The Ontario English Catholic Teachers` Association (OECTA) recently reached a collective agreement with the London District Catholic School Board (LDCSB). This agreement has significant implications for both teachers and students within the board.

One of the main points of the agreement is a salary increase for teachers. Over the course of the agreement, which runs from September 1, 2019 to August 31, 2022, teachers will receive a 1.5% increase in each of the three years. Additionally, teachers who have reached the maximum salary level will receive a one-time payment of $1,500.

Another important aspect of the agreement is the inclusion of additional preparation time for teachers. Beginning in the 2021-2022 school year, elementary teachers will have an additional 30 minutes of preparation time each week, while secondary teachers will have an additional 90 minutes.

The agreement also addresses the issue of class sizes. The maximum class size for grades 4 to 8 will be reduced from 32 to 29 students, and the maximum class size for grades 9 to 12 will be reduced from 33 to 28 students.

In terms of benefits, the agreement includes improvements to extended health benefits and leaves of absence. Teachers will have access to an additional personal leave day and will also have the ability to carry over up to five unused sick days each year.

Overall, the OECTA-LDCSB collective agreement aims to improve the working conditions for teachers while also enhancing the educational experience for students. By addressing issues such as salary, preparation time, class sizes, and benefits, this agreement represents a positive step forward for the Catholic education system in Ontario.