ZEELAND, MI (WHTC-AM/FM, July 19, 2023) – There will be no work action delaying the start of the academic year along the Lakeshore next month.
The only school district that could have been impacted by a lack of a collective bargaining agreement was Zeeland, but on Monday, the Board of Education there unanimously approved a one-year contract with the Zeeland Education Association, representing unionized teachers. The sticking point was over 20 half-days on the school calendar for teacher professional development, which both sides had already agreed upon. However, after a number of parents and other stakeholders voiced their objections to that provision, the board last month rejected the deal, forcing both sides back to the bargaining table. Under the new arrangement, the half-days were cut to 15, while all other provisions of the agreement, including a four-percent pay hike, remain.
Making time for teacher professional development has become more and more important for districts and educators in recent years. In Holland, there are only six half-days for this, but 34 early release Wednesdays, including the first day of classes on August 24th, according to district spokesman Jason Craner.
Zeeland’s first day of classes is on the following Monday, August 29th.
