LAPS News:
The Los Alamos Public School Board, Superintendent Jennifer Guy and Los Alamos Federation of School Employees (LAFSE) Presidents Trey Pereyra and Stacy Martens have announced the completion and ratification of the 2023 contract negotiations for school employees.
“I am proud of the hard work and dedication from both negotiating teams,” Superintendent Guy stated. “I believe that this contract benefits both employees and the school district, ultimately benefiting students. I value the partnership that we have with the union. We are a better district because of the work with the union in support of our schools.”
These contracts bring some important new benefits to staff including a 7% raise for all staff, a more comprehensive leave package including maternity, paternity and bereavement, a larger payout for staff upon retirement for accrual of leave over their career, a leave buyout plan, and the opportunity to add an additional negotiation item for certified staff each year. The contract improves both pay and benefits for staff.
“For the past two years, I have had the opportunity to lead the Classified Members through negotiations,” Co-President Pereyra said. “Working alongside our partners in a collaborative effort, Superintendent Jennifer Guy and Human Resources Director Joe Palmer, we have written and ratified meaningful and supportive contract language for the staff of LAPS. I look forward to next year as we continue to come up with new and innovative ways to support staff and students together.”
“I am thankful for the open and honest relationship between the union and the District. Many times, we have navigated hardships and situations together. This relationship is just one of the keys to making LAPS great,” he added.
“The relationship between the Union and the District is strong. My first year of being the Co-president of Certified Staff has been rewarding.” Co-President Stacy Martens said. “Staff and student well-being and success are leading principles in our meetings. Even with the change of superintendents this year, both parties met that challenge in stride. We have work to do, and we are all on board to do that work.”
Contract negotiations are held annually with teams from the District Administration, Classified employees, and Certified employees. These individuals volunteer their time to help draft, review, and negotiate the proposed language additions and changes. We would like to thank the negotiations teams for the many hours of work they put in during the four months of negotiations.
Board President Antonio Jaurigue expressed his appreciation to the union.
“I would like to extend the Los Alamos School Board’s gratitude in negotiating this agreement,” he said. “LAFSE performs a vital role in supporting our educators and I am grateful for what they do.”
The District Negotiating team included Joe Palmer, Carter Payne, Gina Terrazas, Michele Altherr and Tommy Castillo.
The Union Negotiating Team members included Trey Peryeya, Stacy Martens, Christine Engelbrecht, Allison Washburn, Jennifer Washnock, Kaela Jacobson, Stephanie Fabry, and Annie Trujillo-Garcia.
In appreciation,
Trey Pereya, AFT Co-President
Stacy Martens, AFT Co-President
Jennifer Guy, LAPS Superintendent
Antonio Jaurigue, LAPS School Board President