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Wendy Wilson

In a rare move, the Stewartville School Board approved two teachers’ contracts spanning four school years at its June 11 meeting. Stewartville United Educators ratified both contracts on June 8.

The two contracts encompass the years 2011-2013 and 2013-2015. If only one contract had been approved, negotiations would have begun again in about six months, according to Stewartville Public Schools Superintendent David Thompson.

“The thought was, let’s try to do it this way,” explained Thompson. “Let’s try to work hard and get this done and do it for another three years.”

The first year of the contracts does not include any additional pay increase for Stewartville teachers. However, they will continue to experience paid “step” increases during their first 13 years as well as wage increases as they gain additional education, according to Thompson.

During the second year, educators frozen at the top wage level tier who are not eligible for an additional step increase will receive a $500 stipend. Thompson said this involves about half of the teachers.

During the third and fourth years (the second contract), all educators will receive a one percent annual pay increase. The teachers, however, will be working one additional school day with students during each of those years.

In addition, the district will pay an extra $25 monthly toward health insurance plan premiums offered by the district for participating teachers during years two, three and four.

Stewartville High School English and Spanish teacher Sharon Prunty expressed relief for the resolution of both contracts.

“After spending one full year negotiating, to come back to the table again in six months would be more harmful than helpful and the offer put on the table we were able to work with,” Prunty said.

Prunty served as a contract negotiator with Stewartville United Educators. “We feel it was a good deal for our people as well as for the district,” she said.

Thompson agreed with the motivation to resolve both contracts.

“I think having this settled for three years out will certainly be good for everybody,” he said. “We’ll be able to budget accordingly . . . People will know what their salaries are going to be.”

Thompson thanked negotiators from both parties. “I think it’s a fair settlement,” he said.

The board voted 7-0 to approve the two contracts.

“We are happy we settled before the end of the school year,” Prunty said. “It is unfortunate it took us this long to settle this contract, but having the second contract settled as well allows us to come back and have business as usual in the fall.”

Thompson added, “I would like to express our gratitude for all the hard work and extra efforts our instructional staff gives to our students, parents and community.”