By By SPIROS GALLOS / Niles Daily Star
NILES - The Niles Comunity Schools Board of Education approved the new teachers' contract with the Niles District Education Association in a special board meeting early Monday morning.
The approval puts an end to the 14-month-long period in which the teachers were without a contract.
The terms of the contract, which covers the 2003-04 school year that the teachers worked without a contract, the 2004-05 school year, and the 2005-06 school year, made these signifcant changes to the salaries and benefits of the teachers.
2003-04
No increase in the base salary.
Teachers that qualify will receive their longevity step increase.
District will cover the full cost of the insurance package.
2004-05
A 0.5 percent increase in the base salary, with the possibility of additional increases depending on state aid and school enrollment totals.
Starting salary will be $31,273 and top salary will be $59,702.
Teachers will switch to a new insurance plan as soon as possible (November) and begin paying 3 percent of the premium.
Teachers that qualify will receive their longevity step increase.
The District will cover the 15 percent increase in the cost of retirement.
A new family friendly calendar will be implemented. The calendar eliminates all but two half days.
2005-06
Same insurance package as the 2004-05 school year.
Teachers will get the same percentage raise as the percent of increase in per pupil allotment.
District will cover any increase cost in retirement.
NDEA President Andy Roberts could not be reached for comment at press times.