The Jamestown Public Schools Board of Education unanimously approved a new contract for the Jamestown Educational Support Professionals Association on Tuesday night.

The collective bargaining agreement equalized salary schedules between the 10-month and 12-month employees, increased the longevity awards which is an additional stipend awarded for certain longevity milestones achieved, equalized the amount of funds available to members for “flex” which is money that can be used for health insurance, out-of-pocket medical expenses and more.

The contract also includes a salary increase over each year as the contract goes on.

Salaries will increase 3 percent this year compared to last year, a 2.67 percent increase in 2017-18, 3.63 percent increase in 2018-19, 3.7 percent increase in 2019-20, and a 3.8 percent increase in 2021.

Negotiations lasted for approximately two-and-a-half months, according to Karen Peterson, human resources director.

The salary increases were included in order to make sure Jamestown Public Schools is remaining competitive in wages with the rest of the county.

“We have had a difficult time trying to entice people to come here and then keep them here,” Peterson said.

“I’m very happy that we’ve resolved yet another collective bargaining agreement very successfully in a manner that both sides are happy with,” said Tim Mains, superintendent. “We really felt we had to adjust the salaries, and in addition to the year increases, we also raised where the beginning step was. We’re starting everyone at a higher salary.”

The agreement will be effective until June 30, 2021.

In other news, Paul Abbott, board president, called for a special meeting on Aug. 31 at 6 p.m. in the board room at Martin Road.

Abbott said it had come to his attention that some personnel changes will need to be enacted before the start of the school year.