NIAGARA WHEATFIELD SCHOOLS
3.8% annual raises OK’d for teachers
Published: June 04, 2009, 12:30 am
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SANBORN — A contract that results in an annual pay increase of nearly 4 percent for Niagara Wheatfield teachers until 2012 was approved by the School Board on Wednesday night.
When all salary increments are included, the teachers will receive 3.89 percent in yearly wage increases from July 1, 2009, to June 30, 2012, district officials said.
The teachers also agreed to medical insurance adjustments such as a less costly traditional plan, increases in prescription copayments, increases in insurance premiums, and the formation of a health reimbursement account. There also are changes to some contract language regarding maternity and sick leave, Human Resources Director Paul Sikora said.
The pact, which was approved unanimously by the board, also was ratified by the Niagara Wheatfield Teachers Association.
The only comment from the board came from President Michelle Hoerner, who praised the negotiating team and the teachers union for reaching a quick settlement.
Prior to the approval, during the public comment session, Bergholz resident Russell Brumby remarked that the district should expect an increase next year of more than 26 percent for its contribution to teachers retirement. He said he hoped this would not mean a sizable tax increase.
In another matter, member William Conrad again asked the board to reconsider moving the district polling place from Errick Road Elementary School to the high school. His suggestion won him the chairmanship of an ad hoc committee to study the move.
Conrad, who made the same suggestions at a previous meeting, said moving the polling place would attract more voters.
Fewer voters are showing up every year, officials noted. Last month, 847 residents voted in the election.
Conrad said his research found that the high school is more central to the entire district and would be more visible because the building is identifiable and easier to find. The high school has more parking and complete access for the handicapped, he said.
Board member Denny Klidonas agreed that moving the polling place back to the high school “just makes sense.”
The panel, made up of staff from the school, buildings and grounds, transportation and administration, will look at parking, poll location and the possibility of two polling places, it was noted.
Also, board member Samuel Monin resigned his current board seat so he could be sworn in to fill the seat he won in the May election, whose term ends June 30, 2011.
Klidonas agreed to fill the remaining term of Monin’s previous seat, which expires at the end of this month.
niagaranews@buffnews.com
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