One item on the March agenda with the Greene County School Board was tabled, which concerns salary raises for some teachers.

A special meeting was held on March 11th, where the Greene County Education Association presented their initial proposal for salary increases for the next school year, and then the School Board made its counter-offer. Superintendent Brett Abbotts says for the first time ever, both sides made the exact same proposal. He tells Raccoon Valley Radio the teachers that are not covered by the second phase of the state mandated salary increases of the first year and new teachers pay up to $50,000 and those with 12 or more years of experience have their salaries go up to $62,000, would receive two additional steps on the salary schedule for a total of $2,058 per teacher, or $135,828. 

Abbotts explains that following the special meeting where the School Board and GCEA had agreed to ratify their agreements, the item was then tabled by the regular board meeting on March 12th. He comments on despite the fact that the agreement was not finalized at the March board meeting, discussions are continuing.

“We do value the work our staff does and we respect our union’s role in representing their members. And while we haven’t reached a final agreement yet we do remain committed to them and to continue productive discussions. And ultimately our goal is to find a solution that does support our staff, but also ensures the long-term fiscal success of our district, and also the long-term success of our students and community as well.”  

GCEA Co-President Sean Thompson makes this statement in regards to the negotiated agreement for next school year:

“We had some information to clarify with our members before proceeding and we needed some extra time to do so. We have signed the agreement.”

Thompson adds that the agreement was signed by the GCEA membership on Monday. The School Board is expected to consider it at their next meeting.