Sandusky teachers, officials ratify new contract

SANDUSKY — Sandusky Schools teachers will receive a pay raise in their newest collective bargaining agreement. During a recent public meeting, board members unanimously approved a new three-year contract it negotiated with the Sandusky Education Association, which represents hundreds of district educators. The new contract spans through the 2023-24 school year, which includes a 2% raise each year for the next three years. The previous agreement expired in 2020. The full contract between both parties contains: • Improved teacher performance and accountability through reform of identifying successful teachers to work directly with the district's children requiring additional support • An agreement on an updated Ohio Teacher Evaluation System through collaborative measures to improve teacher quality, performance and outcomes • A one-time $500 supplemental payment prior to Jan. 1, 2022 • A 2% wage increase for the following academic years: 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24 • Updated language to correlate to the new school configuration, aligning with the new facilities in the district; • An agreement to continue building on the academic improvements in the district and collaborate on key district priorities through the established labor-management committee. Board members also agreed on a wage increase for the Sandusky Non-Teaching Education Association and administrative and exempt employees, and to use an updated administrative and exempt salary schedule. Officials on both sides of the negotiation table commented on the new deal: • Board president Martha Murray: I am pleased that we were able to reach this agreement with our teachers. Teachers are the backbone of our district, and we appreciate their steadfastness in achieving this agreement which will allow us to focus on our district strategic priorities. • Superintendent Eugene Sanders: This agreement with our teacher partners highlights the unique partnership and collaboration that we have with our valued educators. Our teachers and all district employees have done an amazing job of adjusting to the pandemic, which keeps our focus on the care of our students and families. We are fortunate in Sandusky to have committed and dedicated employees. • Union president Renee Neyman: The teachers are glad that negotiations have been completed and we have a new three-year contract. Reach reporter Caitlin Nearhood at nearhood@sanduskyregister.com and follow her on Twitter @CaitlinNearhood