TimesArgus.com - We Are Vermont

Barre Town teachers finalize contract

BARRE TOWN – Money for teachers' salaries will climb 12.5 percent over the life of a newly ratified three-year contract, which maintains the status quo on health care and introduces a new benefit in the final year of the agreement.

During the fiscal year that starts July 1 the contract contains 4.25 percent in "new money" for teachers' salaries. That amounts to roughly $155,000, which will be distributed based on a previously negotiated salary schedule. Roughly 60 percent of the teachers at Barre Town Middle and Elementary School will see a 3 percent wage hike, while the remaining 40 percent will get raises of between 5 and 7 percent.

In the second year of the contract there will be another 4.25 percent infusion of "new money" for salaries. Approximately $169,000 will be distributed based on the salary schedule with 69 percent of the teachers receiving pay raises of 3.35 percent and the balance receiving somewhat larger raises.

In the contract's final year, an additional 4 percent "new money" – about $163,000 – will be distributed based on the salary schedule. That year 73 percent of the teaching staff is expected to receive raises of 3.25 percent, with the balance receiving slightly larger increases.

Also in the final year of the contract, the school district will pick up at least 50 percent of the cost of a new dental benefit for teachers. School officials have agreed to cover at least 50 percent of a single plan for eligible employees, and could pay for the entire benefit with savings associated with some teachers choosing not to enroll in the plan. Teachers will be required to pay for additional family members who enroll in the plan.

The only other notable change to the contract involves the creation of a "sick leave bank," which will allow teachers to donate up to five sick days annually to a bank that can be used by other staff members who need, but don't have, additional sick time. In the first year of the contract the sick bank will be limited to 30 days. That figure will increase to 35 days in the second year of the contract and 40 days in the third and final year of the agreement.