The Parkland Education Support Professionals Association has a new contract which will run July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2022.

PESPA includes 650 individuals comprised of bus drivers; hall monitors; teaching assistants; paraprofessionals; computer, data and financial technicians; and custodial, maintenance, cafeteria, secretarial and other part-time support staff.

The union ratified the agreement March 18, and the board approved it March 21 with eight “yes” votes and one abstention.

Jef Reyburn abstained due to his wife’s employment under the contract.

The agreement includes an annual salary increase of 3 percent for the 5-year term for all employees except in the food service department where salaries range from a freeze to a 2-percent increase by the end of the contract.

Nicole McGalla, director of communications and development, said food service is a separate business unit within the district and food service employees made the pay freeze concession in an effort to make the unit solvent.

“The district has to infuse its budget so they can break even,” McGalla said.

By building up the food service unit so it can be on stable grounds financially, staff are hopeful they can avoid having the department outsourced, McGalla noted.

During 2017-18, PESPA employee contributions for health insurance will be $48 per month for single coverage or $97 for family coverage.

By 2021-22, the contribution increases to $68 for single and $137 for family.

Deductibles are $500 for single and $1,000 for family.

PESPA employees have the option of choosing an arrangement with lower monthly payments and higher deductibles.

Under this plan in 2017-18, single coverage is $15 per month and family is $30. These amounts increase to $35 and $70 in 2021-22.

Deductibles are $750 for single and $1,500 for family coverage.

Superintendent Richard Sniscak thanked PESPA and its representatives for their collaborative efforts to reach an agreement on the 5-year contract.

“These employees are hardworking, dedicated people who contribute tremendously to the culture and climate of our schools and allow our district to maintain a positive learning environment for our children,” Sniscak said.

Kerry Stefanyak, president of PESPA, also commented on the agreement.

“We are pleased with the contract,” Stefanyak said. “It is a reflection of the cooperative working environment our association has with the district as it addresses the concerns of all.”

Board President David Kennedy added his thoughts on the contract.

“I believe I speak for the Parkland community when I say that I am extremely pleased we have a 5-year contract with our support personnel, a valued part of our educational team,” Kennedy said.

“With this contract, we have a long-term collaborative commitment that bodes well for all parties involved.”