Plum School District approves new deal with its food services department
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Plum School District officials recently inked a new three-year deal with their food service workers.
The previous contract expired in June. The new deals runs through this school year and the next two.
District Business Manager John Zahorchak said the five cook managers and 25 other food service workers will receive 30-cent-per-hour raises all three years in exchange for the administration gaining more management rights.
“We wanted the ability to manage our people in terms of being able to move them where they were best suited, as opposed to seniority,” Zahorchak said. “We wanted to make sure we got the most appropriate people in the jobs they are qualified for.”
He said both negotiating teams worked well together throughout the process and lauded the food service staffers who help feed students every day.
“I think this contract was a win-win for both of us,” Zahorchak said. “It gives us stability. The people in the cafeteria work hard getting the school year up and ready to go, and making sure everything’s been continuous.”
Food Services Director Jessica Griggle concurred.
“I think that both parties worked cooperatively and negotiated terms that benefit both sides,” she said. “The new deal impacts all of the current workers.”
There are five vacancies in the food services department that are expected to be filled once students return to school full time.
The district is currently teaching students with a hybrid model. Students are split into groups with each group in school buildings on different days with online learning during their off days.
Board President Mike Devine Jr. said the covid-19 pandemic postponed negotiations for a few weeks, but Zahorchak has put the district in such great financial shape that it did not impact the offers on the table.
“We’re in a good place because of the work John has done going into the pandemic and where we are financially,” Devine said. “I think it was fair all around. I think it was well-negotiated on both sides and got to a point where we could come to an agreement.
“With the pandemic, unfortunately, when it first happened it put everything on the back-burner so we could find out what we were dealing with. To get it done amidst what’s going on right now is a relief, and puts us in a good place to keep checking the boxes of the (collective bargaining agreements) we’re going through right now.”
The district is still in negations with its para-educators, custodians, transportation and administrative assistants.
Zahorchak said he expects a new transportation deal to be finalized this month.
It is unclear when the other three groups will have new contracts.
Zahorchak declined to comment further, citing ongoing negotiations.
Devine declined to discuss transportation proposals because his father, Mike Devine Sr., is a bus driver.