Policy 5050 - Contracts

A. Certificated Staff Contracts 

Upon recommendation of the superintendent and approval by a majority of the board of directors, the district will offer written contracts to those individuals hired as certificated employees. Such contracts will state the salary to be paid based upon the applicable salary schedule, the number of days of service, the effective date, and the term of the contract – which will not be for more than one year. 

Continuing Contracts 

Certificated staff – besides the superintendent, retire-rehires, and leave-replacement employees- who do not receive timely notice of nonrenewal have a right to have their contracts renewed for another term. 

Provisional Employees 

Provisional employees as defined by RCW 28A.405.220, may have their contracts nonrenewed in accordance with RCW 28A.405.220. 

Retire-rehire and leave-replacement employees 

Contracts with retire-rehire and person replacing certificated staff on leave do not have continuing contract rights. Accordingly, retire-rehire and leave-replacement contracts will include the following language: “It is understood and agreed that the staff member is employed pursuant to the provisions of RCW 28A.405.900. In accordance with the provisions of RCW 28A.405.900, this contract expires automatically at the end of the contract term set forth herein and is not subject to the provisions of RCW 28A.405.210.” 

Principal Contracts 

Principals will receive contracts with one-year terms. 

B. Superintendent Contracts 

The superintendent may receive a contract with a term of up to three years. 

The board can renew or non-renew the superintendent’s contract at its sole discretion. 

C. Classified Staff Contracts 

Upon the recommendation of the superintendent, contracts for selected classified staff may be in writing and/or for a specific period not to exceed one year. Otherwise, the employment of classified staff will be on a month-to-month basis commencing from the first day of work. 

Paraeducators 

All paraeducators must be at least 18 years of age, must hold a high school diploma or a recognized equivalent, and must meet one of the following requirements: 

  1. Earned 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at an institution of higher education; 
  2. Hold an associate of arts degree; 
  3. Received a passing score on one of the assessments approved by the paraeducator board; or 
  4. Completed a registered apprenticeship program. 

D. Supplemental Contracts 

The district may issue supplemental contracts, which are not subject to the continuing contract statue, for services to be rendered in addition to a staff member’s normal “full-time” assignment. Supplemental contracts will not exceed one year and, if not renewed, will not constitute an adverse change in contract status. 

E. Consultants 

The district may obtain consultant services when unique knowledge or technical skills are needed. A description of desired services and an estimate of time and costs will be submitted to the superintendent or designee for action. The superintendent or designee will determine compensation but normally, compensation may not exceed that paid to a regular staff member with comparable duties. The superintendent or designee determines compensation paid to a consultant, considering cost incurred and benefits derived therefrom. The district will determine the compensation classification of a consultant on a personal services contract or payroll in compliance with the guidelines of the Internal Revenue Service. 

Legal References:

RCW 28A.400.010 Employment of superintendent – Superintendents qualifications, general powers, term, contract renewal 
RCW 28A.413.010 Minimum employment requirements 
RCW 28A.330.100 Additional powers of the board 
RCW 28A.400.300 Hiring and discharging of employees – Written leave policies – Seniority and leave benefits of employees transferring between school districts and other educational employers 
RCW 28A.400.315 Employment contracts 
RCW 28A.405.210 Conditions and contracts of employment – Nonrenewal of provisional employees – Notice – Procedure 
RCW 28A.405.240 Conditions and contracts of employment – Supplemental contracts, when – Continuing contract provisions not applicable to 
RCW 28A405.900 Certain certificated employees exempt from chapter provisions 
20 U.S.C. 6319 Qualifications for teachers and paraprofessionals 
 
Cross Reference:
 
Policy 5254 - Severance of Employment
 

Adoption:

Adopted: October 28, 2025