Classified workers reach agreement with school district

The Whitefish School District and the Classified Employee Association have agreed on a two-year collective bargaining agreement.

The agreement raises starting wages for classified positions and includes a 50 cent raise for each of the next two school years.

Classified employees include educational and district support, custodians, maintenance, food service, secretaries, computer specialists, and crossing guards.

The school board on July 14 unanimously approved the agreement that runs through 2017.

Trustee Ruth Harrison said the negotiation process went smoothly.

“They have been really positive,” she said. “It builds on the mutual trust and respect between the two negotiating parties.”

Harrison noted that Pat Jarvi led negotiations for the district before her unexpected passing in early July.

“I remember sitting beside Pat and marveling at how gracefully she handle these negotiations,” Harrison said.