TESD, Teachers Union Reach New Contract Agreement

TREDYFFRIN TOWNSHIP, PA – The Tredyffrin/Easttown Board of School Directors and Tredyffrin/Easttown Education Association teachers union have reached an agreement on a three-year contract after months of tough negotiations between the two parties following a contract expiring in July.

The agreement was reached at a special meeting on Nov. 8, the district said.

In the three-year collective bargaining agreement, teachers will earn incremental salary percentage increases of 2.92 percent in 2017-2018, 3.68 percent in 2018-2019, and 3.07 percent in 2019-2020.

Also in the agreement, the teachers agreed to take on a larger percent of their healthcare costs, which reduces the impact of the salary increases, the district said.

Other aspects affected by the contract are tuition reimbursement and the teacher salary schedule.

"Reaching this agreement took extraordinary commitment on the part of the full Board, District personnel and the TEEA leadership team," School Board President Doug Carlson said. "We had three goals when we began the negotiations process that focused on sustaining our strong educational programs, providing a fair compensation package to our staff and respecting the financial impact on taxpayers. Our committed and dedicated teachers are an integral part of what makes T/E such a great school district, and while the negotiations process was challenging for all members of our school community, I am thrilled that we were able to achieve our goals and that we can continue our mission."

TEEA President Dr. Robert DeSipio echoed Carlson's sentiments.

"The TEEA is pleased to have a new three-year Collective Bargaining Agreement with the T/E School District," DeSipio said. "We believe this contract demonstrates a shared commitment to maintain instructional and academic excellence along with fiscal responsibility. Our service to the children and families of Tredyffrin/Easttown is our top priority and privilege. The teachers would like to specifically thank the School Board for their consideration and for the many hours of hard work they give on a daily basis to ensure that our school district maintains the highest standards."

The contract under which teachers were working expired in July 2017. In early September, the district and union entered a fact finding stage to settle on a mutually agreeable contract.

The parties did not agree on the report, but offered amendments to it, which were mutually agreeable. The TESD and TEES modified report is available to review here.

Teachers subsequently picketed a board meeting in late September to protest the languishing contract discussions.

"I am pleased that the District and the teachers have reached a fair agreement that will maintain our excellent school programs in which our students will continue to shine," District Superintendent Dr. Richard Gusick said.

You can see details of the agreement at the link here.

Image via Tredyffrin/Easttown School District