(Atlantic) The Atlantic School board approved the master contract for Certified staff for 2024-2025. The motion included an increase in the base wage by 6%. Additionally, the contract aimed to meet legislative thresholds, ensuring a minimum salary of $47,500 annually for those with 1 to 11 years of experience and a minimum of $60,000 for those with 12 or more years of teaching experience.
As president and chief negotiator of the Support Staff Association, Denise Masker presented a specific proposal in the opening session of negotiations. She requested a 6.38% increase in compensation to address concerns about pay relative to the cost of living, with a focus on nutrition employees. Additionally, she mentioned other items about language in the employee.
The District’s Negotiations Committee responded to Denise Masker and the Support Staff Association’s proposal with a counteroffer of a 6% increase across all current support staff positions. This offer represents a slightly lower percentage increase compared to the association’s in-association of 6.38% but higher than last year’s increase, which was 4%.
The District’s Negotiation committee aims to find a balance between addressing the concerns of support staff members regarding compensation and considering budgetary constraints that might limit the extent of salary adjustments.
This initial proposal sets the stage for further negotiation discussions between the District and the Support Staff Association. This week, both parties will set a date for a series of exchanges as they work towards reaching a mutually acceptable agreement that addresses the interests and needs of all stakeholders involved.
