Board approves MOU with OAPSE on uniforms, laundering and food-service step clarification

The West Geauga Local School District Board of Education approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Ohio Association of Public School Employees (OAPSE) that clarifies uniform distribution and laundering for maintenance staff and adjusts step progression for some food‑service employees.

District staff said the MOU has two components: the maintenance/maintenance-laundry arrangement (clarifying that maintenance staff will receive laundering services) and a contract clarification in food services so part‑time employees who transition to full time are placed on the proper step schedule. The change addresses inconsistencies that had allowed some part‑time workers to progress steps differently than others.

Board discussion also addressed uniforms for bus drivers. Staff said existing winter coats could be converted to vests and that bus drivers will be offered five district‑branded shirts for warmer weather to improve identifiability and safety on field trips and during loading. “What we're trying to do is give them something that's identifiable so that when people see them on the bus they know it's a West G driver,” a staff member said. The board was told bus drivers would have input on shirt selection and that laundering of those personal items would not be part of the MOU.

The board approved Resolution 147 to adopt the MOU; roll-call votes recorded in the meeting excerpt include Mrs. Sherwood, Doctor Beers and Missus Claypool voting yes.