Quaker Valley School District administrative assistants, paraprofessionals, clerks, assistant nurses and technology technicians are working under a new contract.

The school board voted 7-0 at a special meeting Sept. 26 to approve the new six-year contract with what was collectively referred to as the Unit 1 employees. It impacts 56 staffers.

Board members Chesney Soderstrom and Jeff Watters were absent.

The employees approved their part of the deal Sept. 21. The previous five-year contract expired June 30.

The new contract is retroactive to July 1 and runs through June 30, 2029.

The average salary increase is 4.2% across the six-year term. The contract also provides for increased healthcare contributions.

“This decision is the result of extensive negotiations and collaboration between our dedicated committee members, the bargaining unit representatives, and district administrators,” said School Director Kati Doebler, personnel committee chair.

“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.”

Other district officials echoed Doebler’s comments.

“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,” said human resources director Stefanie McKissic. “We are encouraged that this cooperative team effort will carry through into other areas as we continue to do great work together.”

Karen Schurman, Unit 1 president and administrative assistant at Osborne Elementary, signed the contract shortly after the school board vote.

“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,” shes said.

“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.”

School district spokeswoman Michelle Dietz said the special meeting was necessary because the next board voting session was Oct. 30 and officials did not want to wait another month to get the deal done.

The board also voted at the special meeting to appoint Bridget Bove as an English language arts teacher for the middle school at a prorated salary of $51,235 for the current school year.

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