District Approves 3-Year Contract For Ocean City Educators

OCEAN CITY, NJ — A three-year contract covering more than 200 employees was recently approved by the Board of Education and the Ocean City Education Association (OCEA).

Members of the association ratified the agreement Tuesday, Oct. 17. At its public meeting Thursday, Oct. 19, the board voted to approve it.

“We are pleased to have reached agreement more than eight months before the current contract ends,” said Joseph Clark, vice president of the board and chair of its Negotiations Committee. “That is evidence of the dedication that our staff members have toward their work, and of the respect the board and administration have for them.”

OCEA represents more than 200 teachers, nurses, guidance counselors and Child Study Team professionals.

“We believe in collaboration and open communication for the betterment of not just our staff, but also our students and community,” said OCEA President Mary Beth Libro, a first grade teacher at Ocean City Primary School. “Working with the school board proved a positive experience for all, and we look forward to more opportunities to work together in the near future.”

The contract is effective July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2027. It includes a salary increase of 3 percent per year, which is at or below the state and county averages for current contracts, according to school district Business Administrator Tim Kelley.

Kelley said the contract’s salary and benefits package not only reflects the skills and commitment of current staff members, but also the need to attract and retain quality employees in the highly competitive job market.