KENNETT SQUARE — The Kennett Consolidated School District and its teachers formally announced a new five-year contract Tuesday.
The KCSD Board of Education voted to approve the deal May 23, just days after the teachers’ union, the Kennett Education Association voted to approve the new pact, on May 18.
After six months of talks, the district administration expressed pleasure at the outcome.
“We, the Kennett Consolidated School Community, are ecstatic to have reached an amicable settlement with the Kennett Education Association for the next five years,” Superintendent of Schools Barry Tomasetti said. It clearly demonstrates our common goal to put kids first. Throughout the negotiations process it was important for us to balance the financial constraints of the taxpayers with the need to recruit, retain, and reward highly qualified dedicated professionals. With the contract behind us, united, we are honored and committed to serve our community’s educational needs.”
The teachers appeared just as pleased.
“As President of the Kennett Education Association I am pleased that both parties were able to accomplish their goal of a more positive round of negotiations that culminated with a win-win contract for both parties,” Michael Kelly, Kennett Education Association president said. “Both sides are to be commended for their hard work and commitment to this goal. This new agreement should assist the District in their efforts to maintain and attract the best professionals and to continue to be recognized as one of the finest districts in the state and the nation.”
In voting to approve the deal, the school suggested that the new contract was a win for all involved:
“The Kennett Consolidated School Board is very pleased that we have approved a contract which is a win for all stakeholders – our taxpayers, our teachers and faculty, and most importantly, our students,” School Board President, Mrs. Kendra LaCosta, stated. “The efforts of the Kennett Education Association and the Kennett Consolidated School District Administration to work respectfully toward such an agreement highlights the commitment of all involved. Our mission is to educate each and every student to realize their potential, while attracting and retaining the best teachers in the area, and this contract provides for that. Special thanks should go to Michael Barber, Mark Tracy, Dustin Mott, Jan Orbon and Linda Parkinson for their hard work and thorough attention through this process. We also thank all of our teachers for their continued professionalism and dedication to our collective success.”
The deal calls for salary increase of 4% in the 2016-17 school year, 2.225% in 2017-18, 2.5% in the 2018-19 school year, 2.6% in the 2019-20 school year and 2,7% in the 2020-21 school year. The increases include step movement and off-schedule bonuses. Educational credit adjustments have been limited to just two during the term of the contract.
The teachers agreed to cost containing moves on health benefits. Additionally, the educational day for elementary schools has been extended by 10 minutes, and an additional 10 minutes of supervisory time to enhance building safety and security is part of the deal.
