HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Harrisburg School District and the Harrisburg Education Association (HEA) have reached a tentative, three-year agreement, according to a release from the district.
HEA voted to approve the contract on Wednesday, February 12. Receiver Dr. Janet Samuels is expected to approve the collective bargaining agreement at the next public meeting on Tuesday, February 18.
“We strongly believe this agreement is an important step in the district’s recovery process,” Samuels said. “We are very grateful to the union leadership for working so collaboratively as we move toward the mutual goal of providing the best possible education for the children in this school district.”
The agreement works to correct some salary inconsistencies, along with providing flexibility for the district to offer competitive pay to new teachers, according to the district. It is also designed to modify some health and prescription benefits concerns.
The settlement is technically retroactive from July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2021.
Contract negotiations had begun in January 2018. Teachers have been working under the terms of their previous contract, which expired June 30, 2018.