SOUTH POINT – Pay rates and employee health insurance are two of the major topics being discussed between the South Point School District’s Board of Education and teachers.

Tuesday, March 19, 2002

SOUTH POINT – Pay rates and employee health insurance are two of the major topics being discussed between the South Point School District’s Board of Education and teachers.

According to members of the negotiating team representing the teachers union, educators have asked for a "significant raise" in salaries but have not set a fixed percentage amount. The last time teachers received a pay increase – three years ago – they received a 1.5 percent increase.

Additionally, the teachers pay scale has kept salaries frozen. Under the payscale, teachers’ salaries are frozen once they have gained 14 years of experience. Then, teachers receive an increase at the 20-year mark, which then remains frozen until the teacher hits the 25-year mark. After that, salaries remain fixed unless there is an across-the-board increase.

This, coupled with the lack of pay raises, have left teachers salaries lacking due to the increased cost of living expenses, the union said.

The teachers union is also asking for status quo in its health care insurance plan. Currently, the district pays 100 percent of the health insurance premium for single plans, and pays 60 percent of the premium cost for those who are enrolled on a family plan. No one from either the board or the union would discuss the board’s offer on the record.

The union and board will meet once again before the regular board meeting scheduled for April 8 – the seventh meeting between the two groups. Teachers have remained without a contract since August.

Contract negotiations have been impaired for several reasons, the union negotiator said. Since contract negotiations began, the district has hired a new superintendent, and a new board took office in December. The district has also employed five treasurers this year alone.

So far, South Point teachers are the only educators in the county who remain without a contract.