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THE BUGLE MAY 23, 2013
CONTRACT Continued from page 1 officials have said their relationship is open and noncombative, the two groups sought mediation. A new proposal was then brought to
the teachers May 15 and was accepted. “I want to thank the leaders on the union side and the teachers for coming to an agreement,” said School Board President Steve Quigley.“It was a long drawn out process, but it is a process. I am excited that the contract has passed and
News that we are being understood in these financial times. According to Union Representative Vicky Sutterlin, the proposed contract covers two years for salary (2012 thru 2014) and three years for language and insurance (thru 2015). Teachers will receive a $1200 stipend this year and a 2
percent increase for next year. However insurance premiums will change. Members who were hired after 1996, with 5 or more years in the district, do currently pay a premium percentage for family coverage currently and with the proposal will be paying an additional annual contribution
of $600. Those with less than 5 years in the district pay a higher premium percentage for family and single. Under the new contract, insurance benefits will be the same across the board for teachers and administrators. Previously, teachers saw a 5 percent increase per year for each of the past four years. “We have extreme respect for our teachers and as a district we have been competitive with salary with surrounding districts—when times are good we are happy to share, but times now are not so good and we have to tighten our belts,” said Quigley.“And the last place we want to do that is in the classroom.”