The Lenape Regional High School District (LRHSD) Board of Education unanimously approved a five-year employment contract with the Lenape District Education Association (LDEA) at a special meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 30. The LDEA members – teachers, counselors, nurses, media specialists, child study team members, secretaries, paraprofessionals and trainers – ratified the contract following candid and thoughtful discussions between association leadership and LRHSD Board of Education and administration.

The five-year contract, retroactive, July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2027, includes an average salary increase of 3.35 percent for the first four years, and 3.40 percent in year five with additional dollars allocated in the first year to improving starting salaries for teachers and secretaries.

"I’m excited to have the agreement in place before the start of the school year," said LRHSD Board President Steve H. Lee. "The LDEA and district representatives worked very hard for many months to reach a fair and reasonable agreement. On behalf of the board of education, I wish the LRHSD staff, students and families an exceptional school year.”

According to LRHSD Superintendent of Schools, Carol Birnbohm, Ed.D. the district was committed to a salary and benefits package that not only reflects the talent and dedication of current staff, but also to attract and retain only the best in the field of education given the highly competitive job market.

LDEA President Megan Jones was effusive in her praise of the commitment of the leadership in the association and district to collaborate to reach an agreement.

“The LDEA is happy we could work together with the board to create a contract that meets the needs of staff as well as the district,” said Jones. “Schools function best when everyone works together – staff, board, parents and students. We look forward to strengthening those ties this school year and in the future.”

Birnbohm agreed, “We all knew it was important to start the school year on a very positive note, with a settled contract. Everyone at the table worked hard to ensure this peace of mind for our employees, the board of education and, the students and their families.”

“We want everyone who comes to work in the LRHSD, who puts in long days giving their all, to know we value their dedication,” said Birnbohm. “It’s only by working together that we can provide an exceptional, once-in-a-lifetime high school experience for every student.”