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EAST PALESTINE -- East Palestine teachers and classified staff will earn wage increases over the next two years now that the Board of Education has approved a new contract with the East Palestine Education Association (EPEA).
The board approved the new two-year contract with the EPEA following negotiations.
As a result certified staff, which are teachers, and classified staff, which are custodians, bus drivers, secretaries and aides, will earn a 2 percent increase in base wages the first year and 3 percent the second year.
Federal grants will supplement some certified staff wages, according to the district's five-year financial forecast.
The district is still in negotiations with the Ohio Association of Public School Employees bargaining unit.
In other matters, the board also approved two memorandum of understandings for career-related learning opportunities for students.
The first memorandum of understanding approved was with Future Plans Inc.
According to the resolution approved by the board of education, the district is extending the memorandum with Future Plans Inc. from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, to support the delivery of career assessment, coaching, and related career-connected learning services for students.
The board also approved a resolution implementing a memorandum of understanding with Education Revolution Association to implement the Life Discovery Classroom Cohort 2 Pilot Program during the 2026-27 school year.
According to the resolution, the Life Discovery Classroom is designed to support students in exploring personal strengths, career pathways, and post secondary opportunities through structured coursework, assessments and experiential learning activities.
Another agreements approved were for Akron Children's Services for support coordination and integration efforts of the district's school-based health centers; and the Columbiana County Board of Developmental Disabilities for educational services for students with disabilities.
Also approved were supplemental contracts for fall and winter athletic coaching positions; several supplemental contracts for basketball coaching positions; and nine people as regular substitute teachers for the 2026-27 school year.
The next meeting was set for 6 p.m. Aug. 3.