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Southmoreland board approves five‑year teachers' contract amid public pushback
Summary
After public comments and allegations a proposed contract was leaked, the Southmoreland School District board approved a five‑year collective bargaining agreement with the Southmoreland Education Association, voting 6–3. Critics raised concerns about step increases, personal days and modest health‑care cost sharing changes.
The Southmoreland School District Board of Education on June 24 approved a five‑year collective bargaining agreement with the Southmoreland Education Association, effective July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2029, by a 6–3 vote.
The agreement and the vote followed a contentious public comment period and a solicitor's statement that a board member had leaked a proposed contract to the media. The district solicitor called the leak "absolutely reprehensible" and apologized to both bargaining groups for the breach of confidentiality that disrupted negotiations.
Opponents in public comment and some board members criticized the contract's cost and structure. One commenter warned the district could be hit with continued tax increases and cited about "$18,000,000 plus interest" outstanding on district facilities. Another public speaker outlined increases in salary steps and additional paid personal days, saying the package would be "cumulative 17.8 percent over 5 years" and estimating the five‑year cost of the increases at between "$2,265,000 to $3,100,000." The same speaker also called attention to health‑care contribution changes, saying teacher contributions would move from about 8.75% to 9.575% over the contract period.
Supporters argued the contract preserves labor stability and reflects the salary schedule. The board record shows the so‑called "jump step" between steps 14 and 15 is already present in the district salary schedule and contributed to larger increases for employees at the top of the scale.
Board debate included requests for comparisons with neighboring districts and for clearer breakdowns of long‑term fiscal impact. The solicitor and business manager said the district would continue to monitor health‑care costs and other budget pressures during the contract term.
After discussion the board approved the contract 6–3. The board did not record any amendment to the contract on the meeting floor; the solicitor reiterated that further leaks from executive session materials should not occur. The district indicated it will implement the contract according to the effective dates on its terms document.
The board proceeded to other agenda items, including personnel and final budget votes later in the meeting.
