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Board ratifies three-year support-staff contract after unanimous vote
Summary
The Batavia Board of Education approved a three-year collective bargaining agreement with the Batavia Educational Support Personnel Association (VESPA), which trustees and union leaders described as collaboratively negotiated and intended to support recruitment and retention.
The Batavia USD 101 Board of Education voted to ratify a three-year collective bargaining agreement with the Batavia Educational Support Personnel Association (VESPA) on April 20, approving terms district and union leaders said were negotiated collaboratively.
Board members and VESPA negotiators said the contract, running fiscal years 2026–2028, replaces a five-year deal and includes provisions the union sought such as competitive compensation for support staff, a 403(b) match, additional pay for paraprofessionals in specialized programs, and dedicated collaboration time for paraprofessionals.
Union representatives described the talks as smooth and unanimous among members. Jillian Thorpe, who said she was one of the lead negotiators for VESPA, told the board the union ratified the agreement unanimously among voting members who attended the ratification meeting. Jillian Thorpe said the bargaining team worked with administration over multiple days and that both sides found similar priorities.
Tony Inglesi, who acted as the district’s chief negotiating officer, and Superintendent Tom Kim thanked negotiators on both sides for a collaborative process. Board members also credited attorney Justin Petrarca and VESPA’s regional representative, Susan Thorson, for their roles in finalizing the agreement.
Board members and VESPA leaders told the board they believe the contract will help with recruitment and retention. Trustees emphasized the agreement as a foundation for future bargaining, noting it narrows friction that arose in prior rounds.
Outcome and next steps: The board approved the agreement in a roll-call vote and administrators said the district will implement the contract provisions in the coming fiscal year.
