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Albany board adopts ABSU agreement after 219–5 union ratification
Summary
The Albany City School District board unanimously adopted a mediated ABSU collective-bargaining agreement the night the union reported a 219–5 ratification vote; negotiators credited mediation and extended bargaining hours for an on-time contract.
The Albany City School District board unanimously adopted a negotiated collective-bargaining agreement with the Albany Borough School Union (ABSU) after ABSU members ratified the deal 219–5 earlier in the week.
Nancy Smith, ABSU vice president and the union's negotiation chair, described a months-long, mediation-focused negotiation that included joint facilitation and training. "The overwhelming ratification vote of 219 to 5 is a testament not only to the agreement that was reached but also to the respectful and collaborative process that made it possible," she told the board.
Superintendent Hawk Rider and district negotiators described the mediation approach as creating "an atmosphere of trust, respect, and collaboration" and noted the contract was presented to the board on time. The board moved to adopt the contract in public session and recorded a unanimous vote to approve it.
The board asked Human Resources to prepare and share a timeline for implementation and to report back on staffing and budgetary impacts. The union's ratification vote was read into the record during the meeting; the public vote on adoption was unanimous among board members.
Next steps: HR and district administration will coordinate rollout and required implementation steps, and the board will receive follow-up reporting on staffing and budget impacts.
