After many months of negotiation it took the speech by Governor Tom Corbett several weeks ago on his budget proposals of freezing salaries which resulted in a contract agreement reached between the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 School Board and members of its Exceptional Children's Program Education Association.

The IU board approved a three year contract at its monthly meeting held Monday evening at the Maple Avenue Campus in Norwegian Township. The teachers had earlier approved the contract. It covers 128 instructors and the contract is for the school years 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12. There will be no pay hike for the first year of the contract, a 2.5 percent pay hike for the second year and a 1.20 percent hike for the third year.Other actionThe board approved the 2011 Academic Summer School which begins Monday, June 27, and ends Thursday, July 18. The registration deadline is Monday, June 13, at 3 p.m.According to Dr. Diane M. Niederriter, executive director, who reported to the board the summer school provides remediation for students who failed courses during the school year and enrichment for students who want to get a head start on classes for the following school year. Classes are two hours and 20 minutes per day and has qualified instructors.The school is for the 12 public school districts which comprise the IU 29. Tuition is $125 per course for those who register by the deadline, June 13 and $140 per course after that date. The administration is now seeking teachers for the program. Salaries will be based on enrollment and will not exceed $1.250 per course.Also the board seeks to hire seasonal summer maintenance staff to complete indoor and outdoor tasks from June 6 through Aug. 19.The board approved a fuel adjustment to the pupil transportation contract. Contracted carriers will be paid an additional 10 cents a mile retroactive from Jan. 1, to June 30.The budget approved for the general fund for the school year 2011-12 was $2,460,939.The board accepted resignations of Barbara Sholtis, physical therapist at end of school year; Frank C. Woodward, administrator of Early Intervention Services, Sept. 16; Judy Kimber, speech and language therapist in Early Intervetion Services, April 1; Marybeth Yurista, full-time teacher aide at Pine Grove Middle School effective March 9; Ethel Dougherty, part-time evening Medical Officer and Health Careers Instructor, March 1; Ashley Dix, part-time Nurse Aide Coordinator and part-time Practical Nurse Instructor effective April 4; and Donna Wallace, Child Care Instructor after 27 years of service at conclusion of school year.Hired were Brian Rogers, Orwigsburg, as a 12 month Mental Health Therapist at annual salary of $25,000; Lavina Brobst as part-time cafeteria worker at Maple Avenue Campus at $7.50 per hour.