The Jim Thorpe Area School District and the Jim Thorpe Education Association ratified a new four-year contract Wednesday that will guide employment terms through June 30, 2029.

Educators will receive structured annual step increases, as detailed in multi-tiered salary schedules spanning from 2025 to 2029. A first-year teacher in the Jim Thorpe Area School District for the 2025-26 school year would start at $53,020, according to the contract’s salary schedule. This figure, up from $50,930 in the final year of the current contract, reflects a Step 1 placement with a Bachelor’s degree — the typical starting point for a new, entry-level teacher without prior teaching experience or advanced degrees. Salaries in the new contract rise across experience levels and educational attainment, with the highest earners potentially surpassing $97,000 by the contract’s end.

“I’d like to thank the association and the committee members,” Board President Mary Figura said after the vote. “We had a great negotiation process and everything went well.”

Ron Ellison, president of the association, also expressed satisfaction with the contract.

“We had a meeting this afternoon and also approved the contract,” he said. “The negotiations were very productive throughout and we’re looking forward to the next four years.”

Longevity bonuses were also reaffirmed in the new contract as teachers with 20 to 24 years of service will receive an additional $800 annually, scaling up to $3,150 for those with 30 years or more. Notably, educators hired before July 1, 2010, retain access to longevity regardless of where their service was accrued.

Expanded Healthcare Options

The contract introduces flexibility in healthcare, offering three plans, including a Qualified High Deductible Plan with a Health Savings Account. Employee premium contributions range from $0 to $85 per month depending on plan and year. The district will also contribute to employee HSAs, though that support gradually decreases from 100% of the deductible in 2025 to 50% by 2028.

Monthly premiums for the traditional PPO Option 1 will rise steadily from $45 for individuals and $70 for families in 2025-26, increasing to $60/$85 by 2028-29.

Retirement

Retirees meeting certain service thresholds will receive up to 12 years of medical coverage at a fixed $100 monthly premium. Additionally, new retirement incentives offer contributions up to $10,000 into employees’ 403(b) plans, with loyalty bonuses of $200 per year of service.

Educators pursuing additional degrees or coursework can benefit from a $90,000 annual fund for tuition and textbook reimbursement. Course approvals must be pre-cleared by the superintendent.