North Allegheny School Board approves new teachers contract, appoints district police officer

The North Allegheny School Board on Oct. 29 approved a consent agenda that included a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the teachers union, a memorandum of understanding with the North Allegheny School Bus Drivers Association, and the appointment of Nicole Oconolly as a district police officer.

Board members described the CBA as valuing teachers and other professional staff while supporting long-term fiscal planning. "I'm quite pleased with the result of these negotiations, and I'm very grateful to doctor Hyland and mister Harrell and the administrative team and the NAF team for working together through this collaborative process," the presiding officer said during comment on the item.

The board had added the three items to the consent agenda after the work session. During the consent discussion Miss Blackburn stated she "will be abstaining from item number 1, please." The clerk opened the vote and the board approved all consent items; the vote "passed unanimously with the abstention of missus Blackburn on item number 1," the clerk said.

Board member Mister McClure congratulated negotiators and highlighted that the agreement runs for eight years and that completing a contract of that length represents a substantial effort. McClure also commented on separate energy purchasing items included with the consent materials, saying some numbers were only finalized shortly before the meeting and that the district had chosen one-year energy contracts given market conditions.

As part of the consent agenda the board approved the appointment of Nicole Oconolly as a district school police officer. The presiding officer said the board had interviewed Oconolly and praised her "proficiency, poise and professionalism" during the process. Oconolly addressed the board, saying, "I just wanna thank everyone on the board for this opportunity, but mostly your trust in me. I'm so grateful to be joining the district and working with the staff, the students, and with families to continue to keep Pennine safe." (verbatim)

The board did not debate or change the items on the consent agenda at length during the meeting. Several board members publicly thanked staff involved in negotiations and in preparing consent documents.

Votes at a glance: the board approved the consent agenda items as presented; Miss Blackburn recorded an abstention on the teachers CBA.