Richmond Public Schools' career and technical education teachers will have two changes in their contracts next year

Students working on computerPhoto byJohn SchnobrichonUnsplash

Richmond Public Schools’ career and technical education (CTE) teachers who indicate they will return for the next school year will see two major changes in their contracts.

1. Work schedule: CTE teachers will work two fewer weeks a year.
2. Salary: CTE teachers will see a gap in their pay for working less.

The school district notified those who teach occupational, career, or technical subjects, about the change in their contracts on the same day they were to indicate if they were required to submit paperwork letting the division know if they intend to return for the next school year. That helped the district know how many and which vacant positions it would need to fill.

The division’s Secondary Pathways Director Laura J. Faulcon and CTE Manager Rhonda Turner wrote in a statement:

“We value our CTE team and appreciate the time and energy you spend to ensure our students are college and career-ready.”

Impact of the changed contract

Starting in the 2023-24 school year, CTE teachers will no longer work 10 months out of the year. Instead, they will be on the same schedule as other teachers in the district, who work two fewer weeks.

Because of the shorter contract, CTE teachers will have a salary change. There will be “a gap in their pay” which means they will not get paid on August 21 unless pay advance arrangements are made.

Faulcon and Turner explained to those affected:

“We know that in the past you had used the extra two weeks to inventory materials, maintain your labs, and engage in professional learning. These will still be important duties and the CTE Specialist team and we will provide support during this transition, including CTE-specific PD during preservice.”

No negative impact

A school district spokeswoman made it clear that the adjustment will not have a negative impact on CTE teachers’ salaries. The spokeswoman also said the pay advance option the division will offer will address the expected gap in pay in August.

Katina Harris, the president of the Richmond Education Association, told 8News that the union is aware of the contract change.

Harris concluded:

“We understand this is a change and that you may have questions. Our team is here to support you."