RICHMOND — The School Committee and the rank and file of the district’s support personnel union yesterday ratified a three-year contract, retroactive to July 1.

The 186-member Local 866 Chariho Association of Education Support Professionals/NEARI/NEA approved the proposed contract first, on an 87-49 vote by paper ballot after a three-hour meeting.

The School Committee, which had met behind closed doors prior to its regular meeting, took up the contract an hour later, ratifying it on a 7-1 vote.

Members Deborah K. Jannings, Ronald Preuhs Jr., Giancarlo Cicchetti, Terri Serra, Holly Eaves, George Abbott and Andrew Polouski voted in favor. Robert Petit voted against.

Chairman William Day, whose wife is a member of the union, abstained. Day had recused himself from contract discussions.

Members William Felkner and Andrew McQuaide were absent.

The new contract calls for a combined 11.5-percent salary increase over its three years, with provisions for longevity pay and shift differential, Supt. Barry J. Ricci said last night.

Among the new contract provisions is a requirement that all union members eventually pay 15 percent of the cost of their health insurance. Previously, employees hired after July 1, 1997 had paid 20 percent of the cost while employees hired before that date paid nothing.

Under the new contract language, those employees hired prior to July 1, 1997 would start paying 5 percent on Jan. 1 and increasing their contribution rate 5 percent annually until they reach the 15 percent mark in year three.

Contract language also caps the buyback provisions for employees who choose not to accept the district’s medical coverage.

Previously, employees received 25 percent of the premium the district saved. Under the new language, those who opt out of the family health plan would receive $4,500, $2,000 for single coverage, $400 for family dental plan and $100 for single dental coverage. Payment would be made in two installments, in December and June.

Under the new language, employees must work at least 30 hours a week to qualify for health coverage.

Health care issues were “the biggest hurdle” during negotiations, said Carri Barr, the union’s president.

Another contentious provision under the contract is the administration’s right to change the work hours or shift of two positions per contract year, subject to seniority. Employees would have to be notified by May 1, with the change becoming effective July 1.

The district already had the right to eliminate several positions as they became vacant. Any reduction on the number of teaching assistants — and under the new language behavior management assistants, physical therapist assistants, and occupational therapist assistants — would be based on student population and state and federal requirements.

The new contract also calls for professional development for support personnel with a $75 annual stipend for employees to meet a six-hour yearly mandate; it also starts discussion of creating a mentoring program for new employees, Ricci said.

Currently, behavior management assistants and teacher aides — who are represented by the union — have had to complete the six-hour professional development work, required under their certification, during personal time and received no compensation, Barr said.

District and union representatives started contract discussions in January. Negotiations reached an impasse in September, following two contract extensions, and the union filed for mediation. A preliminary agreement was reached soon after.

marmenta@projo.com