Teachers Take Concessions with Newly Approved Contract

Laste Updated: June 30 at 10:16 a.m.

The OK'd an agreement with the Stow Teachers Association June 29 which includes a pay freeze and more benefit contributions from employees.

The agreement is for two years, and there is no increase in base salary and no longevity step increases for any of the certified employees.

There are about 360 members in the association.

"The Stow Teachers Association looks forward to continuing the excellence in education that we have provided for many years with the students and parents in the Stow and Munroe Falls communities," said Deb Pauley, president of the association.

In the second year of the agreement, the board did approve a one-time stipend. Part-time employees will receive $500 and full-time employees will receive $1,000.

Employee contributions for benefits will increase from 5 percent to 10 percent the first year and to 15 percent the second year.

District Treasurer/CFO Catherine Bulgrin said for single coverage now is $31.61 a month and it will double the first year and triple the second year.

For family coverage it is currently $76.93 and that figure will also double and triple in cost during the course of the contract, she said.

"We appreciate the teachers recognizing the difficult economic time the district is facing and working in the best interest of the students and taxpayers," said Superintendent Russ Jones.

Additional contract language was changed, but the contract was not immediately available for review June 29.

"We appreciate the dedication the teaching staff has clearly made to our students, the school district and our community," said Board President Pat Matthews. "Health insurance affordability has changed from many years ago, and we are now working in a different economic climate."

For more details on the contract when it is available, check back with Stow Patch.