Manhattan School District 114 and Teachers Union Finalize New Contract

Article Summary: After months of negotiations, the Manhattan School District 114 Board of Education has unanimously approved a new collective bargaining agreement with its teachers and support staff. The approval came just hours after the Manhattan Council AFT Local 604 union members voted to ratify the contract.

Manhattan School District 114 Contract Key Points:

• Union members voted 119 to 33 to ratify the new collective bargaining agreement on August 13.

• The Board of Education followed with a unanimous vote to approve the contract later that evening.

• The agreement is the result of a lengthy negotiation process involving committees from both the union and the district.

• Both parties expressed satisfaction with the outcome, highlighting the collaborative effort to reach the agreement.

MANHATTAN — A new contract is officially in place for Manhattan School District 114 educators and staff after the Board of Education gave its unanimous approval Wednesday night, capping a lengthy negotiation process. The board’s vote followed the successful ratification of the agreement by members of the Manhattan Council AFT Local 604 earlier in the day.

The union president announced the results of their vote at the start of the board meeting, held in the district’s new administrative office. “Our totals are 191 members are in the union. 152 voted and of the 152 who voted, 119 said yes, 33 no,” she reported. “So, the contract does pass.”

She extended thanks to the board, Superintendent Dr. Damien Aherne, and administrators for their work during the negotiations. “I know it was a lot longer than anyone would dream, but in the process of catching up and trying to fix some things, we’re setting it up for easier negotiations in the future,” she said. “And we do truly appreciate all of you who have helped in any way.”

Later in the meeting, following a closed session, the board took its formal vote to approve the collective bargaining agreement.

Board member Erica Aultz, who was part of the negotiating team, expressed her relief and gratitude for the collaborative spirit that concluded the process.

“It was a long process. I learned a lot,” Aultz said. “I want to thank… the whole union. We worked really hard.” She added that while the negotiations were demanding, she believed it was a positive experience. “I did actually think that there was pretty good teaming that happened.”

Board President John Burke echoed the sentiment. “It was a lot of nights and late-night phone calls and things, but we did have a good outcome,” Burke said. “I think we had a good outcome and it was a good win-win.”

Details of the contract, which covers teachers, pathologists, social workers, bus drivers, and other support staff, were not immediately released. The successful negotiation ensures a contract is in place as staff and students prepare to return to school on August 27.