Central Oregon Community College (COCC) in Bend announced Friday, Oct. 2, that it has reached a tentative collective bargaining agreement with the Faculty Forum. The agreement, arrived at after continued mediation, will allow the college to keep all classes and operations on schedule when the semester resumes on Monday, Oct. 5.
Student focus drives the deal
College President Greg Pereira said the negotiations were guided by a single principle: students come first. “Our students have remained our priority throughout this process and we’re pleased to have reached an agreement that allows them to continue their education,” Pereira explained. He added that the college looks forward to working with faculty to support both educators and learners as the new contract moves toward final approval.
Balancing faculty investment and fiscal health
Jim Porter, chair of the COCC board of directors, highlighted the agreement’s dual purpose. “This agreement represents an important investment in our faculty while ensuring the college remains financially sustainable,” Porter said. He praised both bargaining teams for avoiding any disruption to students’ education and for reaching a compromise that respects the college’s budget constraints.
Next steps for ratification
The tentative agreement must still be ratified by two bodies before it becomes binding. First, members of the Faculty Forum will vote on the contract. After that, the COCC board of directors will give final approval. College officials said they will release more details about the specific terms of the agreement in the coming days.
Why the agreement matters to the community
For Bend residents and the broader Central Oregon region, a stable college schedule means uninterrupted access to higher‑education opportunities, workforce training, and community events hosted on campus. By securing a contract that supports faculty while maintaining fiscal responsibility, COCC demonstrates a commitment to both educational excellence and prudent stewardship of public resources—values that align with the priorities of families and faith‑based communities in the area.
The resolution also reflects a broader trend of collaborative problem‑solving between labor groups and educational institutions, showing that constructive dialogue can produce outcomes that benefit students, teachers, and taxpayers alike.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
