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Lisbon teachers get new three-year contract

Lisbon school board President TK Hiscox congratulates David Anderson Junior Senior High School teacher Natalie Vantilburg on being named the CORAS Outstanding Middle School Teacher of the year. (Photo by Mary Ann Greier)

LISBON — The Lisbon school board approved a new three-year contract with the teachers’ union this week which includes a 2 1/2 percent wage increase each year.

“We couldn’t be happier collectively,” Superintendent Joe Siefke said.

In reporting to the board, he said the negotiation process was enjoyable, adding that members of the Lisbon Education Association negotiating team understand the limitations of a small school. He said they wanted what’s best for the staff and the students.

Steve Hlaudy, president of the LEA, said “it’s all about what’s best for the kids,” saying they felt they got the best for themselves, for the district and for the board. The union include 61 teachers, but is growing to 64 teachers due to the Special Education program becoming part of the district.

A written statement read at the recent school board meeting signed by the union negotiating team, including Hlaudy, thanked the school board for a positive experience and more positive collaboration in the future.

“Being new to the process of negotiations, our team was unaware of the full process involved, but each step working together proved to be a meaningful learning experience. What we were aware of was the flexibility, professional knowledge, and your willingness to meet and work cooperatively. Lisbon Board of Education’s goal to ensure continued success for both staff and students was apparent throughout the process,” the statement said.

The contract takes effect July 1 and continues through June 30, 2026.

“It is apparent that Lisbon has a special gift within its community. Pride and talent within our district is evident, and a strength to Lisbon Exempted Village Schools,” the statement said.

The board also approved the classified salary schedule for the 2023-2026 school years, with Siefke noting the classified staff, such as bus drivers, custodians, cafeteria workers and secretaries, don’t have a union so the board normally gives them the same wage increase as the teachers. The new salary schedule includes the 2 1/2 percent wage increase for each year.

Near the beginning of the meeting, the school board recognized David Anderson Junior Senior High School teacher Natalie Vantilburg as the CORAS Outstanding Middle School Teacher for the year. CORAS stands for Coalition of Rural Appalachian Schools. Vantilburg is in her fourth year with Lisbon schools and her eighth year in education.

Siefke read from what was written about Vantilburg for her nomination, which said “Mrs. Vantilburg is a dedicated teacher that oversees a caseload of 11 students on Individualized Education Plans. Additionally, she is the chairperson of the DAHS PBIS Committee and serves on the Building Leadership Team.”

Vantilburg, who was accompanied by her husband Anthony, was presented a trophy by school board President TK Hiscox during the meeting, with congratulations coming from all the board members and administrators.

The board also accepted the retirement of administrative assistant to the superintendent Patricia Smith effective July 31. Siefke said she’ll be sorely missed due to her experience and her connections.

The board then approved her replacement, reassigning Sally Brammer from high school secretary to administrative assistant to the superintendent effective Aug. 1. Sieke, who already had a longtime working relationship with Brammer when he was at the high school, said she’ll be great.

In other personnel matters, the board: issued one-year limited classified contracts to preschool aides Linsey Peterson and Katina Wallace; approved two-year limited classfied contracts to instructional aides Deborah Ford and Victoria Pierson, cafeteria workers Jody Graham and Deona Lange, custodians David Haught, Daniel Helman, Brian Lowther, Adalee Moore and Jordan Taylor, bus drivers Bruce K. Leake, Matthew Phillips and Glenna Rader and secretary Lisa McCoy; accepted the resignations of grades 6-12 art instructor Elana Brownfield and fifth grade English teacher Kelly House, thanking them and wishing them both good luck; approved Jeffrey Karnes as a substitute custodian; and approved seasonal custodians at $12 per hour not to exceed 25 hours per week Valerie Hochmann, Deona Lange and Angela Smith.

The board approved a proposal from Youngstown Painting and Decorating LLC for $5,450 to paint the restrooms and auditorium lobby at David Anderson Jr/Sr High School; approved Holloway Insurance Agency to provide student accident insurance for the 2023-2024 school year and contracted with Hayes Lawn Care, Lisbon, for district lawn mowing services. A lease agreement with Ricoh USA for copiers for three buildings for five years.

mgreier@mojonews.com

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