West Hartford BoE OK's Security Guard Contract

WEST HARTFORD, CT — School system employees charged with the safety and well being of both pupils and staff will get 3 percent pay raises in each of the next four years.

According to a new labor contract ratified last month by the West Hartford Board of Education and the West Hartford Board of Education Security Union, 22 security staffers will get 3 percent hikes starting this year, 2022-23, and lasting through 2024-25.

The school board vote to approve the contract was a unanimous voice vote Sept. 20. The union ratified the deal Sept. 7.

School security staffers are paid an annual salary based on experience, with starting pay being $47,361 for a "Step 1" staff member to $53,328 for a "Step 7" security guard.

Prior to briefing the board on the agreement, West Hartford School System Executive Director of Human Resources Julio Duarte issued praise for a group of employees with a major responsibility.

"As always, I did want to take a moment to thank the security guards for the work that they do day in and day out to ensure the safety of all our students and our staff," he said.

"I know first-hand that they are actually the first person students seek out when they need help because of the relationships that they've developed with our students."

Regarding this year, the pay increases were included in the budget, school officials said.

In addition to wage increases, the employees' medical insurance contribution and pension contribution percentages went up slightly.

Currently paying 21 percent of their premiums, security guards will pay 21.25 percent starting in 2023-24; 21.5 percent the next year; and 21.5 percent in the final year of the contract.

The first year of the pact is unchanged.

Pension contributions went up starting this year, according to district officials.

Prior to this school year, the contribution was 5.75 percent according to administrators, but starting with 2022-23, the contribution is 6 percent.

That rate goes up to 6.25 percent in the following two years and then to 6.5 percent in 2025-26, the final year of the deal.

To watch the Sept. 20 West Hartford Board of Education meeting, click in this link.

For details on the agreement, click on this link.