Today the Sweetwater Union High School District and the Sweetwater Education Association completed negotiations after reaching a comprehensive tentative agreement for the 2015-16 school year. These negotiations were limited to salary and health and welfare benefits issues.

The agreement includes a 4.5% ongoing salary schedule increase for each unit member, effective July 1, 2015. In addition, the District’s maximum annual contribution to employee health and welfare benefits shall be increased by $1,000, effective January 1, 2016.

This increase will help offset recent increases imposed by health insurance providers with a particular impact on employees electing dependent and family coverage. Lastly, the agreement extends eligibility to retirees for dental, vision and life insurance.

This agreement honors the important work that each unit member performs on behalf of students. The tentative agreement will be presented to SEA members for a ratification vote. Soon thereafter, the tentative agreement will be presented to the Governing Board for its approval.