The All-Island School committee ratified three-year collective bargaining agreements for Vineyard school custodians, paraprofessionals and food service workers at their monthly meeting last week.

All three unions will take no wage increase for the first year of their contracts, which retroactively began in 2010, as well as agreeing to opt out of an indemnity health plan and move to a private provider. Union members will receive an incentive payment for the insurance.

Public school contract negotiations began 23 months ago with teacher contracts, which expired in 2009 but were ratified in July 2010, followed by a lengthy mediation process of the secretaries’ contract that was completed in January. Vineyard schools superintendent Dr. James H. Weiss said yesterday it was the longest negotiation process he’s been involved in.

There are two unions on the Island: the Martha’s Vineyard Educators Association, which includes teachers in the three down-Island towns, and the Martha’s Vineyard Regional Teachers and Educators Association, which includes up-Island teachers and all support staff. Under those two there are five bargaining units — custodians, cafeteria workers, assistants, secretaries and teachers.

In the contract ratified last week for the three units, staff will receive a two per cent wage increase in year two and a 2.75 per cent increase in year three, except for paraprofessionals who will receive two per cent.

A series of language changes in all units includes a change in longevity payments and sick leave buy-backs. Custodians will be paid $30 a day on sick leave up to 180 days upon retirement with at least 10 years of service, and paraprofessionals will receive between $12 and $20 a day. Paraprofessionals added a nondiscrimination clause and will now be known as educational support professionals.