and the superintendent and school board made thoughtful decisions based on the economic realities of the district’s budget.”

As a result of the negotiation agreement, the first day of school for Lake Stevens’ students was changed to Wednesday, Sept. 9.  For now, students, teachers and administrators are looking forward to sharing the school year with the students.

“We are excited to welcome over 7,600 students back to school from their summer vacation,” Lake Stevens Superintendent Dave Burgess said. “Our staff has been working hard over the summer to clean all schools and grounds and to prepare our newly modernized Sunnycrest Elementary for teachers and students.  We are ready and looking forward to the start of the new school year.”

Additional details of calendar changes can be found on page 6 of this week’s Journal and will be posted on the District’s website at www.lkstevens.wednet.edu.