Richland teachers approve new 3-year contract

Teachers in the Richland School District approved, nearly-unanimously, a new three-year contract with the district Wednesday evening.

By a vote of 557-6, educators passed a deal that will give them a 14.3% pay raise in the first year and a 22% hike over the life of the agreement.

“Our goal was to have an equitable and sustainable contract that will allow us to keep and attract great teachers,” Superintendent Rick Schulte said in a statement from the district. “We are thrilled our teachers approved the deal we reached with the REA so they can be in the classroom and inspire students.”

Pasco is the lone area district yet to reach a deal. The district has asked for a mediator to join the discussions, who could join the talks Thursday. Kennewick and Kiona-Benton school districts both approved contracts this week, while Finley and Columbia-Burbank did so previously.