Solon Teachers Agree To New 4-Year Contract

SOLON, OH — The Solon Board of Education approved a new four-year contract with the Solon teaching staff. The deal lasts through 2021. The teachers will get a zero percent base salary increase in years one and three of the agreement, and a two percent increase in years two and four.

The deal includes 5 percent performance incentives for each year. The incentives are tied to student achievement results. The deal was unanimously approved by the Solon Board of Education and the Solon Education Association.

Staff contributions to health insurance will increase 16 percent by 2021. Additional benefit restrictions that have been previously negotiated, including higher co-pays, and the elimination of spousal coverage, will remain in effect.

“This contract reflects the integral role of our staff in the district’s consistently excellent student achievement results – including the state’s number one school report card for the past two years,” said Solon Schools Superintendent Joseph Regano in a statement. “At the same time, it is a responsible agreement for our community. Although each contract is unique, this agreement builds on the long-range planning accomplished through the past two agreements. Overall, we have held the line on staff salary increases to an average of 1.1 percent a year from fiscal year 2012 through 2021.”

The deal will extend to administrative staff members, as well as teachers.

“The financial foresight and results from our most recent negotiated agreements continue to pay dividends,” Regano noted.

The district has been battling a potential revenue loss over recent months. The Tangible Personal Property tax reimbursement (TPP) funding, jeopardized at the state level in Governor John Kasich's proposed budget, may be completely phased out. Regano said a four-year agreement provides the district with additional stability in forecasting.

“By including two years in the agreement with zero percent base salary increases, we are able to preserve the equivalent of two mills over the life of the contract,” Regano said. “Our teachers are not the highest paid in the state even after this contract, but they are helping our students to achieve at the highest levels in the state. Just like any other employer, it is critical that our compensation packages remain competitive. Our commitment to providing our students with the best possible educational program is intricately tied to our success in hiring the best and the brightest in the field and competing to attract and retain those high-performing employees.”

Photo from Solon Schools