Solon Board approves three‑year contracts with teachers and classified staff

The Solon Board of Education on June 9 approved new collective‑bargaining agreements with the Solon Education Association (SEA) and the Ohio Association of Public School Employees (OAPSE) covering school years 2025–26 through 2027–28.

Superintendent Bolden told the board the SEA deal includes a 2.75% base increase in each of the first two years and a 3% base increase in the third year, and that savings from the district’s switch to the Council of Governments health plan are helping offset the cost. “Those savings are enabling us to be fair with our teachers while still being fiscally responsible,” Superintendent Bolden said.

Board members moved and seconded both contract approvals. The motion to approve the SEA contract was moved by Mrs. Abramowitz and seconded by Mr. Patton; the roll call recorded votes in favor by Board Members Heckman, Patton, Abramowitz, Barksdale and Glavin. The separate contract with OAPSE mirrors the SEA increases in cash payments and includes targeted classification changes—especially for food service—to make wages more competitive with neighboring districts, the superintendent said. That motion was moved by Mr. Heckman and seconded by Mrs. Barksdale; roll call again recorded affirmatives across the board.

The district and its unions also agreed to a 0.25% cash payment alignment so classified staff cash payments match the teachers’ cash components where applicable. District leaders said the wage changes are intended to help retain staff and to make local wages competitive.

Board members characterized the agreements as collaborative and fiscally responsible. The board approved the contracts as presented; implementation details such as salary schedules and benefit changes are included in attachments to the board packet.