Norwin’s paraprofessionals and teachers’ aides won their first contract with the school district, one that provides them annual raises over the next four school years.
The Norwin School Board on Monday approved a four-year contract with the Norwin Paraprofessional Education Support Professionals, which provides union members with annual wage increases of 3%, Superintendent Natalie McCracken said.
The contract is effective March 17 and continues until June 30, 2030.
The union represents about 100 full-time paraprofessionals, aides, personal care assistants, occupational therapy assistants, library assistants, job coaches and nurse’s assistants.
The wage rates will take effect July 1, according to the contract. Wage rates for union members remained the same in the 2024-2025 school year and the current school year, but eligible employees still working as of May 22 will receive a $950 bonus in June.
Wages for the first year of the contract will range from $19.52 per hour for personal care assistants and paraprofessional 1 to $23.22 an hour for those with a Pennsylvania teaching certificate.
A noncertified school nurse who is a licensed practical nurse will receive $24.30 an hour, while a certified occupational therapy assistant will receive $32.60 an hour.
Craig Apessos, a PSEA representative at the union’s Southwest Region office in Hunker, could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
The paraprofessionals and teachers’ aides voted in April 2024 to join a union, which is part of the Pennsylvania State Education Association.
