Î÷Ê©Ö±²¥APP

ASD and AEA Reach Tentative Agreement

The Î÷Ê©Ö±²¥APP School District (ASD) and the Î÷Ê©Ö±²¥APP Education Association (AEA) are pleased to announce a tentative agreement for a new, one-year contract. The agreement, if approved by AEA members and the Î÷Ê©Ö±²¥APP Î÷Ê©Ö±²¥APP, will cover the period July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025, and addresses compensation and working conditions for approximately 3000 educators.

Contract Agreement Highlights:

     - Salary increase for all educators in the bargaining unit

     - Significant increase to the employer health contribution to address the rising cost of health insurance

     - Incorporation of a number of agreements signed by both parties since the ratification of the last contract

“Today’s announcement of a tentative contract agreement between ASD and AEA is a historic moment. We are putting forward the largest single-year wage and health benefits increase provided to educators in more than a decade,” said Superintendent Dr. Jharrett Bryantt. “We have some of the hardest working and most dedicated teachers, counselors, nurses, and other educators at ASD, who work diligently to advance our mission and improve student outcomes. This tentative agreement represents our collective commitment and dedication to those on the frontlines who give students the skills they need to succeed in life.

Attracting and retaining qualified educators remains paramount to ASD, and we believe this contract can do just that. Given the structural deficit faced by ASD and other districts around Alaska, it’s in the best interest of both ASD and AEA to enter into a one-year agreement, in the hope that the Legislature and Governor will work together this coming legislative session to appropriately fund education.”

Corey Aist, AEA President, stated: “Every day, I wake up with a singular purpose: to discover solutions that enable ASD educators to continue their teaching journey here in Î÷Ê©Ö±²¥APP. Over the past three years, we've witnessed the departure of more than 1,150 educators to more enticing offers in other districts or entirely different career paths. This one-year agreement seamlessly extends our current contract, offering financial security and well-deserved raises to our dedicated educators.

This tentative agreement demonstrates AEA’s commitment to our educators, educator retention, and unwavering support for our students and their families. It's high time our legislature and governor step up and play their part by increasing the Base Student Allocation (BSA), allowing us to offer more competitive contracts to help retain and attract exceptional teaching talent.”

AEA members will now review the tentative agreement before taking a ratification vote in late November. The Î÷Ê©Ö±²¥APP Î÷Ê©Ö±²¥APP would then consider the ratified agreement for approval and adoption at its meeting on December 5th.