SALINEVILLE — The Southern Local Board of Education approved an agreement with its teaching union during its regular session on Tuesday.

The board overwhelmingly approved the two-year deal with the Southern Local Teachers’ Association (SLTA), which includes concessions to control rising insurance costs and some pay increases to meet state standards. Board President Kip Dowling thanked both sides for coming to an amenable conclusion and Superintendent Tom Cunningham was also pleased with the results.

“There were some obstacles, but we are appreciative of everyone’s hard work, time and efforts in getting this completed,” Cunningham said.

District Treasurer Greg Sabbato added that steps were taken in an effort to rein in the high insurance numbers.

“We have a high deductible plan and the employees have a health savings account we can use to help offset costs,” Sabbato said, adding that single deductibles cost $3,000 while family plans were $5,000.

He continued that the pay raises will also help bring the school district in line with state standards.

“We were also below the state minimum salary schedule for bachelor’s salaries and had to increase the base pay by 12 percent to meet the state minimum. It brought the starting bachelor’s pay from $32,210 to $35,000 a year.”

SLTA President Ryan Smith also noted his enthusiasm with the resolution.

“It was a long road and a lot of people put in a lot of effort. In the end, we were able to get this done and I’m thankful to everyone involved,” Smith commented.

In other business:

— The board approved a bevy of personnel matters beginning with substitute positions for the 2023-24 school year. Among the posts filled were teachers Shawnna Parrish, Jean Pastore and Sue Henthorn, secretary Kim Smith, cafeteria/secretary Tiffani McAfee, cafeteria/paraprofessional/secretary Misty Ammon and paraprofessionals Ashley Wilson, Tiffany McDevitt and Kristen Smith. Also approved were Leonard McKenzie Jr. as bus mechanics helper/substitute bus driver; high school secretary Pat Thomas as a retire/rehire; a one-year contract for Brian Eastham as an English teacher at Southern Local High School; continuing contracts for cafeteria worker Kim Crawford and paraprofessional Lisa Pitts; a one-year limited contract for cafeteria worker Julie Gates; and an updated contract for Julie Dowling as assistant treasurer;

— Carter Hill was approved as an administrator for the Utica Shale Academy while a staffing agreement was accepted with USA for providing administrative services for the current school year;

— Donations were accepted for $500 from Valley Roofing for the girls’ basketball program and $1,500 from the Lisbon Eagles for the cross country team;

— A fifth-grade field trip was approved for the SLHS FFA to the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind., on Nov. 1-4 and for fifth-graders to attend Camp Fitch on Nov. 15;

— The board approved a resolution recognizing the Ohio Department of Education as the Department of Education and Workforce (DEW);

— Permanent appropriations were accepted for Fiscal Year 2024. Sabbato said the district received $31,500 in Title IV funding after approving the temporary appropriation and the permanent amount was estimated at $19,769,886;

— The next regular school board meeting was scheduled for Oct. 10 at 5:30 p.m. in the high school media center.