Medina City Teachers' Association ratified a new 3-year contract

MEDINA — Members of the Medina City Teachers Association met Monday to vote and approve a new three-year agreement, effective July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2022. Members overwhelmingly voted to ratify the agreement, which would allow for certified staff members to receive a 1 percent raise in the first year, along with the reinstatement of one experience step for those members who were affected by a pay freeze in the spring of 2011. Teachers who were not affected by the pay freeze are eligible for a one-time stipend payment of $350 or $750 determined by their years of experience in Medina Schools. In years two and three, teachers will receive a 2 percent raise. During negotiations, it was agreed that health benefits would remain at the same level as in the previous contract with employee contributions at 20 percent. This contribution level is among the highest in the state for public schools, school officials said. As a result of this new agreement, employees will participate in a step therapy prescription drug program that requires staff members to try less expensive drugs prior to moving to medications on the top tier list. This change in the procedures for new prescriptions will have projected ongoing cost savings to the district of about $300,000 per year. The Medina Board of Education will vote on this new agreement, which will cost the district about $2 million over the three-year period during its regular meeting at 6 p.m. Monday. This agreement is in line with the current five-year forecast. Superintendent Aaron Sable said he's happy an agreement was reached. "I'm proud of the process we went through during negotiations," he said in a statement. "It was a collaborative effort focused not only on a financially responsible and fair package but also on academics and instruction. "The rich conversation and agreements throughout the process will improve the students' overall educational experience. I feel fortunate to be a part of a district where its professionals are so student-focused." Discussions occurred throughout negotiations regarding academics and instruction, which resulted in language to provide elementary teachers with additional planning time without decreasing instructional time. In addition, agreements were reached to increase staff professional development time, explore alternative middle school schedules and update the teacher and school counselor evaluation process. "The Medina City Teachers Association believes this contract benefits everyone in the Medina Schools equally, responsibly and fairly," David Hamman, union president, said in a statement. "Throughout this collaborative process, the welfare of our students and their education remained the focus of both the Board of Education and MCTA. "Our members look forward to continuing to work with our district leaders and community to make Medina Schools the best it can be." Contact reporter Bob Finnan at (330) 721-4049 or rfinnan@medina-gazette.com.