The Bethel Park School District and the Bethel Park Federation of Teachers have reached an agreement on a new five-year collective bargaining agreement that will run from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2031.
The agreement reflects a collaborative process focused on supporting students, strengthening teacher expertise, and positioning the district for long-term stability during a period of significant transition, including the opening of the new Bethel Park Elementary School in 2026.
"This agreement represents months of thoughtful collaboration and problem-solving," said Dr. James Walsh, outgoing superintendent of schools, who was instrumental in the negotiations. “Both sides remained focused on what matters most: maintaining an outstanding educational experience for students while supporting our teachers and responsibly stewarding taxpayer resources. I appreciate the professionalism and open-mindedness the Federation’s negotiating team demonstrated throughout the process.”
Among the key highlights of the agreement are:
- A five-year term that provides continuity and stability for the district as it transitions into a new era of leadership and educational programming.
- An average of three percent salary increases annually over the five years.
- New provisions to support the new elementary school, including elementary homeroom supervision and the creation of K–5 grade-level representative positions to strengthen communication and consistency within the new structure.
- Increased support for staff professional growth, including expanded tuition reimbursement for coursework, including post-Master’s programs and increased compensation for curriculum writing completed outside the workday.
- Updated language aligning the agreement with current instructional practices and student support systems, including Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and new scheduling practices for Independence Middle School.
- Clarified expectations related to teacher meetings, scheduling, and curriculum development to better align operations across the district.
- Continued efforts to responsibly manage long-term benefit costs while preserving strong compensation and healthcare offerings for employees.
The agreement also includes a commitment by both parties to reconvene in 2027 to review several operational articles after the district has completed a full year under the newly consolidated elementary structure.
The tentative agreement was ratified by the Bethel Park Federation of Teachers and approved by the Bethel Park Board of School Directors.
“This agreement positions us well for the future,” said school board president Mrs. Buffie Faes. “It reflects a shared commitment to students, respect for our educators, and confidence in the direction of the Bethel Park School District.”