NEW CASTLE —
Shenango’s teachers will receive pay increases averaging 1.24 percent over the life of a new contract.
The Shenango Area Education Association, which represents the teachers, accepted the four-year agreement April 4 and the school board followed suit April 9, approving it unanimously.
The contract, which covers 93 full-time teachers, runs from Sept. 1, 2012, through Aug. 31, 2016.
The current five-year contract expires Aug. 31.
“I think the contract is fair for both sides,” acting superintendent Dr. Michael Schreck said.
“Both parties understand the financial climate we’re both in. This contract proves the cooperation between the board and the teachers is outstanding.”
Teachers have accepted a wage freeze in the first year. They will receive increases of 1.09 percent in the second year, 1.81 percent in the third year and 2.04 percent in the fourth year.
The contract also includes changes in healthcare deductibles and a retirement incentive.
The current deductible for in-network is $100 for individual coverage and $200 for family. The deductible will remain in effect for the first year of the contract, then increase to $250 for an individual and $500 for family in the second year.
For out of network, the deductible will increase from $250 to $500 for an individual and from $500 to $1,000 for family, also in the second year.
Emergency co-pays will increase from $50 to $75.
Under the retirement incentive, the first 10 teachers who retire in the current school year or the 2012-13 school year will have $9,000 deposited into a health reimbursement account. The money could be used for premiums, co-pays or other health-related expenses.
Teachers must have at least 30 years of service to be eligible.
Scott Sauders, co-president of the Shenango Area Education Association, said, “Heading into the school year, we knew that Gov. Corbett’s massive budget cuts — including over $600,000 in cuts to Shenango — would have an impact on these negotiations. We are pleased that both parties were able to cooperatively confront the challenges we faced to find an acceptable solution.”
Board president Albert Burick said, “Our teaching staff does a tremendous job with our students, and they displayed the same kind of professionalism in these negotiations as they do in the classroom.”
(Email: jmanna@ncnewsonline.com)
Schools
Related Photos
Discussion
Shenango teachers, board OK new contract
- Schools
-
-
Mohawk OKs tax abatement for racetrack
The Mohawk school board approved a five-year tax abatement for Endeka Entertainment. The abatement covers about 200 acres in Mahoning Township that is the site of the proposed harness racetrack and casino.
-
No tax increase expected at Mohawk
No tax increase is anticipated for the Mohawk school district. The board introduced a $21,714,781 budget for the 2013-14 school year that is 5 percent more than the current budget of $20,703,767.
-
Vo-tech budget loses support
Now there are only two. That is the number of school districts that have approved the Lawrence County Career and Technical Center budget for the 2013-14 year after Union board’s withdrew support this week.
-
Vo-tech school administrator named
Dr. C. Joyce Nicksick will be the Lawrence County Career and Technical Center’s chief school administrator for the 2013-14 year.
-
Primary 2013: Former superintendent earns New Castle board nomination
Voters nominated four candidates for four-year terms in each of Lawrence County’s eight school districts yesterday. New Castle and Ellwood City had candidates running on one ballot only, but all others crossfiled, meaning they appeared on both Republican and Democratic ballots.
-
Photo Gallery: Check out our images from the Shenango High prom!
The pomp. The pageantry. The pairs. The pictures. Yes, it’s prom season once again in Lawrence County and the New Castle News is on hand to document all the fun and excitement. We hope you enjoy our photo galleries! Today, Shenango High.
-
Your Tax Money: Four districts undecided on vo-tech budget
Four school districts are still deciding whether to support the Lawrence County Career and Technical Center’s 2013-14 budget. The New Castle, Wilmington, Mohawk and Ellwood City school boards are waiting until June to vote on the proposed spending plan as they contemplate a growing debt the center owes to six of its eight member school districts.
-
Our Opinion: State audit says city school district failed to collect from non-residents
Audit information about non-resident students who didn’t pay tuition at New Castle raises more questions than it answers. At least so far. We expect more details when the Pennsylvania auditor general’s office completes its report and the New Castle school district provides its response.
-
Photo Gallery, Story: Laurel senior county’s new dairy princess
The two candidates cross their fingers and the crowd goes silent, awaiting the verdict. And the 2013-2014 Lawrence County Dairy Princess is — Rhonda Mitcheltree!
-
In The Schools: Keystone Exam could up graduation stakes
The typical Pennsylvania student will spend more than 46 hours taking standardized state tests during his or her academic career. That equals more than a week’s worth of school and does not take into account the amount of time that schools spend specifically preparing for tests or helping students who have failed standardized tests.
- More Schools Headlines
-
Mohawk OKs tax abatement for racetrack
