Resolves Nearly 6 Years Without New Contract for 280 Employees
The Katonah-Lewisboro Board of Education and the Katonah-Lewisboro Support Staff Association (KLSSA) have agreed on a new contract, resolving nearly six years of discussions. The members of the KLSSA have been working since that time under the terms and conditions of the contract that expired on June 30, 2006.
The average KLSSA member earns a salary of approximately $40,000 per year.
In strict terms, the agreement calls for a wage increase that would have averaged 2.1% per year beginning with the 2006-07 school year; however, the wages are not being paid retroactively. Instead, a one-time payment is being made for the current calendar year. But in the new agreement, increases for employee contributions to healthcare premiums will drive down the net impact to the district of this increase in salary. The net increase of the new agreement represents a 1.35% yearly increase over the term of the agreement. The agreement does not carry a financial impact to the current year’s budget, nor will it impact next year’s budget, since a hard freeze is in place for the 2012-13 school year.
“KLSSA members are critical to the success and security of our district,” said Board of Education President Mark Lipton. “They are our bus drivers, monitors, teaching aides and assistants, custodians and office staff, and provide many other services in support roles. “This is a good settlement for the members and for the taxpayers of the community, and I thank Paul Kreutzer, Mike Jumper, and KLSSA President Jeani Granelli for their hard work and leadership.”
A number of changes to the contract were agreed upon by both parties, including a conversion to a percentage contribution for healthcare premiums from a flat dollar contribution, which results a higher contribution level for members. The remaining changes carried significant positive financial impacts to the district.
“Our members overwhelmingly approved this new contract,” said Jeani Granelli, President of the KLSSA. “We are pleased to have worked in spirit of great cooperation and collegiality with Dr. Kreutzer, Mr. Jumper, and the Board of Education. These are difficult times for school districts and our members, but we will continue to work together in the interest of the students and residents of the district.”
So:
How much in total will the district have to shell out at signing of contract?
Going into the future: What's the additional total cost per year?
Bob D
Posted by: robert dixon | February 08, 2012 at 08:59 AM