Sweet Home teachers and School District 55 have traded initial proposals in a new contract, beginning July 1.
Both bargaining teams are proposing a three-year contract, running from fiscal year 2002-03 to 2004-05. Both sides also propose annual step increases for eligible teachers.
The step increase will cost an estimated $95,000. In the proposed $15.9 general fund budget for 2002-03, the district spends approximately $8.9 million on salaries.
The teachers propose raises of 3 percent…