MT. LEBANON, PA – The Keystone Oaks Board of School Directors and the Keystone Oaks Education Association met with a mediator on Thursday, February 11, 2021 to continue contract negotiations.
“The School Board’s negotiating team felt that we met several of the requests that were made by KOEA in their January 31st proposal,” Theresa Lydon, President of the Board of School Directors, said. “KOEA, however, presented a new proposal that would cost the district even more money than what was asked for two weeks ago.”
The District is not permitted to release any of KOEA’s proposals. The Board of School Director’s most recent proposal includes the following:
Removal of the wage freeze for the 2020-2021 school year. All KOEA members would move one step on the salary scale and receive a salary increase, retroactive to the beginning of the school year.
For the 2020-2021 school year, employees between steps 1 and steps 12 on the salary scale would see a salary increase of $500. Employees in years thirteen through eighteen, would see a salary increase of $100. This is only for the 2020-2021 school year. A few examples of salary increases over the five year contract; this chart shows an employee with a master’s degree, which applies to 47% of KOEA members:
Starts on in 2020-2021: | 2020-2021 | 2021-2022 | 2022-2023 | 2023-2024 | Ends at in 2024-2025 |
Step 1 | $45,000 | $46,500 | $48,500 | $50,500 | $53,500 |
Step 5 | $48,500 | $50,500 | $52,500 | $54,500 | $58,500 |
Step 10 | $54,500 | $56,500 | $59,500 | $63,000 | $72,500 |
Step 15 | $73,100 | $80,500 | $91,000 | $104,750 | $104,750 |
For 2020-2021, the healthcare contribution rate would remain the same as the 2019-2020 rate. KOEA members pay 9% of the premium. Over the five year contract, KOEA members would gradually increase their contribution to 13%, which equates to:
Health Care Plan | Per Pay in 2020-2021 | Per Pay in 2021-2022 | Per Pay in 2022-2023 | Per Pay in 2023-2024 | Per Pay in 2024-2025 |
Individual | $27.77 | $32.39 | $35.71 | $40.18 | $48.75 |
Family | $78.94 | $92.10 | $101.54 | $102.98 | $138.60 |
“The Board recognizes that this year’s salary increases are minimal; however, over the life of the contract, our most recent proposal provides our teachers, counselors, nurses and mental health therapists with a fair agreement that guarantees annual salary increases and minimizes the impact of healthcare contributions,” Lydon said. “The Board has taken feedback, both from KOEA and from the community, and addressed the main areas of concern. This will still lead to tax increases and use of the fund balance, but we feel that it is a fair and sustainable offer,” she added.”
A list of FAQs regarding work stoppages and the bargaining process is available on the District’s website.
*Note: All media inquiries should be directed to Mrs. Sarah Welch, Communications Coordinator, at 412-638-6928 or [email protected]. Keystone Oaks Solicitor Mr. Mike Brungo will provide comments on negotiations.