ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester City School District announced Thursday night that the Rochester Board of Education has approved a new collective bargaining agreement with the Board of Education Non-Teaching Employees (BENTE), the union which represents non-teaching employees within the district.

Key points of the collective bargaining agreement include:

  • General salary increases for all members: 3.8%, 3.7%, and 3.6% in each respective year of the agreement.
  • Enhanced service increments for employees with 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years of service
  • Enhanced pay differentials for positions that carry specialized skills, training and in shortage areas
  • Uniform and safety equipment to reflect and maintain a safe and professional work environment

BENTE employees include custodial and maintenance workers, clerical and administrative support, bus drivers, food service workers and security personnel. 

“Our BENTE members are the backbone of the District,” BENTE President Angelo Palmerini said in a statement. “This agreement reflects our collective strengths and the hard work each member puts in to support our students and schools.”

“This agreement acknowledges the critical role that BENTE members play in the day-to-day operations of schools and our commitment to fostering a supportive and equitable work environment,” Interim Superintendent of Schools Demario Strickland said in a statement. “I want to express my deepest appreciation for our BENTE members.  This agreement ensures they are fairly compensated and recognized for their dedication and hard work.  Together, we continue building a District where every student feels seen, affirmed, and valued.”

Adam Penale - Associate Digital Producer

Adam Penale is a Niagara University graduate, who has written for the Buffalo Bisons and the Niagara Gazette. He joined Spectrum News as an associate digital producer in 2020.