The Becker School Board values all district employees and the contributions they make to our schools. As members of the board, it is our responsibility to provide complete information relative to the teachers’ negotiation process.  

 

Public statements made by the teachers union (BEA), claims that teachers have accepted below average settlements in six of the past eight years. However, according to Minnesota School Board Association, the Becker teachers’ settlements have been above the state average in each of the previous eight years. 

 

Furthermore, for the 2012-13 school year, the Becker School District teachers salaries and benefits were higher than the Big Lake, Foley, Monticello, Princeton, St. Cloud, Elk River, St. Michael-Albertville, Buffalo, Sauk Rapids-Rice, and Annandale School Districts.

 

The school district negotiators do not want to settle a contract that would lay off teachers, reduce student programs, or increase class sizes.  The last offer from the BEA would require the district to cut the budget by $700,000.  

 

We are confident that we will reach an agreement with the BEA that provides fair compensation while staying within budget.