Plum School District's nearly 300 teachers have a new contract that increases wages but also raises the amount of money they are required to contribute to their health care.
The five-year agreement takes effect Sept. 1 and includes an average wage increase of 3.51 percent over the life of the contract -- or 1.68 percent in the first year, 3.29 percent in the second year; 4.81 percent in the third year, 4.5 percent in the fourth year and 3.28 percent in the fifth year.
The starting salary for a Plum teacher this year is $39,500, and the average wage is more than $68,000.
In the first year, the teachers' health care contribution triples from $15 to $45 monthly for individuals or $80 a month for families. By the final year, it increases to $65 a month for individuals or $100 for families. The change saves the district more than $908,000 during the life of the contract.
The contract adds 15 minutes to the teaching day and an in-service day.
The school board voted unanimously Monday night to approve the labor pact.
"In a time when we are faced with worldwide financial challenges, our teachers' union stepped up and contributed more to this contract than any other that has been negotiated in this school district," said board member Jeff Russo, who served on the district's negotiating team. "We are grateful to the union for their leadership, dedication and diligence."
Jay Marston, president of the Plum Borough Education Association, praised the board and administration in turn.
"With the common goal of uninterrupted education, the PBEA and the Plum Borough School District cooperated for many months to arrive at a deal that shows a mutual commitment to excellence in education for Plum Borough."
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