Board approves MOU with teachers’ association to staff all‑day kindergarten

The Pickerington Local Board of Education approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) Feb. 2 between the district and the Pickerington Education Association that outlines staffing and reassignment procedures tied to implementation of all‑day kindergarten.

Superintendent Dr. Smialek said the MOU “sets forth the staffing mechanism” for transitioning positions and emphasized the district’s goal that all‑day kindergarten be cost‑neutral to the general fund. The administration thanked PEA leadership and specifically noted collaboration with a Mr. Harris on the staffing process.

Board members asked about representation on the steering committee, noting the presence of teachers and intervention specialists and asking whether educational support professionals (ESPs) were included; Smialek said ESP representation exists and that some roles are being paid differently, which explains how the committee membership is listed. He also said the district will post a principal position tied to the kindergarten transition and that steering‑committee work will inform operational procedures that do not necessarily require board votes (for example, daily logistics such as lining up students or scheduling specials).

The MOU was moved, seconded and approved by roll call. Board members who spoke during the discussion emphasized a desire to avoid unintended job losses and to work collaboratively with union leadership to clarify placement and reassignment if positions shift due to consolidation.

The board approved the MOU as part of a series of consent and action items at the meeting; additional personnel items, substitute licenses and supplemental contracts were also approved under the consent agenda.