Shaler Area teachers will see a 3.9% pay increase in the 2021-22 school year, according to a contract extension approved Dec. 2 by the school board.

The teacher’s union and the board agreed to a one-year extension of their contract, which was set to expire on Aug. 15, 2021.

Highlights of the plan include maintained costs and benefits of medical, dental and vision coverage and an extra work day for the 2021-22 school year.

“Students will attend classes for 181 days,” Bethany Baker, district spokeswoman, said. “Teachers will work for 192 days, and new teachers will work for 194 days.”

Other changes include one in-service day where teachers can work remotely in the 2021-22 school year.

“We are grateful for the positive and cooperative environment in which we have been negotiating to reach this agreement,” said Craig Wells, president of the Shaler Area Education Association. “We are looking forward to the continued negotiations to reach a successor agreement.”

The teacher’s union represents 354 teachers.

Superintendent Sean Aiken said he is pleased with the contract extension, particularly amid covid-related financial uncertainty.

“The agreement addresses the needs and concerns of the stakeholders in the district, including teachers, students and taxpayers, and is a commitment to the valuable asset our teachers are to Shaler Area,” Aiken said.

The district and the education association will continue to work on a multiyear contract that stretches beyond 2022.

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