Washington Community Schools teachers will see their paychecks grow after the School Board approved a new two-year master contract last night. While the percentage of the raises will differ from one level to the next, each teacher will see a significant raise both this year and next year. The system’s teachers had previously gave unanimous approval to the contract. Washington School Board president, Randy Bouchie, took time to praise the teachers. He thanked all the teachers for their dedication to the local schools and said he is “Proud of what we do at the Washington Community Schools.”
In other business, the Board heard from Assistant Superintendent Kevin Frank. Frank gave un update on how the pandemic relief dollars have benefited the local school system. He told the Board that Washington Schools upgraded the air handling systems in each building, provided every student with technology, along with teacher training and virtual learning. Funds were also used to purchase cleaning supplies and to hire additional staff.
Last night, the food service manager for Sodexo reported on how the supply chain problems are affecting the school’s cafeteria system. He said that there are times where there have been sudden menu changes as suppliers substitute for items not in stock. He told the board they would always have something for the kids one or another, and that there is a contingency plan in place if it were ever to be needed.
In personnel action, the Board granted a leave of absence to Rob McCormick from Oct. 6 to Nov. 18. Amanda Walls, Michelle Windward, and a Tamra Wininger were approved as instructional assistants at North Elementary. Megan Hickey, LaCie Miller, and Katie Horstman were approved as bus attendants, and a list of mostly athletic related ECA positions were approved. The Board also approved four trips for the NJROTC, a State Convention trip for the Beta Club, and a proposed trip for students to Germany, Switzerland, and Italy during Spring Break of 2024.
