Board approves teacher and nurse contracts; several members seek review of payroll and PAC language

The Wentzville R‑IV Board of Education voted Feb. 20 to approve collective-bargaining agreements with the Wentzville National Education Association chapters representing certified staff and school nurses.

Several board members raised concerns during discussion about contract language that allows the district to collect union dues and political-action-committee (PAC) contributions via payroll deductions and that permits the WNEA to use district equipment and mail services for association business. Members questioned whether those provisions are consistent with district policy and whether the district should absorb related administrative costs.

Why it matters: Contracts that authorize payroll deductions for union dues or PAC contributions and permit use of district resources can carry administrative costs for the district. Board members asked administration to investigate whether current policy and state law allow the specific payroll deductions described in the agreements and asked the district’s attorney to propose clarifying edits or an MOU if needed.

What board members said: One board member objected that the agreements put the administrative costs of WNEA operations on taxpayers. Other board members noted some disputed language predates this round of negotiations and recommended raising the issues during next year’s bargaining or pursuing friendly edits outside formal negotiations. Administration said it would consult with legal counsel and coordinate with union representatives to address any conflicts between policy and contract language.

Next steps: Administration and the district’s legal counsel will review the questioned provisions and report back to the board; several members requested that any changes be pursued through negotiation or an MOU rather than unilaterally altering the ratified agreement.