The Sumner-Bonney Lake School District has established this website to keep the community informed on collective bargaining with District employees who are represented by labor unions. Collective bargaining is the performance of the mutual obligation of the representative of the employer and the exclusive bargaining representative to meet at reasonable times and to bargain in good faith in an effort to reach agreement with respect to wages, hours and working conditions. The obligation does not compel either party to agree to a proposal or to make a concession.

Here are the formal bargaining groups and collective bargaining agreements within the District:

• Extra Curricular
• IUOE: Child Nutrition & Transportation
• IUOE:  Custodians, Maintenance & Mechanics  
• Sumner-Bonney Lake Education Association
• Sumner Paraeducator Association
• Sumner Principals and Directors Association
• Sumner Support Services Directors' Association
• Administrative Professional Group Handbook
• Sumner Exempt Employee Agreement

 9/23/19

Sumner-Bonney Lake School District is committed to bargaining in good faith. We value, appreciate, and respect our employees, and the work they do for students in our community. Every member of each bargaining unit is a valuable to Sumner-Bonney Lake School District.  A recent communication went out to some individuals related to the Sumner Paraeducator Association (SPA) bargaining, which included incorrect information.  

The recent communication stated that the District received $8 million in extra revenue (or extra money available to spend this year). Unfortunately, this statement is incorrect. The District did not receive an additional $8 million in revenue. In spite of an additional $3 million in revenue, the District had to reduce the budget by an additional $5 million to cover the following additional expenses:

• Certificated salary increase of $2.5 million 
• Classified salary increases of $800,000 
• Employee benefits costs increase of $3 million (including SEBB cost of $2.2 million)

Additionally, it was inaccurately shared that the District currently has $30 million in revenue. For an accurate picture of the District’s budget, please click on the following link: August 2019 Budget Adoption

Finally, as part of the bargaining process, salary analysis with comparable districts are used to have meaningful discussions between the District and SPA. This conversation will continue as the District bargains in good faith. The next scheduled bargaining meeting between the District and SPA is Thursday, Sept. 26. 

The hard work and collaboration of all staff members is appreciated during this time.  Each position plays a critical role in providing an excellent education and safe learning environment for every student.