Pocono Mountain School Board signs contract with support staff

April 18--Pocono Mountain School District's support staff has a new, five-year contract.

School board members approved the contract Wednesday night after the staff also approved the agreement. The contract continues until June 2019.

The raises are seen from year-to-year as employees move up the salary chart in steps.

The first year includes a 70-cent raise, then 50 cents in the second and third years, 40 cents the fourth year and 30 cents in the final year, according to the district.

The district could not supply average salaries for its 440 support staff employees.

District spokeswoman Wendy Frable said the hourly rates vary by specific job, skills and certification.

"For example, the required experience, training and certifications for computer technician would be very different from that of a custodian," she said.

To pay for the increases, support staff will participate in greater cost-sharing for health insurance. The cost-sharing "significantly" offsets the cost, the district said in a news release.

The board passed the contract with little discussion, but board President Meg Dilger said the pact will not result in a tax increase.

Pocono Mountain Educational Support Professional Association President Mary Ann Boylan, a health room nurse, said that the bargaining resulted in a contract that is "fair and efficient to both sides."

"The school district understands that we are part of the education team and have experienced and skilled employees who are very committed to our jobs and our students," she said.

The contract takes effect July 1.

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