The Pennsbury School Board has approved a new five-year contract with the 625-member Pennsbury Educational Support Professionals Association (PESPA).
The deal with the union includes a yearly one percent pay increase and column and longevity movement. It also will put members in a new health care plan starting October. The plan has higher co-pays for specialists and higher out of pocket maximums, according to a presentation from Superintendent Dr. William Gretzula.
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During fiscal year, 2021-2022, the health care contributions will level out and will become similar to agreements with other district bargaining groups.
According to district documents, the new contract will cost $605,194 in the upcoming fiscal year and $554,719 during final year of the deal.
Some other changes to the contract involved adding some flexibly and language changes to leave policies.
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The new deal also includes a provision that involves subcontracting positions. Below is the language in the contract:
From June 30, 2017 until June 29, 2022, the Pennsbury School District will not be able to engage in any further subcontracting of Bargaining Unit work, unless: (1) there are no reasonably available qualified individuals to fill the position; (2) there are emergent reasons to fill a position quickly, particularly when there is no qualified individual available; (3) unless the Bargaining Unit agrees to such subcontracting of services; or (4) unless there has been a historical practice of subcontracting that work through outside agencies.
“I am pleased with the outcome of the contract negotiations, as the new agreement meets the primary goal of restoring health benefits for this portion of the District’s work force,” said Board President, Gary Sanderson. “I feel the contract is fair to the employees while being fiscally responsible. I commend the chief negotiator, the administrative team, and the members of the school board negotiating team for their diligence in achieving the goals of the board.”
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“During this last contract, we lost many good support staff employees because they could not afford to work and pay for these health care benefits,” said Marla Lipkin, a Falls Township resident and president of PESPA. She added that health care benefits were important and the new deal will restore coverage for dependents, which was cut as part of a $9 million estimated savings during the last retroactive five year deal.
“We are happy and optimistic that our relationship with the board and superintendent will heal the past and secure an excellent working relationship powered by mutual respect,” she stated.
