The Ross Local School District Board of Education voted unanimously to approve a four-year master collective bargaining agreement with the Ross Educator Association in a separate roll call vote during the board's regular meeting.

Board president Mister Young read a statement on behalf of the board thanking negotiators and participants, saying, “On behalf of the Board of Education of the Ross Local School District, I wanna express our appreciation to those involved in the negotiations process.” Superintendent Doctor Rice described the contract as “a major step forward” and said it allows the district to commit to a multi‑year agreement after a recent period of shorter deals.

Officials described the agreement as close to the February proposal that district leaders had previously presented. Board member Mister Gunther and others emphasized the need to balance competitive teacher pay and the district’s long‑term financial stability. Gunther summarized the district’s approach as using an extended step schedule to spread compensation increases over teachers’ careers while avoiding sudden long-term obligations.

Board members moved and seconded the motion to adopt the contract; the roll call recorded unanimous 'yes' votes from Mister Gunther, Mister Beckman, Mister Kleinfelder, Missus Webb and Mister Young. The board did not record any 'no' votes or abstentions on the motion.

The board and administration said the four‑year term offers predictability after a period of stalled negotiations and community tension while increasing starting and ending salaries to improve competitiveness and teacher retention. Superintendent Rice and other speakers framed the agreement as a compromise that rewards educators and maintains fiscal responsibility.

The meeting materials and officials cited multiple financial analyses as the basis for concluding the contract was affordable. During remarks, officials referenced that the negotiated structure was intended to raise starting salaries and end salaries while keeping long‑term obligations manageable.

Next steps: with the board's approval, the district and association will implement the terms of the contract according to the agreement schedule; no additional board action on the contract was scheduled at the meeting.