BACE Gets Contract Agreement with Barnesville Schools
The Barnesville Association of Classified Employees (BACE) have been working without a contract at Barnesville Exempted School District since June 30, 2025. After eight months of negotiations, BACE and the school district reached an agreement. BACE members voted 45-2 on January 7 to accept the tentative agreement. The Barnesville School Board voted at the regular Board meeting on January 8. Four Board members voted yes, with Leslie Schulz abstaining since her husband is a custodian at the high school.
The three-year contract includes a raise on the base hourly rate for each employee classification of 3%, 3%, and 4%, respectively. BACE President Kelly Leasure stated that this is the “first year for percentages instead of dollar amounts.”
Superintendent Micah Fuchs shared other highlights of the agreement. An employee classification called Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)/Aide was added to the master agreement. “A RBT/Aide will make 2.5% more than a paraprofessional or aide,” said Superintendent Fuchs. Adding this language to the contract was one of the sticking points during negotiations. BACE President Leasure said that the team’s main goal was to protect employees’ jobs. “If it can happen to the aides, then it could happen to another group,” Leasure added. “I have an overall good feeling about the contract and feel that it is fair,” Leasure concluded.
The contract also includes paying part-time aides their hourly rate when substituting instead of the sub hourly amount. Bus drivers get one “trip day.” This allows bus drivers to take a day trip without having to use a personal day, and it helps the district by having drivers to meet its needs.
BACE agreed to have the Special Education Secretary position removed from the union. Superintendent Fuchs explained that this position requires knowledge of special education compliance and documentation. The administration felt that this position should not go through the usual union bidding process. The current Special Education Secretary, Mandy Brown, agreed to the decision to remove her job from the union.
Barnesville’s classified employees will receive their 3% increase retroactively on their regular hours worked since July 1.
Disclaimer: Author Lisa Gallagher for Barnesville Area News is an employee of the Barnesville Exempted Village School District.
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