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Board tentatively ratifies three‑year MESPA agreement including wage and benefit changes
Summary
The board approved a tentative three‑year collective bargaining agreement with the Methacton Education Support Professional Association (MESPA) covering July 1, 2025–June 30, 2028, that includes a 3% annual salary increase, changes to premium shares and several contract language updates; one board member abstained due to a conflict of interest.
The Methacton School District board voted to approve the tentative collective bargaining agreement with the Methacton Education Support Professional Association (MESPA) for a three‑year term covering July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028.
Doctor Regina presented the negotiated terms and walked the board through language and monetary changes recommended by district negotiators and the association. Key contract changes described in the presentation include a 3% salary increase in each year of the agreement, incremental one‑percentage‑point increases in employee premium share rates for comprehensive medical, dental, prescription and vision over the life of the contract, and a reduction of the probationary period from 60 to 45 days to align with other bargaining units.
The presentation also described a change in the substitute/paraprofessional daily pay practice when substitutes perform paraprofessional duties (regular daily rate or $50, whichever is higher), removal of payroll deductions for U.S. savings bonds, and a modification to vacation rules so new hires may use vacation time upon entry rather than waiting to accrue it. The district advised the board that sick‑day payout language would change from a prior reference of 15 days to 120 days reflected in the draft, and that the payout would be made via a non‑elective employer contribution to a 403(b) account rather than cash.
Board members thanked negotiation teams and association representatives for the process. One board member announced an ethics‑related abstention prior to the vote, citing a spouse employed under the MESPA agreement.
Motion and vote: The board moved and seconded approval of the ratification of terms for the collective bargaining agreement between the district and MESPA for 07/01/2025–06/30/2028. The motion passed; the board recorded an abstention from one member on grounds of a conflict of interest. The tentative agreement will be the basis for ratification procedures with MESPA and any required final steps with the parties.
The board did not specify individual dollar totals for health plan premium changes beyond the described percentage increases; administrators said any final cost impacts would be reflected in forthcoming budget materials.
