SMETHPORT (EC) — The Smethport Area School Board on Tuesday approved a three-year collective bargaining agreement with the Smethport Area Education Association that covers the period from Aug. 21, 2020 to Aug. 20, 2023.

With four directors absent, the early bird contract — with negotiations that began in December — won yes votes or affirmative votes from all five directors, a quorum. This agreement carries average salary increases of 2.5% each of the three years. The SAEA had already approved this contract.

In another financial matter, the directors approved the healthcare insurance premium deposit rate increase of 6% for the 2021 fiscal year.

The directors also OK’d action on the high school gym, auditorium, music room and cafeteria roof, which has leaked but is still under warranty.

“At this time, the district has no formal proposal for the project but the options could include repair, replacement or a combination,” said Sue Jordan, business manager.

The successful motion authorizes superintendent David London to move forward with the project that meets the board’s criteria, part of which includes no cost to the district.

Also gaining approval was an easement agreement with Smethport Borough for a waterline project that crosses school property.

Two resignations of faculty members were approved: Andrea Yingling, effective Feb. 29 and a letter of resignation for retirement purposes from Jennifer Mack, effective May 29.

The following changes to the current school calendar were approved:

In other action, the directors approved:

For the district’s athletics program, Michele Ruffner was approved as assistant volleyball coach. There were no applicants at the current time for an assistant cross country coach.