After a successful conclusion to negotiations on March 10th between the Grande Prairie and District Catholic Schools Board of Trustees and the Teacher Welfare Committee representing the Local teachers, a Memorandum of Agreement has been ratified.

In what is described by both parties as a respectful and cooperative round of negotiations, several items have been put in place to support the security and well-being of teachers, including:

- additions to a professional development fund
- the ability to work from home when roads are impassable
- entitlements to paid sick leave when substitute teachers are injured while at work
- flexible scheduling for school administrators during August in the lead up to school opening
- a defined date for teachers on a probationary contract to receive notice of contract extension.

A number of other minor entitlements were also agreed to.

“I want to both thank and commend our teachers for fair and honest negotiations, allowing us to come to these terms, which take into consideration the interests of teachers and our Board,” says Deputy Superintendent Greg Miller.

Chair of the Teacher Welfare Committee, Kim Henry, adds, “It is my pleasure to share that this successful round of negotiations with our District Board has concluded, and we have reached a fair and equitable agreement that recognizes the hard work and dedication of our teachers. Our Teacher Welfare Committee would like to thank our district and recognize how this agreement builds a positive and collaborative culture which supports the needs of teachers and students.”

The agreement took effect March 13th and remains in force until August 31, 2024.