PHOENIXVILLE – School district administrators, including building principals and other personnel, who fall outside the teachers’ contract, agreed to a new two-year contract, which includes an increase in heath care contributions and no salary increase in the first year.
Realizing the state of economic affairs for the Phoenixville Area School District, Act 93 administrators – a 14-member group which includes building principals, the district athletic director, director of information technology and other staff members – will work under the new deal, which was approved by an 8-0 vote during Thursday’s school board meeting.
Board member Mary Croke-Parris was absent from the meeting.
The new contract, which takes effect July 1, covers a variety of points, such as salary, health care costs and tuition reimbursements.
According to the agreement, administrators will forego pay raises during the first year of the agreement, picking them up in 2012. Increases will range up to $3,000 and will be merit-based, determined by Superintendent Alan D. Fegley.
Out-of-pocket costs for health care will also be going up. Administrators will be contributing 8 percent toward insurance premiums in 2011-12 and 10 percent in 2012-13.
Members looking to continue their education will be able to do so, with some help from the district.
Administrators will be reimbursed for 100 percent of tuition costs for every 18 credits taken per year, when they study at an accredited college and university, the contract said.
The school board issued a written statement Thursday night on the news of the contract, saying it was glad members were willing accept additional costs in the agreement, given the economic challenges facing Pennsylvania school districts.
“It is clear they are doing their part to ensure the continued success and growth of Phoenixville Area School District as we all work through these unprecedented financial challenges,” the statement said.
The Phoenixville Area Education Association and school district are still working on a new collective bargaining agreement, as teachers have been working without a contract since June 30.
Talks between the two parties are scheduled throughout this month and April.