The Quaker Valley Board of School Directors voted on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 to ratify a six-year collective bargaining agreement with their Unit 1 employees which include administrative assistants, paraprofessionals, clerks, assistant nurses, and technology technicians at the Quaker Valley School District. The action item passed by a vote of 7-0, with Board Members Chesney Soderstrom and Jeff Watters absent from the meeting.
“This decision is the result of extensive negotiations and collaboration between our dedicated committee members, the bargaining unit representatives, and district administrators,” said Chair of the School Board Personnel Committee Kati Doebler. “We believe that this agreement reflects our commitment to providing fair compensation, benefits, and working conditions to our valued staff members who play a vital role in the success of our district. The tentative approval of this agreement underscores our commitment to fostering a positive and supportive working environment for our employees.”
The contract was approved by Unit 1 employees on Thursday, September 21, 2023 by a wide margin and will impact 56 professionals across the District.
“The administrative assistants, clerks, nurse assistants, paraprofessionals, and technology technicians represented by the bargaining unit are happy to reach an agreement that we believe is fair to both the employees and the District,” said Karen Schurman, Administrative Assistant at Osborne Elementary, and the Unit 1 President. “Now that negotiations have concluded, we look forward to working cooperatively with the District administration and school board to make Quaker Valley the best school District in the area as we can continue to focus on providing the best service possible to the students and community we serve.”
The period covered by the contract is July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2029, replacing the previous 5-year contract, which expired June 30, 2023. The average salary increase is 4.2% across the 6-year term. The agreement also provides for increased healthcare contributions as healthcare premiums continue to rise.
Stefanie McKissic, Director of Human Resources, said, “Both parties agreed from the outset that we would work together and approach the process with an open mind and thoughtful consideration of each side’s proposal. We are encouraged that this cooperative team effort will carry through into other areas as we continue to do great work together.”