Miss Gardner, who led the personnel committee discussion, said the district and the teachers' union reached a four-year agreement in October that increases the starting salary and averages a 3.5% raise over the life of the contract, with the package contingent on state funding.

The agreement includes several employee benefits that committee leaders highlighted as changes from the previous contract. Miss Gardner said: "There is an average of 3 and a half percent increase over the life of the contract, and of course, the increase is contingent upon state funding." She added the district negotiated a higher tuition reimbursement and other leave changes.

Under the terms described at the Nov. 25 personnel meeting, tuition reimbursement was increased to $52.50 per year per member; the district said applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis for the available pot of funds. Committee members also reported an additional personal day for employees with more than 10 years of service (raising the maximum from three to four) and an increase in sick leave from 10 days to 12 days per year. Miss Gardner said there is no change in the district's health-care contribution.

The presentation also covered retiree health coverage rules for employees who retired before the contract ratification: Miss Gardner said that retirees with spouses older than 65 can continue coverage with a surcharge but that coverage will end when the retiree reaches age 65.

A committee member thanked staff for reaching the agreement and emphasized showing support for teachers. A question posted in the meeting chat asked how William Penn's starting salary compares with other Delaware County districts; a committee member said staff will compile that comparative data and include it in an upcoming board update.

Next steps: Miss Gardner said the district plans to present finalists and contract information to the superintendent by Dec. 19 and to the full board for approval in January. The committee did not record a vote during this meeting; formal adoption will depend on future board action.