JEFFERSON TWP — Custodial and maintenance workers in the South Butler County School District have a new contract.

The school board Wednesday approved the three-year contract, effective July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2018, with the Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ, which has already approved the contract, according to district solicitor Tom Breth.

The new contract for the 31 workers includes a wage freeze for the 2015-2016 year and a 35 cent per hour increase in both 2016-2017 and 2017-2018, an average increase of 2 percent, Breth said.

The contract provides employees with a Highmark PPO Consumer Driven Plan, requiring employees to pay half of all nonpreventive costs up to $1,000 for individuals and $2,000 for all other coverage levels. The district will pay the remaining half, up to $1,000 and $2,000, respectively.

Breth said all preventive care costs will be covered by the district.

According to a press release sent after the meeting, “(The insurance plan) incentivizes responsible health care decisions; and, it reduces the overall cost to the school district.”

On July 1, health care premium contributions per month will increase to $50 for individuals and $60 for all other coverage levels. On July 1, 2017, that will increase to $60 and $70, respectively.

According to the news release, “As the school district continues to face significant financial issues, this new three-year collective bargaining agreement demonstrates the parties’ efforts to work together in good faith to develop a wage and benefit package which recognizes the importance of the employees and the financial limitations of the district.”