BEND, OR -- Bend - La Pine Schools has reached tentative agreement with Classified employees.

Oregon School Employees Association chapter six president Debbie Christian tells KBND News the new contract includes a cost-of-living raise of 10.55% over two years, and an insurance cap increase, “Its a give and take. So, there were some things that we had to put aside for the next bargaining team to try and get. But I think overall we were happy.”

The district’s Scott Maben says the 900 custodial, cafeteria, transportation, maintenance, and clerical staff are crucial roles, “These negotiations began last spring, continued through the summer and into the fall and now into the winter. And so, you can imagine the sense of relief that everyone here is feeling.” He adds negotiations began at the end of last school year, “This shows how both the district and the OSEA Union found a way to come together and really improve the conditions for all of those 900 employees. We often talk about our support and classified staff as being the backbone of the district.”

School nurses received an important provision. “It is a lot of work for them to become National certification. So, to give them that stipend for that is a really good recognition piece,” Christian says. Mechanics also will get a stipend when they use their own tools.  “Some of the stuff we've been able to get in there is stuff that we've been working on for several bargaining cycles. So, I think overall it was a good job.”

The four-year contract needs OSEA members to sign it and the school board to give approval.