UPPER ST. CLAIR
The district and the union representing support staff Special Service Federation have reached a new two-year collective bargaining agreement.
The new agreement with the Special Service Federation is effective Sept. 1, and runs through Aug. 31, 2020. The current contract expires on Aug. 31.
The school board unanimously approved the agreement Monday night. The union, which ratified the pact on Saturday, represents more than 160 workers, including custodians, maintenance, mechanics, teacher aides, secretaries and nutrition center staff.
The agreement represents a wage increase of approximately 3 percent, offset by an increase in health care premium contributions.
NORTH HILLS
This year’s graduation ceremony will have a new look.
Administrators announced recently that this year’s senior class decided to design a new cap and gown for graduation. The new gown is red with white accents.
Since 1972, males have worn red gowns and females wore white gowns.
The change is not sitting well with some current and former students. A change.org petition was started last week by student Grace McAfee to allow each class to decide whether to wear one color or return to two colors. Within a week, the petition had been signed by more than 1,200 people, many commenting to keep the “tradition” of red and white gowns.
North Hills’ motto is “pride, tradition and excellence.”
Superintendent Patrick Mannarino said the district is starting a “new tradition,” with each future class designing its own red and white gown.
“The new gown represents unity, togetherness and all being one,” he said. “I know the traditions are hard to break, but all we are doing is celebrating the red and white.”
MARS AREA
The school board on Tuesday approved a calendar for the 2018-19 school year.
Classes will begin on Aug. 29. The last day will occur between May 31 and June 7, 2019.
Students will receive a twohour early dismissal on Friday, Dec. 21, and winter break will be from Dec. 24 through Jan. 1. There are 13 days when teachers report, but students are off. Graduation will be June 6, 2019.