Upper Perkiomen's School Board approved a new agreement with its teachers' union last week. The members unanimously approved a three-year contract with the Upper Perkiomen Education Association.

            The new contract – that runs through the 2027-28 school year – has been ratified by the union, according to UPEA President Philip Detwiler. It includes salary increases ranging from 3.45 percent to 3.98 percent and adds a 16th step to the schedule, according to a fact sheet provided by district spokesperson Alexis Jenofsky following the Oct. 9 regular meeting.

            It states that all members will receive retroactive pay dating back to Aug. 19, the first day of the current school year, with the 3.98 percent rate hike. The previous contract expired at the end of the 2024-25 year. The new contract calls for a 3.69 percent salary hike in 2026-27 and 3.45 percent the following school year.

            Holly Francisco, chief negotiator of the Upper Perkiomen Education Association, expressed gratitude to the board, the district and its negotiators for their efforts over the last year to reach an agreement. She said the process, sometimes challenging, resulted in an agreement that will well serve all the district's stakeholders for the next three years.

            "We are pleased an agreement was reached at the [bargaining] table," said Francisco, an elementary gifted teacher.

            Detwiler described the agreement as equitable. He said it reflects a shared commitment to educational excellence and community responsibility.

            Board President Melanie Cunningham thanked her fellow negotiations committee members, Chair Peg Pennepacker and Vice President Keith McCarrick. She also praised Jeffrey T. Sultanik, an attorney hired by the district, and the union's negotiators.

            "They did a great job," Cunningham said.

            Teachers receiving premium health care coverage through the district will contribute 16 percent during the current school year. That figure increases one percent in each successive year. A high-deductible health plan, with a five percent contribution, remains.

            Members will contribute 13 percent towards their prescription coverage this year. That number goes up by one percent during each of the next two years. The use of sick time for family care increased by one day – to seven – during the year.

            The document delivered by Jenofsky identifies a 25 percent increase in total stipends for clubs and activities. It states that adjustments have been made to existing stipends and new clubs to expand student activity.

            Preparation time for teachers in kindergarten through grade five totals 230 hours during a five-day cycle during the current school year. For grades six through 12, that time totals 300 minutes during a six-day cycle. Those times increase to 260 and 325 hours, respectively, during the final two years.

            The board voted to approve the resignations of two employees. Scott Searfoss, a secondary school counselor, will leave his position Nov. 21. Cassidy Heil, a cafeteria playground aide, resigned on Oct. 1.

            The members also voted to appoint two employees, Shannon Glerum, a full-time floating staff nurse, and Lori Vazquez, a part-time food service worker.

            Three employees had their leaves approved. Monica Snyder will be on leave on Dec. 23 for six to eight weeks, then through March 31, 2025.

            Kimberly Storms will be on intermittent leave, beginning Sept. 29. Kelly Gruber's leave is expected to begin on Jan. 10, 2026, and continue for six to eight weeks, then continue through April 10, 2026.

            The board also voted to grant tenure status to Rachel Dishman, a speech and language therapist.

            According to O'Neill, the board met in executive session prior to the public meeting to discuss an issue of collective bargaining with the UPEA.