Renton teachers and support staff are ready for a new school year, which starts Aug. 31. Representatives from the Renton Education Association (REA) — the union that represents district employees including teachers and other employees with professional certificates, such as guidance counselors, librarians and nurses — have tentatively agreed to a new two-year contract. All REA members will soon have an opportunity to vote on the contract language.

“We are very pleased to have worked with Renton Education Association President Cami Kiel and her leadership team to come to terms on this two-year agreement,” said Renton Superintendent Art Jarvis. “Renton teachers are highly qualified professionals who care deeply for the children of this district, and have the skills and professionalism to provide every student with a meaningful education. Providing them with a contract that recognizes and honors their commitment is what we strive to do in every negotiation.”

Renton’s negotiations process represents a collaborative, respectful approach to understanding concerns, addressing issues and effectively working together to find common solutions that work to the benefit of all district students and staff, according to district officials

REA president Cami Kiel described the relationship between the district and the REA as strong and said that both sides have always worked in a collaborative manner with an intense focus to place the needs of students first.

“Renton teachers and the Renton School District have been working on establishing collaborative, interest-based negotiations for many years,” Kiel said.

The REA membership contract vote is scheduled for Aug. 29. Specific details about the contact have not been released.