In a recent government meeting, officials announced a tentative agreement with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) regarding custodial staff contracts. The negotiations were characterized as productive, with both sides expressing satisfaction over the outcomes.

Key highlights from the discussions included the consolidation of multiple salary schedules into a single six-step salary structure for custodians. This change aims to simplify payroll processes and provide clarity for new hires regarding their potential earnings. Previously, custodians hired after 2012 faced limitations due to a two-step salary structure that capped their raises, leading to challenges in recruitment and retention.

The new agreement also incorporates stipends and differentials for custodians working second shifts or weekends, ensuring that compensation remains competitive. Officials emphasized the importance of collaboration in developing an evaluation tool for custodians, which will be used to assess performance and potentially create future incentives.

While the district acknowledges that custodial wages remain lower than those in neighboring districts, the agreement is seen as a step towards fair compensation. The discussions reflect a commitment to ongoing dialogue and improvement in working conditions for custodial staff, addressing long-standing issues within the district.