The Board of Education and Ocean City Education Association (OCEA) have approved a three-year contract that covers more than 200 school district employees.
Members of the association ratified the agreement Tuesday, Oct. 17. At its public meeting Thursday, Oct. 19, the board voted to approve it.
“We are pleased to have reached agreement more than eight months before the current contract ends,” said Joseph Clark, vice president of the board and chair of its Negotiations Committee. “That is evidence of the dedication that our staff members have toward their work, and of the respect the board and administration have for them.”
OCEA represents more than 200 teachers, nurses, guidance counselors and Child Study Team professionals.
“We believe in collaboration and open communication for the betterment of not just our staff, but also our students and community,” said OCEA President Mary Beth Libro. “Working with the school board proved a positive experience for all, and we look forward to more opportunities to work together in the near future.”
Libro is a first-grade teacher at Ocean City Primary School.
The contract is effective July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2027. It includes a salary increase of 3 percent per year, which is at or below the state and county averages for current contracts, according to school district Business Administrator Tim Kelley.
Kelley said the contract’s salary and benefits package not only reflects the skills and commitment of current staff members, but also the need to attract and retain quality employees in the highly competitive job market.
