The agreement means that approximately 310 teachers covered by the contract will not receive base salary increases. However, the one-year freeze does not apply to teachers who will receive step increases based on a schedule or for earning advanced degrees, said Lebanon schools Superintendent Mark North.
“There is great support from the teachers association in carrying out our mission of providing the best possible education for the children in this district,” North said. “There is also a great awareness among the staff in understanding the local economy and a tremendous will among the staff to do what needs to be done.”
It is the third time in the past six years that Lebanon teachers have agreed to not raising base salaries, which has reduced their competitiveness for wages in the area, Bell said.
“I think it’s commendable of Lebanon teachers to do this again when it continually pushes them behind,” she said.
The contract also increases the health insurance premiums that teachers will be required to pay. Bell said Lebanon teachers pay 20 percent of their premiums.
“Teachers understand the financial condition of the district, the economy and where we are with public education,” Bell said. “Everybody is out for the best interest of the district, the students and the community. Sometimes there are hard decisions to make and this is a community that will work together to make those decisions.”
Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4542 or rwilson@coxohio.com.
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