Colleagues, Here’s a brief update on some current issues: - Contract Approved. By a 6-0 vote, the Board of Education ratified the one-year extension of our collective bargaining agreement. The pact was approved by teachers last month with 99% voting in favor. All provisions in our contract remain unchanged - including a 3.61% annual increase in salary. As we prepare for negotiations for a multi-year successor agreement, the RTA and the RCSD will continue to address timely issues through the Living Contract process. - RCSD’s Proposed Budget. Despite facing an initially projected $65 million deficit, the 2018-19 proposed budget budget avoids cuts in services to students and calls for adding more than 130 teaching positions. Among the suggested increases are ESOL teachers, Bi-Lingual teachers, Special Education teachers, Behavioral Specialists, LEAP teachers, Social Workers, and others. The District is in the final stages of balancing next year’s budget and we are grateful for their...