Teachers, School District near Final Agreement on Contract

ratify a new teachers contract Aug. 2 during a continuation of its July 25 legislative meeting.

The extended legislative meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m.  in the district’s administration center on Sixth Avenue. 

Approval hinges on the results of a ratification meeting with North Hills Education Association members tentatively slated for later this week, district officials said.

“We are fairly close. We are hoping for a favorable outcome,” said Edward Wielgus, board of directors president. “We feel comfortable with the proposal we have made to NHEA.”

Details of the contract will not be made available to the public before the parties reach a final agreement.

The district's six-year contract for about 350 teachers expires Aug. 23, and negotiations have been ongoing since January, said Joseph Goodnack, North Hills superintendent.

“The process went smoothly and I am hopeful we can reach an agreement.” 

District officials and union representatives did not use an outside negotiator or Pennsylvania State Education Association representation. In contract talks, a number of Allegheny County school districts often opt for outside help.

Following a suggestion from a school director, North Hills took an amicable approach, Goodnack said.

“They had a team. We had a team. We just sat down and talked.”

Union President Doug Sundo could not be reached immediately for comment.