Negotiations Update

In an effort to improve communication with stakeholders (including taxpayers) and to add transparency to the District’s positions and reasoning, the District was directed by its Board President to provide an update regarding the progress of negotiations. The District and the Michigan Education Association maintain labor agreements for our certified Teachers and licensed School Counselors and our Administrative Assistants and Paraprofessionals. The contracts establish pay, benefits and work conditions for employees. Contract changes are negotiated during collective bargaining and must be approved by association members and the school board.
In an effort to increase transparency, the Board president directed the District to share the proposals and also convey the following to its stakeholders about the negotiations process:

· The District values its professional and support staff. Cadillac Teachers are well-prepared academically and
committed to our students. Based on District calculations, approximately 58% have earned their master’s degrees and the average length of teaching experience for a CAPS Teacher is 11.1 years. Cadillac Support Staff meet all state and federal requirements and are well trained. CAPS enrollment has been relatively stable over the past 10 years. Even with a stable enrollment, CAPS has recognized and added additional student supports and services.

· The District goals include recruitment and retention. The District aims to attract top talent to the area as well
as retain staff committed to our students, parents and community. The District aims to be a destination district for
staff, students and families. The District proposals include significant wage increases for new staff and experienced
staff. While wage increases based on step changes may not be viewed by some as salary increases, steps are an
expense for the district and result in an increase in pay.

· The District is in a responsible financial position. CAPS has worked hard to position the district to provide
competitive compensation packages securing grant funds to increase student supports and programs. Over 30% of
CAPS total revenue are grants. Because of the District’s diligent fiscal responsibility and the recent investment in
education made by the state, the aforementioned proposed salary increases are significantly higher than any increase in past contracts.

Both the Board of Education and the District are excited to invest in the future of CAPS to provide high quality
education for each of our students.
Meeting Progress (as of May 19, 2023):
Cadillac Education Association (CEA)
February 20, 2023 - CEA Negotiations
February 27, 2023 - CEA Negotiations
March 20, 2023 - CEA Negotiations
April 17, 2023 - CEA Negotiations
April 28, 2023 - CEA Financial Meeting
May 26, 2023 - Upcoming CEA Negotiations    
Paraprofessionals and Administrative Assistants of Cadillac Education (PACE)
April 24, 2023 - PACE Negotiations
May 15, 2023 - PACE Negotiations
May 22, 2023 - Upcoming PACE Negotiations
May 24, 2023 - Upcoming PACE Negotiations