North Hills School District: New Contract For Support Staff

ROSS TOWNSHIP, PA - The North Hills School District has approved a five-year contract with the North Hills Educational Support Personnel. The union, which represents about 110 paraprofessionals, teaching assistants, LPNs, clerks, computer technicians and secretaries, had been working under terms of their contract that expired in June.

The new contract calls for average annual salary increases of 3.83 percent, 3.17 percent, 2.56 percent, 2.45 percent and 2.39 percent in the final year of the contract, which expires in June 2021.

“This contract represents a sustainable compromise by employees and the district in an uncertain funding environment,” school board president Edward Wielgus said.“Balancing the needs of our taxpayers and desires of district employees can be a challenge, but I am proud that we were able to find a compromise that pleases our employees and upholds the district's fiscally responsible ideals.”

Union president Cynthia Benoit said, ““We are pleased to have reached an amicable agreement with the district that preserves our vital positions. As many of our employees are residents of North Hills School District, our first priority has been and will always remain the North Hills students.”

Wage and salary increases in the new contract are in line with recently negotiated pacts with district teachers, custodial and maintenance staff and food service employees.