The East Liverpool City Schools Board of Education Thursday approved the Master Agreement between the East Liverpool City School District and OAPSE Local #223 for the period of Sept. 1, 2025, through Aug. 31, 2028.

“We are pleased to share that the District and OAPSE Local #223 have reached a new Master Agreement for 2025-2028, reflecting a collaborative process and continued commitment to supporting our staff and students” Superintendent Jonathan Ludwig said.

Contract highlights include a 75-cent hourly increase for the 2025-2026 school year; a 2.5% increase for the 2026-2027 school year; and a 2.5% increase for the 2027-2028 school year.

There were no changes to the benefit package.

“We appreciate the partnership and professionalism demonstrated throughout this process,” Hernandez said.

Ludwig in his report to the board said that the Junior Senior High School held a strong Veterans Day program, The Brightside Project completed its seven-week tour of the district at the school, winter sports are underway and the Thespian Troupe 319 opened “Gains Employment on Thursday night.

Maddox Roach committed to Youngstown State University for cross country track and Ava Green to Wheeling University.

At Westgate Middle School and Preschool, the Veteran Program featured State Rep. Monica Robb Blasdel, the Potterbots robotic season launched, the Community Action Agency counseling pilot will be every Thursday, and the preschool will hold their Special Person Luncheon during Special Person Day Nov. 24-25.

At LaCroft Elementary the Veterans Day program took place with the VFW Honor Guard.

Continued progress in academics, attendance, and SBRC is taking place at North Elementary in Collaboration with LaCroft Elementary School and there is strong ongoing family engagement, Ludwig said.

During the Just One Thursday Food Drive Kim Creaturo’s class collected 213 cans, John Smith’s class collected 168 cans and there was a total of 1,019 cans collected throughout the district.

A cereal box domino run will take place in December to support the Salvation Army, and Freshman Aiden Durst was named Toys for Tots youth ambassador. The Toy distribution will take place on Dec. 15 at Westgate Middle School.

Ludwig told the board that the district’s goals include improving writing, increasing reading fluency, increasing math performance and reducing chronic absenteeism by 10%.

For attendance, Ludwig said that the report card indicator of 37.6% is on target and district wide absenteeism is 25%, an improvement on last year’s 35%.

“Thank you for your continued support. Momentum across East Liverpool City Schools remains strong, and I’m incredibly proud of the work happening in every building,” Ludwig said.

The board members approved the treasurer’s report as presented to them.

Also approved per treasurer request were the administration salary schedule and the creation of a Westgate Preschool activity account.

Under personnel the board approved classified substitutes, supplementals and classified appointments,

The East Liverpool Board of Education meets the fourth Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Westgate Administration Building. Due to the Christmas holiday the next regular meeting will be held on Dec. 18.

kgarabrandt@mojonews.com