Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Board ratifies new multi-year contracts for certificated and classified staff

The Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Local Board of Education on May 9 approved new multi-year contracts with its certificated and classified staff unions, administrators said.

Administration summarized the agreements'which apply to the Sugar Creek Education Association (SEA) and the Sugar Creek Local Association of Personnel (SLAS)'and highlighted a 2% increase to the certificated base salary with step compression, a $1,000 stipend for certificated staff if the district reaches an overall five-star rating (and $500 for four stars), and paid-benefit and scheduling changes for classified employees. The board also approved a districtwide transition from 26 pay periods to 24 pay periods and new incentives aimed at reducing unused personal leave near the end of the year.

The SLAS agreement adds a modified salary schedule with step movement, a multi-year wage plan that includes 2% plus step movement in years two and three, and reduced insurance premium prorating for employees who work four or more hours. Administrators said they also negotiated more-specific evaluation tools for classified roles (maintenance, custodial, transportation, secretarial and others) with a November deadline to finalize those instruments.

Board members praised the collaborative negotiation process. One administrator said the contracts were a late addition to the agenda but reflected months of work with union leadership and district staff. The motion to adopt the agreements was moved, seconded and approved by roll call without recorded opposition from members present.

The agreements were described as effective immediately and intended to remain on the agenda as the district and unions finalize implementation details for pay schedules and evaluation tools.