Douglas teachers ratify new contract

Douglas County teachers overwhelmingly approved a two-year contract that includes a 4 percent raise for the 2006-2007 school year.

Effective with this school year, beginning teachers will earn $31,795. Next year, a first-year teacher will earn $33,067.

That compares to last year's starting salary of $31,095. By comparison, beginning teachers in Carson City earn $28,876 annually under their new contract.

Susan Lacey, president of the Douglas County Professional Educators' Association, said the contract had been well-received.

"The teachers are fairly happy or they would be at the meeting screaming," she said.

Association vice president Allen Gosselin said teacher feedback was positive.

"The process was very positive, very professional. I was glad to be part of it," he said.

Of the district's 350 teachers, 250 voted in favor of the contract and six voted against it, Lacey said.

Contract approval requires 50 percent of the membership plus one to ratify the proposal.

Other contract highlights include:

n District pays for employee health benefits and total contribution to retirement system.

n Honoraria for Ph.D.s or Ed.D.s increased from $500 to $1,000.

n Leave increases from five days to 10 days for the amount of accumulated sick leave that a teacher may take for the adoption of a child.

School board members ratified the contract at their meeting Sept. 13.

- Contact reporter Sheila Gardner at sgardner@recordcourier.com or 782-5121, ext. 214.