Mat-Su Classified employees reach tentative agreement with MSBSD

On Monday, the Classified Employees Association (CEA) issued a press release stating that on Friday, September 29, the CEA and the Matanuska Susitna Borough School District (MSBSD) reached a Tentative Agreement for a contract that will expire in 2026. This agreement comes on the heels of an arbitration report that indicated the need for salary increases, a continuation of participation in the Public Education Health Trust, and examined special certifications for classified employees.

“I am pleased that we were able to reach an agreement with the Mat-Su Borough School District after a very lengthy and difficult bargain,” said Rick Morgan, President of CEA in the press release.

“I believe this contract is fair and will foster an environment that will attract and retain high-quality employees to best serve our students. Mat-Su Classified employees will finally start to see some economic relief in their paychecks after years of inflation.”

Some of the highlights announced include a triturated salary increase beginning in FY 24, with a $1.50 per hour increase per employee according to their FTE retroactive to July 1st, 2023. For FY 25 and FY 25, there will be a 3% per hour each fiscal year.

Another sticking point between the union and the district had been the health insurance provider. The CEA and the District have agreed to leave the Public Education Health Trust on January 1, 2024.

“This timeframe will allow members time to understand the Premera health plan options and select the right plan for them and their families. The health plan is a complete copy of the plan MSEA agreed to.”

Both parties have also agreed to begin upgrading the premium system starting with Certificate of Fitness and Lead Personnel Premium with an agreement to continue the process in the effort to hire and retain highly qualified staff in the skilled trades.

The CEA had been in arbitration with the school district, and while there had been gulf in some of the decisions that needed to be made, the union had stated that they do agree that it is in the best interest of students, educators, and the public to settle this contract.

The CEA, which represents over 700 members, including education support professionals, will be having meetings this week to present the Tentative Agreement to all members and prepare for a ratification vote the following week.