A 13-year dispute between the Auburn Career Center and the Career and Technical Association has finally come to a close.
The Concord Township-based vocational school and the union — which represents teachers, special education specialists, maintenance workers, counselors and other support staff employed by the Auburn Board of Education — jointly announced that all lawsuits have been officially settled.
According to court documents, CATA sued ACC in 2011 for withholding back wages.
The board, during a recent regular meeting, agreed to issue payments totaling nearly $389,000 to 25 current and former staff members, reflecting pay tied to an additional 8th-period stipend sought by CATA for the 2021–22 and 2022–23 academic years.
As part of the settlement, the agreement includes a new memorandum of understanding that will allow for adjustments to Auburn’s schedule, providing an extra 30 minutes of direct instruction each day for students across Auburn’s programs.
The change also aims to expand classroom opportunities, reduce waitlists and facilitate future course offerings.
Officials noted that “the milestone marks a new era of collaboration and shared trust” for the future of career and technical education in Northeast Ohio.
“This could not have been accomplished without the leadership of CATA President Scott Slagle and Vice President Justine Malvicino, as well as the vision and support of the Auburn Board, especially President Roger Miller,” said Auburn Superintendent Joe Glavan, describing the settlement as one of the most pivotal days in the school’s history.
“With over 900 high school students on our campus and more than 1,000 adult learners at our Ohio Technical Center, Auburn is reaching new heights daily in addressing Ohio’s workforce shortage,” he continued. “Just as we tell our students, the same is true for Auburn: ‘Our future starts now.’ ”