Sean C. Morgan
District 55 School Board officials and administrators reached an agreement for 2003-04 contracts, which includes a 2-percent raise for a single year, Thursday afternoon.
Administrators and the board representatives met for 15 to 20 minutes before concluding their negotiations.
The agreement is “cost neutral,” the same as the classified association’s, Board Chairman Don Hopkins said.
The district agreed to raise the insurance cap, the district’s contribution to insurance premiums, from $485 per month to $520 per month.
The 2-percent raise is comparable to the raises classified employees will receive this year, 1 percent on the salary schedule and a one-year 1-percent increase for those who are not eligible for a step increase. Administrators can take the raise as a lump sum or spread it out.
Administrators also will be able to use some sick leave for family, the same as the classified association, but different from the teachers, who are allowed to use sick leave only for themselves.
The agreement will affect all administrators, supervisors and confidential employees, including the superintendent, who voluntarily took a 4-percent decrease in pay last year, and business manager. The district has a total
The agreement will go to the board for approval at its regular meeting on Dec. 8.
“In my mind, the biggie is that it’s cost-neutral again,” Hopkins said. The district will use savings from those opting out of insurance benefits and retired administrators working on special contract. The district does not pay retirement on those administrators.
Three employees covered by this agreement have opted out of part of their insurance coverage, which includes dental, vision and health.
“It’s a real conscious effort to meet part of their needs,” Scott Proctor, board member, said. “On the other hand, without stretching the district financially, it meets the needs of the district real well.”
The meeting included Hopkins, Proctor, Supt. Larry Horton and Sweet Home Junior High Principal Hal Huschka.
Administrators and the board will reopen discussions if statewide funding levels remain at $5.2 billion.
The district remains in negotiations with teachers. The two bargaining teams begin mediation on Dec. 1.