LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — A teachers' strike is officially off the table at one Lancaster County school district.
The Hempfield School Board and the Hempfield Education Association (HEA) announced Tuesday night that a four-year retroactive contract agreement has been approved.
The new contract is effective from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2028.
The contract passed with a 6-3 vote.
Both parties reportedly believe the agreement honors students, staff and the community and is the culmination of months of joint meetings between the HEA and school board negotiating teams.
Key highlights of the contract include:
- Salary Matrix:
- Starting salary: $65,000 in year one, increasing to $73,500 in year four
- Top salary: $103,967 in year one, rising to $110,397 in year four
- Average salary increase: The average annual increases are as follows: 3.5% in year one, 3.4% in year two, 3.2% in year 3 and 3.2% in year four.
- Healthcare adjustments: There are no changes in healthcare contributions through Dec. 2025. Beginning in 2026, there are modest increases to ensure sustainability while maintaining quality coverage.
Both parties are reportedly eager to move forward together and focus on providing the best learning opportunities for students.
In October, The Hempfield Education Association notified the school board that teachers planned on walking out of the classroom if a deal wasn't reached by Dec. 5. Both union and school board officials said salaries, healthcare costs and lesson prep were the biggest sticking points during negotiations.