KCSD reaches agreement with administrative staff

The Kennett Consolidated School District signed an agreement with its administrative staff last week, as negotiations continue with the teachers union.

At last Monday night’s monthly business meeting, KCSD board president Heather Schaen said that the district had been in negotiations with the administration since October to renew the contract, which expires this month.

The agreement was reached under the guidelines of Pennsylvania’s Act 93 of 1998, which holds administrative staff to different standards than the teaching staff.

The district’s administrative staff includes principals, assistant principals, special education and facilities directors and technology and curriculum supervisors.

Not included on the list are superintendent Barry Tomasetti, director of human resources Nancy Tischer and district business manager Mark Tracy.

The new contract comes with no pay increases during its 18-month length, while maintaining their current benefits package, according to Schaen.

The package will follow whatever benefit program the teachers have or will have after the teachers contract is settled, she said.

“We are fortunate to have a truly outstanding administrative staff in Kennett who have a full understanding of the budget crisis and are doing their part leading by example and have agreed to accept no increases in the contract renewal,” Schaen said. “We value their leadership and contributions especially in financially difficult times as these.”

The agreement comes as the district continues negotiations with the teacher’s union, the Kennett Education Association.

Tracy said that the teachers are currently working under the terms of their previous contract, which expired in June 2012.

Tracy said that both sides continue to meet and negotiate in good faith, with the most recent session held this month and hopes of more scheduled talks in January.

“We’re working to address the needs of the students first,” Tracy said. “But we are working out the language and the benefits package throughout the process.”