The new contract includes a return-to-step schedule with yearly raises of 4.5 to 6 percent and a new starting rate for bus drivers of $20 per hour.
The South Glens Falls Board of Education has voted to approve the new South Glens Falls Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) contract during their Sept. 18 meeting. The board voted 8-0 (with one absent) to approve the contract that was ratified by the CSEA members on Sept. 11, 2023 - covering the period of July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
This five-year contract puts employees back to a step schedule for raises along with introducing longevity for employees who remain with the district. The five-year salary schedule will see yearly raises of 4.5 to just over 6 percent for on-step employees. Employees who are off-step will receive a flat 4 percent raise each year.
This contract also includes a new $20 per hour starting rate for our bus drivers, helping ensure the district stays competitive with employers in the region. Stipends for several certifications and a sick bank have been added.
CSEA members will continue to participate in health insurance plans sponsored by the Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex BOCES consortium. The contract calls for HRA as the base plan with the district paying 93 percent in the first year for the employees.
“The work that the members of the CSEA do day in and day out for our schools and our students is invaluable to this district,” said Superintendent of Schools Kristine Orr. “This contract represents a fair and equitable outcome for both our CSEA employees and taxpayers.”
“I appreciate that both the BOE and central office understood that our members needed to see an increase in salaries as our number one priority. It was good to work together to get the best for our CSEA members,” said SGF CSEA President Kelly Powers. “We look forward to continuing working collaboratively with district officials.”
CSEA positions in the district include: stenographers, typists, school secretaries, school sentry, clerks, teacher’s aides, teaching assistants, nurses, school aides (lunchroom, bus, study hall and computer lab), mechanics, bus drivers, routing specialists, dispatchers, maintenance mechanics, building services supervisor, groundskeeper, custodians, cleaners, food service helpers, cooks and cook managers.