Mars School Board approved a collective bargaining agreement with the Mars Area Education Association Tuesday night.

The vote makes months of teacher contract negotiations official.

“What a great moment to have a contract in place and have that dark cloud cleared,” said Peter Black, a Mars high school teacher.

Several board members voiced their support of the six-year contract, which was passed unanimously.

John Kennedy, board president, said a “lot of hours” went into reaching a resolution.

The contract is retroactive from July 1, 2020, meaning it's in effect until June 30, 2026.

Teachers agreed to a wage freeze this school year, with a supplemental payment of $1,850.

Next school year, salaries will see a 3.25% increase that's inclusive of salary step movement.

A 4% increase inclusive of step movement goes into effect for the 2022-23 year.

A 4.25% increase with a 1.5 step movement is applied for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years.

The 2025-26 school year has a 4.25% increase inclusive of step movement.

The contract also states the district will provide hospital and medical benefits for teachers, except long-term substitutes and part-time employees.

Regular part-time employees will receive individual medical insurance with the option to buy family or dependent coverage at their own expense.

The negotiation process, which took roughly a year, included a tentative agreement being reached in February.

The ratification process took about three months.

Black said while he's disappointed the contract doesn't include a guaranteed planning period for elementary teachers — it compensates them $25 per lost planning period — he's pleased teachers will be able to shift all of their focus to students.

“I'm just grateful that we're finally able to get the teachers contract wrapped up,” said Megan Lenz, a board member.

Dayle Ferguson, another board member, dubbed the contract “sustainable” for taxpayers while being “fair” to teachers.

“Negotiations are never easy,” Ferguson, who was part of the negotiating team, said. “What makes it work is you have a group of people working towards the same goal.”

Although negotiations take time, Ferguson said the results are always worthwhile.

“Especially when you're working with good people,” Ferguson said.

Some details of the contract are posted on the district's website.

The Eagle requested additional information Thursday regarding the salary step schedule and health care benefits. The request wasn't answered before print time.