EUGENE, Ore. — A new three-year contract between the Eugene Education Association (EEA) and Eugene School District 4J has reached a tentative agreement.

Before it can be approved, the school board and EEA members must approve the terms of the contract in the coming days. The previous three-year collective agreement expired on June 30, 2024.

For Eugene School District 4J, this tentative agreement signifies a shared dedication to the heart of our mission – supporting the well-being of our students, families and educators.

The collective bargaining agreement applies to 4J teachers, counselors, nurses and librarians.

One statement on the 4J school website Interim Superintendent Colt Gill said:

This agreement represents a historic step, built on our core values ​​of care, collaboration and respect for the critical role our educators play in shaping the future. With renewed support for our teachers, counselors, nurses, librarians and other licensed professionals, we are strengthening support for every student and investing in a learning environment where every child can thrive. This milestone is a testament to our commitment to building a strong and resilient community where our educators are equipped to continue their invaluable work with the resources and respect they deserve.

According to the school district, provisions of the agreement include:

• A cost of living wage increase of 5% each year in 2024–25, 2025–26 and 2026–27, in addition to step increases
• Health insurance increases from each member’s health coverage to $1,367 per month in 2024-2025, $1,413 per month in 2025-2026 and $1,478 per month in 2026-2027
• Increases guaranteed planning time by 100 minutes per week from 320 minutes to 420 minutes at all grade levels
• Additional compensation for authorized staff filling vacancies in various buildings or covering unfilled absences to meet student needs
• Extends the work year for school counselors and librarians to support their additional duties
• School nurses receive an additional 8% pay differential, allowing the district to compete for highly competitive professionals in a critical health field
• Bilingual educators can earn up to 6% additional pay for supporting non-English speaking students and families

A ratification meeting planned by AEE is set for November 19, 2024 at the North Eugene High School Auditorium, if members ratify, the School Board could consider approval at its November 20 meeting.