On Monday, the Prince William Education Association and Prince William County School division announced a tentative agreement with the first Collective Bargaining Agreement in state history. After more than eight months of negotiations, the two sides were able to reach an agreement. According to the PWEA press release, the following terms were reached:

• Short-term disability coverage for all staff which ensures the health and retention of staff.
• Healthcare costs will remain stable without employee-paid increases for three years.
• Educators will be paid for teaching during planning periods if required due to the substitute shortage.
• Summer school pay increases.
• Stipend increases for all coaches and staff.
• Paid orientation for all new employees to ensure fully trained staff.
• Labor/Management Committee to address concerns in school

However, they were unable to reach an agreement on a wage proposal before the December 1 deadline.

“Congratulations to the over 11,000 PWCS Educators represented at the bargaining table,” wrote PWEA President Maggie Hansford in a statement. “The PWEA leadership team’s next steps will be to educate employees on the CBA and schedule a ratification vote with our membership.”