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 in 2002-03, 4 percent in 2003-04 and 5 percent in 2004-05.
The district proposes 1.5 percent in 2002-03, 1.5 percent in 2003-04 and 2 percent in 2004-05.
Neither proposal is based on the consumer price index, typically used in negotiations to help set raises.
In 2001, the national CPI-U ran approximately 2.8 percent, district Business Manager Russell Allen said. So far this year, the CPI is running at roughly 1.5 percent.
Each percentage point given as a raise would cost $55,000.
Insurance premiums are $574.64 this year. By contract, the district pays $454 of that total, meaning teachers pay $120.64 of the premium each month.
Though difficult to estimate at this point, Allen said, the total premium is anticipated to increase to the neighborhood of $690 per month in the next school year. The district should know the increase by the end of May.
The teachers propose that the district pay the full amount of the premium.
The district proposes to increase its contribution to $485 in 2002-03, which, based on the estimated premium, would mean teachers would pay $205 per month for health insurance.
The district proposes increasing that cap to $500 in 2003-04 and $515 in 2004-05.
The teachers propose a change in contract language to allow them to use sick leave to take care of sick family members.
The district has proposed no changes, which means that teachers may use sick leave only for themselves.
Classified employees are allowed by contract to use sick leave for family members. The district had proposed, during negotiations with classified staff, removing that language and limiting the use of sick leave to the employee; but the provision was retained earlier this year when the contract was approved.
With teachers who have young families, union President Joyce Baugus said, teachers need to be able to stay home and take care of sick children.
The district proposes working with teachers to phase out its early retirement package, which pays teachers who take advantage of it $446 per month for up to seven years or until age 65. The teachers propose bumping the monthly compensation to $515 and then increasing it annually by CPI.
Right now, the district is not in a position to keep funding the provision, especially with Public Employees Retirement System rates increasing, Allen said.
The two sides meet next on May 22.