Parkland School Board and the Education Association worked together to reach agreement on a three-year contract, which was approved Dec. 15.

The contract will be in effect Sept. 1, 2016 through Aug. 31, 2019.

The agreement applies to 640 members of the PEA, including teachers, nurses, guidance counselors and other professional staff.

Board member Lisa Roth, who was on the negotiating team, reported on the process.

“We early-birded it,” Roth said. “The teachers’ union suggested we start talks a little earlier. We started this October.

“It was very amenable.”

A 2.4-percent annual salary increase is included in the contract.

Starting salary for a teacher with a Bachelor’s degree and no experience will be $51,895. For someone with a Master’s degree the starting salary is $59,959, and for a person with a doctorate, pay starts at $77,459.

Teachers advance on the salary scale by completing post-graduate education courses and through years of teaching experience.

The highest level on the salary scale provides $99,257 for an individual with a doctorate and 15 years of experience.

Stipend payments for athletic coaches and department heads will increase 2.4 percent each year.

Student activity advisors will receive a 5-percent increase in their stipends each year.

Board President David Kennedy commented on the contract.

“We are pleased to enter into an early bird agreement with our staff,” Kennedy said. “Labor peace is good for everyone.

“Our teachers feel valued and we appreciate that our staff continues to recognize that increases to healthcare contributions are necessary for the district to handle the rising cost of medical insurance.

“We thank the PEA for being a partner in helping us to manage the educational funding crisis that persists in Pennsylvania and across the nation.”

Superintendent Richard Sniscak offered remarks.

“Both parties acted professionally and collaboratively throughout the negotiation process,” Sniscak said.

“The end result is a fair contract that is fiscally responsible, while rewarding our employees for their skills and dedication to the important and varied roles they play within Parkland.”

Sandi Gackenbach, PEA president, provided comments on the agreement.

“Our membership is pleased we have an ongoing collaborative relationship with the school board and administration,” Gackenbach said.

“All groups were sensitive to our community’s ability to pay for this three-year agreement while keeping student needs and interests top of mind.

“Everyone should take pride that we have come to a settlement worthy of the reputation for excellence that Parkland enjoys.”