(Kenora, Red Lake and Ear Falls – May 22, 2024) The Kenora Catholic District School Board (KCDSB) and the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) are pleased to announce the successful negotiation of new collective agreements for both Permanent and Occasional Teachers within the KCDSB. This milestone was achieved through collaborative efforts, reinforcing a partnership aimed at advancing excellence in Catholic education.
The new agreements, impacting over 150 teachers, were ratified following approval by the KCDSB Trustees at the May 21 Board Meeting. The OECTA Permanent Teachers unanimously ratified their agreement on May 13. The OECTA Occasional teachers are set to have a ratification vote on their tentative agreement in the coming weeks.
Teresa Gallik, Chair of the KCDSB, expressed satisfaction with the new agreements: “We are grateful for the enduring spirit of cooperation that has characterized this process. These agreements highlight our shared commitment to fostering a nurturing environment for our staff and delivering an exceptional, faith-based education for our students.”
Darlene Literovich, President of the Kenora Unit of OECTA, added: “These agreements represent the dedication of our OECTA members to their students, their classrooms, and their school communities. Our teachers continue to work diligently to ensure the highest quality Catholic Education for their students.”
Nicole Kurtz, Director of Education, spoke to the broader impact of the agreements: “Our teachers are at the heart of our educational mission, and by supporting them, we not only enhance their ability to influence the minds and spirits of our students but also ensure that our students thrive in a nurturing and spiritually enriched environment. I extend my deepest gratitude to our negotiation teams, whose tireless efforts have been instrumental in reaching these agreements. Their dedication is a cornerstone in upholding the high standards of excellence and professionalism that define Kenora Catholic.
OECTA represents a significant number of educators within the Kenora Catholic system, including approximately 117 Permanent and 49 Occasional Teachers.
The agreements, effective from 2022 to 2026, align with the broader terms agreed upon at the provincial level earlier this year, supporting the ongoing development of educational staff while enhancing the learning environment for students.