The district said its offer would keep class size unchanged, retain a seniority-based layoff system and maintain the current contract's salary schedule. Under the district proposal, teachers would continue to work the same number of days they did under the contract that expires today. They would make up for the 1.9-percent cut in state funding for teacher salaries by sacrificing two extra days' pay for professional development and give up one day of paid personal leave.
The News Tribune is seeking comment from the Tacoma Education Association, which represents 2,100 teachers, counselors and other employees.
Rich Wood, spokesman for the Washington Education Association, said TEA members were reviewing proposals and would comment later.
TEA members are scheduled to meet today at 4:30 p.m. at Mount Tahoma High School. The school board plans to meet at 5 p.m.
