The Ephrata School District Collective Bargaining Agreement: What You Need to Know
The Ephrata School District, located in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, recently reached a new collective bargaining agreement with the local teachers` union. This agreement will cover the next four years and provides increased salaries and benefits for teachers in the district.
The new agreement comes after several months of negotiations between the district and the union. Both sides were able to come to an agreement that meets the needs of the teachers while also being financially responsible for the school district.
One of the main highlights of the agreement is the increase in salaries for teachers. The new agreement states that teachers will receive a 3.25% increase in their base salary for the 2021-2022 school year, followed by a 3.5% increase for the 2022-2023 school year, and a 3.75% increase for the 2023-2024 school year. Additionally, teachers will receive a one-time payment of $1,500 for the 2021-2022 school year.
The agreement also includes changes to the health care benefits for teachers. The district will now cover 90% of the premium for the lowest-cost employee-only health care plan. This is an increase from the previous agreement, which covered 86% of the premium. The new agreement also includes a wellness program for teachers to encourage healthy lifestyle choices.
Other changes in the agreement include additional paid leave for teachers, including two personal days and two bereavement days. The agreement also includes a new professional development fund to support teachers in attending conferences and workshops.
Overall, the new collective bargaining agreement between the Ephrata School District and the teachers` union is a positive development for both parties. The increased salaries and benefits for teachers will help to attract and retain high-quality educators in the district, while also providing financial stability for the school district. With this agreement, teachers and administrators can now focus on providing the best possible education for the students of the Ephrata School District.