CSEA Contract Approved, Busing Stays In-House

The Kings Park Board of Education voted unanimously to ratify the Civil Service Employee Association’s contract, for the next three years.

The contract will give a 1.25 percent raise in the first year, with no step increase, a 1.75 percent increase in year two, with no step increase and in year three, a step increase and a two-percent salary increase.

District superintendent, Susan Agruso commended CSEA president, Rebecca Sobotkin for her efforts on the negotiations.

“This is a fair contract that benefits both sides and recognizes the financial situation the district is in, but also allows the district to recognize the good staff that are here,” said Agruso.

“As part of the agreement we are not talking about busing for three years, the bus drivers are here to stay and we are very happy about that,” she said.

A combination of consolidated runs, along with a decrease in declamation on insurance will net the district a savings of nearly $800,000 according to Agruso.

“Declamation is where two people work for the district and one spouse gets insurance and one would not,” explained Agruso in a phone conversation. “In exchange for not taking insurance they get a certain amount of money. We’ve done that all along, but they have agreed to a decrease,” she said. “They will still get some compensation and the district will save some money.”

Through the cost saving measures, the district was able to reinstate a mechanic and maintenance position that had been cut.

"If not for Rebecca’s determination we wouldn’t have gotten to where we are... The contract that was presented was overwhelmingly supported by the members of the CSEA and presents a fair and balanced contract," said trustee Tom Locascio at Tuesday's meeting.