Pennsbury Extends Contracts With Teachers, Staff

FALLSINGTON, PA —The Pennsbury School Board, the Pennsbury Education Association (PEA), and the Pennsbury Educational Support Professionals Association (PESPA) have agreed to extend their existing contracts through 2031 and 2032, respectively.

The district worked collaboratively with its two largest collective bargaining units to extend their current agreements to provide long-term financial stability for our staff and district.

In addition to providing stability for staff, the agreements provide financial stability that will be essential as the district implements its long-term plan to address aging facilities - including the construction of a new high school, school officials said.

The groups worked together to agree upon salary increases, contributions to healthcare, and
contract language modifications, including the number of required meetings and granting the
district the flexibility to modify start times.

“I am happy that we were able to work together to reach an agreement that acknowledges the
vital role our instructional and support staff members play in our district while being respectful
to our community members and assisting us with our long-term planning,” said School Board President Joanna Steere, who participated in the discussions.

“These agreements reflect the hard work of our members and their commitment to all students in
Pennsbury while being mindful of all constituents. We are proud to support our district and
community as we strive for Pennsbury to be the very best,” said Nicole Peirce, president of the
Pennsbury Education Association, and Marla Lipkin, president of the Pennsbury Educational
Support Professionals Association, in a joint statement.

“Salaries and benefits account for more than 70 percent of the district’s annual budget. Having
agreements settled for the next seven and eight years will provide a solid foundation for our
long-term fiscal planning,” Chief Financial Officer Chris Berdnik said.

The Pennsbury Education Association (PEA) includes about 870 certified personnel, consisting of teachers, counselors, psychologists, nurses, speech therapists, social workers, behavior analysts, and librarians.

Pennsbury Educational Support Professionals Association (PESPA), totaling about 675
staff members, including bus drivers, custodians, maintenance employees, paraprofessionals, and
secretaries, among other positions.