HOLLAND, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – West Ottawa Public Schools has reached a four-year agreement with the West Ottawa Education Association for a new teacher contract through the 2020-21 school-year.
The terms of the contract extension call for a step increase for teachers plus a 1% cost of living increase for each of the four years of the agreement with changes to the health insurance provided for teachers. Calendars have also been settled for each of the four years with school starting the week before Labor Day in August 2018.
In the 2018-19 school year, West Ottawa High School will begin to add a small number of classes that will include large-group instruction. These classes will prepare college-bound students for the larger classroom setting they will experience in their first year of college.
Thomas K. Martin, Superintendent for West Ottawa Public Schools says they appreciate the teachers’ willingness to find creative ideas that will benefit our high school students and prepare them for their college experience.“
According to the press release, West Ottawa Public Schools has managed to balance its budget and continues to provide a tremendous education for all students thanks to the more than 400 teachers who dedicate themselves to the learning and growth of every child.
The Board of Education approved the contract extension by a 6-0 vote, and the West Ottawa Education Association approved the contract extension in the previous week.