Plum School District, teachers union reach tentative new deal, avoid strike

Plum School District and teachers union officials have reached a tentative agreement on a new six-year contract.

Details of the new contract may be released once both parties have formally signed off on it.

Plum Borough Education Association members are expected to vote on the agreement Thursday. The school board will have a special meeting April 9 to vote on the contract shortly before its workshop meeting.

Attorney Michael Brungo was the district’s chief negotiator. David Vitula negotiated on behalf of the union.

“Mr. Vitula did an excellent job advocating for our teachers with an eye on what was in the best interest for our students,” Superintendent Brendan Hyland said. “I am proud of the district team, including Mr. Brungo, who did the same. Hopefully, we will have a six-year contract where we can get down to the business of exceptionally preparing our students for success.”

The last four-year contract expired June 30. The district let go of multiple staffers due to budget cuts ahead of the 2018-19 school year.

The union in November authorized its negotiation team to call for a strike if necessary. It also sought state-appointed mediation.

A mediator was appointed and a strike was avoided. Union membership is around 260.

Messages to union President David Gray were not immediately returned.