Press Release

Tentative Agreement Reached With DAEOP

A tentative agreement has been reached between the Denver Association of Educational Office Professionals (DAEOP) and the school district, negotiators for both sides announced today.

The tentative agreement calls for a 3.35 percent cost-of-living adjustment for all employees. The DAEOP represents 500 school and central office secretaries and central office personnel.

"One of our major goals with these talks was to arrive at a salary structure that will encourage our secretaries to remain with the district for a longer time and to attract new employees," said Ray Warren, Director of Classified Personnel for the Department of Human Resources. "This should help address this issue. Knowledgeable, trained secretaries are critical to well-functioning schools and departments."

The tentative agreement also calls for a boost in the beginning salaries of those workers classified as Secretary I and II. Salaries for Secretary I positions (on a 200-day schedule) will begin at $17,660; salaries for Secretary II (also on a 200-day schedule) will begin at $20,207.

"DAEOP is proud to have reached this settlement with the District. I feel we have taken some important steps forward in both the areas of salary and classification for all of our members," said Amy Grant, president of DAEOP.

Also under terms of the new pact:

• A mentoring program will be initiated for new employees in school year 2001-2002;
• The amount paid at early retirement for unused sick leave will be increased;
• Schools and departments will be surveyed to determine which positions should receive a stipend for Spanish-speaking skills;
• Selected job titles will be the subject of a reclassification study to be conducted jointly.

The tentative agreement must be ratified by the DAEOP membership (scheduled for October 11) and formally approved by the Denver Board of Education.