TURNER — After several months of negotiations, School Administrative District 52 directors approved a new support staff contract last week.

Superintendent Kimberly Brandt said the Tri-Town Education Association Support Staff contract covers about 124 employees in positions such as educational technicians, food services and computer technicians.

The last contract expired in July. Negotiations started in April.

The new three-year contract includes raises of either 1.5 or 2 percent this year; 2.25 or 2.75 percent in year two; and 2.25 or 2.75 percent in year three.

Brandt said the larger raises each year will go to people whose positions had been determined to have less competitive pay. The increase will help bring them up.

“The board values their employees and they’re happy to have this ratified,” Brandt said.

Negotiations are ongoing with the group representing custodians and bus drivers.

In other business, the board made 11 noninstructional hires, including freshman boys’ basketball coach, junior varsity girls’ basketball coach and a bus driver.

kskelton@sunjournal.com