Highlands School Board, teachers union could ratify 5-year deal in January

An early-bird contract that would shore up Highlands School District teachers’ salaries and other benefits through 2030 will be on the school board’s agenda in January.

The board was hoping to vote during its meeting Dec. 2 but the move was delayed.

A tentative five-year contract was previously approved by the board and the Highlands Education Association, with both sides saying they were appreciative to reach a proposed agreement.

The current contract expires June 30.

Union President Michelle Dickerson said the deal provides fair benefits and salaries and also respects the board’s financial position and goals for the future.

Both sides declined to provide details of the tentative contract while language was being adjusted.

The most recent contract was inked in 2022 after teachers went more than seven months without a deal.

It included average annual pay increases of 3.5%, though union members agreed that starting salaries were not an issue at Highlands.

The district maintains competitive pay for new hires; it ranks 21st out of 46 in starting pay in Allegheny County.

At the time that contract took effect, new hires were paid $48,050. The county’s top starting salary at that time was $52,375.

The two sides disagreed on the career salary rate, which is reached after 18 years on the job. The top-paid teachers in the district at that time made $87,450.

The board is expected to meet at 7 p.m. Jan. 12.