Moon Area School Board Ratifies Agreement with Support Staff Union

The on Monday night ratified a new, five-year agreement with the district's support staff union.

The board passed the measure in an 8-to-1 vote, but little on the contract's terms. Board member Jerry Testa voted against approving the measure. 

School board President Mark Scappe said at the meeting the Educational Support Professionals Association/Pennsylvania State Education Association also ratified the new contract. 

The district  19 support staff members and eight cafeteria workers June 30, the day the five-year contract between the district and support staff union expired.

School spokeswoman Megan Edwards in July said the  would be re-opened for bid based on seniority and that the district anticipated "only three people will be furloughed for the upcoming school year." 

District officials did not comment on the new tentative contract's potential impact on laid-off workers. 

Edwards said because of stipulations in the union's contract with the district, positions must first be eliminated and then re-opened for bid. 

Prior to the furloughs, the district employed 130 support staff members. 

Superintendent Donna Milanovich also addressed a to Moon Area taxpayers regarding the between the district and its teachers union ratified earlier this summer. 

Milanovich said the letter was intended to share details of the agreement with taxpayers.

"I did send a letter to the community talking about the Moon Area School District contract that we were able to agree upon," Milanovich said. "I'm hoping that the community has received the letter and has been made aware of the facts." 

"I believe it is a very fair and equitable agreement," Milanovich said of the teachers contract.

Board president Mark Scappe said the district also decided to send the letter after area newspapers printed incorrect information regarding the agreement. 

Milanovich said the district will soon make the letter available via its website.

Click the media beside this article to view the letter. 

The board also: 

• Approved the varsity football team attendance at football camp later this month at California University of Pennsylvania. 

• Approved the purchase of a buffet credenza for the superintendent's conference room, at a cost of $1,834. 

• Approved change orders related to the middle school renovation project, at an increased cost of $63,473.