The Pennsbury School District board of directors and the Pennsbury Education Association have agreed to a new five-year contract that will run retroactively from July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2026. The PEA includes approximately 870 certified personnel, consisting of teachers, counselors, psychologists, nurses, speech therapists, social workers, behavior analysts and librarians.
“We are extremely pleased to have reached this agreement,” said Christine Toy-Dragoni, president of the Pennsbury school board. “The board feels this contract strikes a balance between meeting the needs of PEA members while maintaining fiscal integrity for the district and taxpayers.”
Under the new contract, health benefits for all PEA members will shift to the Delaware Valley Health Trust, effective July 1, 2022. The move will provide short- and long-term cost containment for the district. There is also an increase in staff contribution toward health benefits from 14 percent to 15 percent in the second year, and an additional 1 percent increase in year three through the remainder of the contract. All PEA members will also see a salary increase of $1,800 per year and a .5 percent increase in supplemental activity stipends.
“The Pennsbury Education Association is pleased to announce a contract that acknowledges the hard work of our members and their commitment to enhancing the educational experience of all students while being mindful of all constituents,” said Lynn Vitali, president of the Pennsbury Education Association, and Pamela Martino, PEA member and negotiations chairperson. “We are hopeful that the next five years under this agreement will provide an environment where students and staff will feel supported and valued.”
Additional changes under the new contract include limiting class size to an average of 28 students, implementing a new middle school schedule that will increase student instructional time, and expanding the Opportunity Period at the high school level, providing additional academic support for students.
Contract negotiations began in January 2021. Teachers ratified the contract agreement on Monday, Nov. 1, and the board publicly approved it on Thursday, Nov. 18.
