WEAC Leaders Reject New QEO Proposals

Suggested modifications to the Qualified Economic Offer law are attempts to fix an irretrievably broken system, according to WEAC President Terry Craney.

Governor Thompson and several legislators have suggested changing the law to make it more fair to the most senior teachers. The proposals would allow districts to move funds to salaries of teachers at the top of the salary schedule, many of whom are losing income because of the QEO.

“No proposal so far has demonstrated an ability to resolve current QEO problems without creating additional problems,” Craney said. “The QEO cannot be fixed with a Band-Aid.”

The Senate Education Committee has discussed the QEO, but has not yet acted.

WEAC Executive Director Don Krahn said the association will not support changing the law to help some members at the expense of other members. He said younger teachers would suffer if funds were moved from their salaries.

“Well-meaning legislators have proposed changes for their own political comfort,” Krahn said. “We will not agree to any proposal that transfers pain from one member to another.”

Posted December 23, 1997