NEWTON FALLS — The Newton Falls Board of Education has reached a new three-year agreement with the Newton Falls Association of Classified Employees after last week approving a new agreement with the district’s certified workers.

Superintendent E. Andreas Johansson said the classified union voted Tuesday to ratify the terms of the contract, which include a 50 cents per hour wage increase in the first year on the base, followed by 65-cent increases in both the second and third years. Classified employees will continue to contribute 10% toward health insurance premiums with the district contributing 90%.

Johansson noted the professional approach from both groups during negotiations.

“We appreciate the constructive discussions throughout this process. Both sides worked through the issues carefully, and the agreement reflects a balance that supports employees while maintaining fiscal responsibility,” he said.

NFACE President Rhenea Shablesky emphasized the importance of maintaining steady communication.

“Our members are pleased to have a clear agreement in place. This process showed that we can work together productively and ensure stability for the staff and the district,” Shablesky said.

The board will meet next month to ratify the agreement with the classified union with the next meeting set for Sept. 18.

CERTIFIED AGREEMENT

The Board of Education last week approved a new three-year agreement with the district’s certified union, which includes pay raises over the three years.

The union is represented by the Newton Falls Classroom Teachers Association.

District Treasurer Ben Marko said increases to the base pay of teachers will be 4% the first year and 3% in the second and third years.

The base salary for employees for the 2024-25 year with a bachelor’s degree and zero years of experience was $35,859 with the new base to be $37,293 for the 2025-26 year.

Marko said the base pay rate for the teachers will increase $1,434 this year.

Marko said not all teachers get the same dollar increase in pay each year. He said it depends on what step the employees are on and their education level.

He said in addition to the teachers, the nearly 60 certified employees in the union also include speech pathologists and guidance counselors.

Marko said the employees also have agreed to contribute more to their health and medical insurance. He said employees currently pay 10% to the insurance and the school district covers 90%.

He said that will increase to employees contributing 12.5% the first year of the contract, 13% in the second year and 14% in the third year.