JUNCTION CITY – The Junction City Education Association (JCEA) negotiations team returned to the table August 31 after members of the bargaining unit, which includes all certified teachers, voted not to ratify the proposed 2026-2027 tentative negotiated agreement on August 14. Superintendent Eggleston was notified the bargaining unit had conducted a vote and the vote failed to reach the threshold necessary to ratify the tentative agreement.
According to a release from the JCEA, after the failed ratification vote, JCEA outlined member concerns for the District, citing “No vertical or horizontal movement on the salary schedule; the freeze of the salary schedule, increased employee health insurance costs; and the loss of longevity payments for eligible employees.” At the table, the District shared with JCEA that its position on a compensation package had not changed. JCEA proposed a compensation package that would include horizontal and vertical movement for all those who are eligible and a 1.5% payment for those who are off schedule and have received longevity or anyone who cannot move. The board declined JCEA’s proposal and stated they would like to file a declaration of impasse.
“JCEA understands that the District must make difficult financial decisions. However, employees are also facing difficult financial decisions. Our teachers are facing increased healthcare costs, reduced take-home pay, and no salary proposal from the district. We are not asking the District to ignore its financial responsibilities or jeopardize staff positions. We are asking the District to remember that a budget is not only a financial document; it reflects priorities. We are disappointed we could not make progress at the table this week, but we will continue to stand in solidarity with all of our teachers. We are stronger together,” said JCEA President Karissa Hammock.