Apollo-Ridge support staff get new contract, raises

Apollo-Ridge School Board approved a new, four-year contract with paraprofessionals and secretarial support staff that includes annual raises.

The new agreement begins July 1 and lasts through June 30, 2023.

Raises during the first year of the agreement range from $1.00 per hour to $3.05 per hour, depending on the position and years of experience. Those employees would get a 30-cent hike in wages in each of the remaining three years.

In the first year, starting hourly pay will be $11.35 for paraprofessionals and $12.50 for secretaries. That’s a 20 percent raise for paraprofessionals and a 32 percent jump for secretaries. The present starting wage is $9.45 per hour for both groups.

In the fourth year of the contract, the starting wage will increase to $11.80 for paraprofessionals and to $12.80 for secretaries.

“It was a very positive process, and I couldn’t be more thankful for the positive relationship we have with our support team,” said Apollo-Ridge Superintendent Matthew Curci.

“The association believes we have negotiated a fair and competitive contract. On behalf of the association, I’d like to thank Dr. Curci, as well as the school board members for the positive relationship we’ve built through the years,” said Christine McCormick, Apollo-Ridge Education Support Professionals president.