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The Yough School District and the Yough Education Association (YEA) are pleased to announce that the two sides ratified a successor three-year agreement on December 7, 2016.

While bargaining did not need to commence until January, the parties actually started meeting in October. They felt that reaching a new agreement early might be possible because of the collaborative relationship the two sides have developed over the past several years. This type of amicable negotiation has benefited everyone for the second contract in a row. Since the current contract is set to expire on June 30, 2017, the new agreement will begin on July 1, 2017 and expire on June 30, 2020.

According to Yough Education Association President Doug Kasic, “The teachers are very pleased with the new agreement. Because our leadership team was able to work so well with the school board and administration, we were able to reach an agreement that is fair for everyone. At the end of the day, by settling our contract before it expires, we can all focus our efforts on making Yough Schools the best they can be for our students.”

The issues during the negotiations process were limited to salary, healthcare, and some minor language changes such as posting of vacancies and internal transfers as well as long-term substitutes. The members of the Yough Education Association will receive raises of 1.25% plus step movement and will continue to have three insurance plans offered through the Westmoreland County Public Schools Healthcare Consortium. The amount that members contribute to the plan is dependent upon the cost of the plan they select. In light of the current economic climate the agreement is fair and reasonable for all stakeholders.

Superintendent Dr. Janet Sardon said, “Cooperation was key to the process, and the dialogue throughout was meaningful and very productive. We believe that this new contract with our teachers reflects the district’s commitment to providing a quality education to the students of Yough School District.”

“We are happy to have been able to reach a responsible agreement together with the YEA. Our teachers provide the students of our school district an excellent education, and we value the service they provide to the community,” added Terri Allen, School Board President.

Yough Education Association is made up of 156 bargaining unit members.

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