Garnet Valley teachers OK extension, pay hikes; now goes to board
CONCORD » Garnet Valley teachers have approved a five-year contract extension that calls for a 2.8 percent pay increase, according to Superintendent Marc Bertrando. The deal now goes to the school board for approval.
On Friday Bertrando sent out an extensive message to the school community regarding the five year extension, which was approved by a majority of the 396 members in the Garnet Valley Education Association (GVEA) April 19.
“If approved by the school board, this extension would bring six years of labor peace to the district. It also contains 2.8 percent average increases to the teachers’ compensation package that is inclusive of salary and health care cost sharing,” Bertrando said.
The Garnet Valley Board of School Directors will vote on the tentative agreement during their public meeting 7 p.m., April 24 at the education center. If approved, the new agreement will begin after the existing contract ends on June 30, 2019, and will not expire until June 30, 2024.
The essentials of the contract terms are a five-year extension; salary increase that averages 3.11 percent over the duration (2.8 percent when you factor in the increased health care costs); and offer two Personal Choice health care plans with a premium range (over the years) from 12 percent to 22 percent depending on the plan.
The agreement increases a starting teacher salary from $47,600 to $52, 549 by June 2024. Teachers at the highest point on the pay scale, with 15 years of service, a master’s degree plus 30 graduate credits, will increase from $100,150 to $107,025 by 2024. Bertrando noted the highest projected salaries are still lower than some local districts’ currently salaries.
Other elements of the tentative agreement include an ERIP (Early Retirement Incentive Plan) geared toward teachers at the top of the salary scale. The eligibility criteria are included in a comprehensive list of Frequently Asked Questions conveyed to the community.
“The board entered into the informal negotiations process with the teachers association in February. This process, which has been followed by various local and regional districts, is the time period typically before the official start of formal bargaining under Act 88 of 1992 where the parties discuss the possibility of an extension or new contract without the strict regulatory provisions and requirements of Act 88,” Bertrando said.
In talks, without a mediator or lead negotiators, parties determine whether a contract can contracted maximum be developed that addresses concerns of bother sides without having to go the often time-consuming formal process. Cost savings are an additional benefit.
Bertrando further anticipated a question about the board not having legal representation at the bargaining table, answering, “along with the administration, there was a board member who took part in the informal negotiations. Additionally, we consulted with the district’s labor attorney throughout the process. Notably, the last negotiations took over 18 months, cost the district considerable time and resources, and substantially disrupted the educational environment.”
The GVEA had a negotiating team as well as a representative from the Pennsylvania State Education Association who consulted and acted in an advisory capacity.
Prior to the GVEA vote, as well as the board’s April 24 decision, Board President Rosemary Fiumara said, “If approved by the association, the board will have an opportunity to digest the agreement. We want to give assurances to the taxpayers that we are doing what is good for everyone.”
GVEA President Rob Guidetti said he preferred to wait until the board meeting to make a statement, but would be available at that time for comments.