School Board nears agreement with teachers

Groups expected to  settle on 3.55 percent increase in package 

The Clear School District and Clear Lake Education Association are expected to settle on an agreement which will provide teachers with a 3.55 total wage and benefit package increase for the 2015-16 school year.

The Board of Education approved a tentative agreement Monday night.  The CLEA is expected to vote on the contract this week.

According to Board Secretary and District Business Manager Lorna Leerar,  the 3.55 percent increase will cost the district an estimated $252,601.

Under terms of the proposed agreement, there will be an increase of $656 in the generator base for teacher salaries and normal step advancement for the 2015-16 school year.  First-year teachers will make $31,376 while supplemental positions will receive $26,149.

Board members also approved ending a pilot program compensating teachers for unused sick leave.  Previously, if an employee used no sick leave, the employee received $300.  Use of only one day or part of a day paid $200; those using only two days received $100.  

The proposed contract also includes changes to health and major medical insurance coverage.  The District will offer four plans to eligible employees of varying deductibles. New to the contract is a fourth plan which will be a high deductible health plan (HDHP) with a single deductible of $2,500 and family deductible of $5,000 with optional Health Savings Account.

The School Board did not address the CLEA’s proposal for increased longevity pay; compensation for additional paperwork; extra adoption, personal and funeral leave; and longer lunch breaks.

The CLEA initially asked for a 7.11 salary and benefit increase totaling $507,486.

Other business

In other business, School Board members accepted the resignation of Patrick Statz, who had a one-year contract to teach eighth grade math, and Chelsey Shreeve, who had a one year contract to teach eighth grade social studies.

The Board approved the hiring of Angela - Read More Via e-Edition