Highlands School District teachers passed 100 days working without a contract.

Several members of the Highlands Education Association (HEA) on Friday displayed neon green signs in their vehicles, all marked with a bold “100” to signify the status of negotiations.

“In an act of solidarity, it was a way for us to remind one another that we have been working without a contract for 100 days and counting,” HEA President Ryan Wilpula said.

“Our members are so focused on their classrooms, working with students and the demands of teaching that they sometimes forget that we have been negotiating since January.”

Contracts expired July 1.

Superintendent Monique Mawhinney said negotiations will continue as the district and the HEA work toward a new agreement.

The two sides have met 12 times since January to work toward a deal.

Of most concern, Wilpula said, is the career salary rate for teachers. That is the salary a teacher reaches after 18 years on the job.

Highlands ranks near the bottom in Allegheny County, at 41st out of 46 districts.

The top career rate in Allegheny County is $115,872.00 and Highlands’ is $87,900.

“It is important for us to have a career rate that keeps us competitive,” Wilpula said. “After the events of the last two years and the struggles of teaching during these tough times, the HEA’s goal is to come to an agreement as soon as possible.”

Starting salaries for Highlands teachers is not the issue, he said. The district maintains highly competitive pay for new hires and ranks 21st out of 46.

When a teacher is hired, Highlands pays $47,300.

The county’s top starting salary is only slightly more at $52,375.

“As a teacher advances and earns more years of service, the salary advancement is no longer competitive in comparison to other surrounding school districts,” Wilpula said.

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