Allentown School District employee groups get new contracts, raises

ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Allentown school directors on Thursday approved three-year contracts with raises for its administrative employees, administrative assistants and cafeteria managers.

The agreements go into effect retroactively to July 1, 2025, and run through June 30, 2028.

They include “modest but meaningful” raises and allow the district to be “fiscally responsible,” according to a district news release.

The contracts also include updated benefit structures and performance-based pay systems.

“These new contracts reflect our deep appreciation for their work and our commitment to attracting and retaining top talent to our learning community,” district Superintendent Carol Birks said in a statement.

The contracts were not attached to the agenda for Thursday's school board meeting. Instead, highlights were provided to reporters in a news release.

Administrative employees will get an annual 3% performance-based pay boost. Their contract includes adjusted salary ranges to align with regional markets and increased employee healthcare contributions.

Administrative assistants also get an annual 3% performance-based salary increase. Additionally, their contract includes the creation of flexible salary ranges and increased employee healthcare contributions.

Cafeteria managers get salary increases ranging from 3% to 5% based on competitiveness with other similar districts. Their contract also includes increased employee healthcare contributions.

“These agreements were the result of thoughtful collaboration and a shared commitment to excellence,” ASD Interim Chief Financial Officer Richard Fazio said in a news release.

“By updating salary structures and tying growth to performance, we are building a culture where every employee feels valued and empowered to succeed," Fazio said.

"Together, we have built agreements that reflect our shared priorities: students, stability, and staff success.”