DASD and DAEA reach five-year professional staff agreement
(from back to front and left to right: DAEA Executive Committee Secretary Stephanie Bosco, DAEA Secondary Vice President and Chief Negotiator Mike Borkowski, DASD Board Vice President Joyce Houghton, DAEA Elementary Vice President Sandy Falkner, DAEA Elementary Representative at Large Megan Kay, Superintendent Dr. Robert J. O’Donnell, Director Jane Bertone, DAEA President Katie Hadzor, DASD Board President Audrey Blust, Director Caryn Ghrayeb)
The Downingtown Area School District (DASD) Board of Education and the Downingtown Area Education Association (DAEA) announced the successful negotiation of a new five-year collective bargaining agreement on Thursday.
The tentative agreement was ratified by DAEA members on October 31 and approved by the DASD Board of Educators during a special meeting held on Wednesday, November 5.
Reflecting on the successful conclusion of negotiations, DAEA President Katie Hadzor shared her enthusiasm for the path ahead:
“The Downingtown Area Education Association is pleased that we have come to a mutually beneficial agreement with the District. We look forward to working together, focused on what matters most – providing our students with the best education possible.”
Echoing the same dedication to collaboration, Board President Audrey Blust expressed gratitude for the efforts of both teams:
“We had an amazing team of individuals at the negotiation table, all of whom came with an openness and willingness to compromise. I would like to personally thank Directors Caryn Ghrayeb and Jane Bertone for their commitment to working with our DAEA leaders to find a mutually beneficial agreement.”
“We are proud to have achieved this contract collaboratively and respectfully. Our teachers are the heart of our schools, and this agreement reflects our shared commitment to supporting them while maintaining fiscal responsibility and the excellence our community expects.”
