Vancouver Public Schools reaches
two-year agreement with teachers

The Vancouver School Board today approved a contract with the Vancouver Education Association for the 2009-10 and 2010-11 school years.

At a regular meeting of the board of directors, Superintendent Steven Webb said he was pleased with the outcome of the collective bargaining process. “In these challenging economic times, providing direct services to students is the highest priority of our school board, superintendent, and leadership team,” Webb said. “The new comprehensive professional agreement with VEA reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting teachers.”

Vancouver Public Schools has cut $7 million from its projected budget for next school year as a result of reductions in state funding for K-12 education. The district’s agreement with VEA maintains teachers’ compensation by replacing the paid Learning Improvement Day that was eliminated by the state legislature in the biennial budget.

The lost eight hours will be restored for each of the next two years through an increase in teachers’ Time-Responsibility-Incentive compensation from local levy funds. In exchange for the increase in TRI compensation, teachers will participate in eight hours of Professional Learning Community training in each of the two years.

In addition, the district agreed not to reduce TRI compensation for teachers over the next two years even if the district is required to make further budget cuts. This provision is contingent on voter approval of a maintenance and operations levy in 2010. 

 

Clark County to Host 2010
State Republican Convention

The Washington State Republican Party has selected Clark County as the site for the 2010 Republican State Convention, the Clark County Republican Party and the Southwest Washington Convention and Visitors Bureau announced.

“We are thrilled,” said Ryan Hart, chairman of the Clark County Republican Party. “This is really big. Not just for the local Republican Party, but for all of Clark County.”

It has been more than 30 years since the GOP has held a convention in Vancouver. The state Republican Party held a state convention in Vancouver in 1978 at Ft. Vancouver High School.

The Convention dates are June 10 through June 12, 2010.

Hart said the 2010 Convention is expected to be the largest convention ever held in Vancouver.

Microsoft training certificates going begging

Thousands of free Microsoft training certificates are available, that must be activated by July 31, 2009, according to state Employment Security Commissioner Karen Lee.

The free Microsoft training is being distributed through local WorkSource career centers and are available to any Washington resident. Most jobs require at least some computer skills and brushing up on those skills can make a job-seeker more marketable.

There are three types of certificates being offered by Microsoft: Training for business users on a variety of Microsoft XP, Vista and Office programs, training for IT professionals and developers, and certifications exams for Microsoft Office 2003 and 2007.

Murray claims $500,000
for Vancouver police

U.S. Senator Patty Murray today announced the inclusion of $500,000 for a new Vancouver Records Management System in a 2010 Senate spending bill.

The new system represents a major step forward in technology for the Vancouver Police Department, enabling it to perform better crime analysis, deploy personnel in a more effective manner, share information more effectively, and pinpoint areas where patterns of crime are occurring.

 The system will also enhance Vancouver’s ability to partner with regional law enforcement agencies in Southwest Washington and the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area. It will also allow police to communicate with citizens online. 

Calendar

The Columbia River Crossing project Open House is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. this evening in the Red Lion Hotel at the Quay, 100 Columbia Street. . Under discussion is light-rail alignment and station locations. bridge type and design, pedestrian and bicycle facilities, interchange design, and financing and tolling. For further information, call 816-8859. <> The Vancouver Community Concert Band presents a free concert at Leverich Park, 39th and M Streets, this evening from 7 to 8 p.m. <> Washington State University is hosting a community meeting for neighbors and interested citizens from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. today. in room 129 in the administration building. Parking is free in orange lots 1 and 3.

News brief

Freshman Democratic State Rep. Tim Probst is kicking off his reelection campaign with a reception and fundraiser at 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 30, in the Heritage Place Community room, 300 W. 8th Street. Speaker of the House Frank Chopp and House majority leader Lynn Kessler are also attending. For further information, call Karen Ciocia, 601-5360.

Community Calendar Links

• Southwest Washington Center for the Arts

• Greater Vancouver Chamber

• City of Vancouver Calendar