NRHEG settles teacher contract

During their Sept. 15 meeting, school board members were informed contract negotiations with district teachers have been completed, leading to an eight-percent “total package” increase over the two years of the contract. The term “total package” indicates the increase is spread across numerous categories which might include health insurance, paid time off, or retirement benefits as well as a pay increase.

 

District superintendent Michael Meihak reported the agreement was reached after only four negotiation sessions and that exchanges were amicable and cooperative. He went on to say the four-percent-per-year increase will now be the model for agreements with other bargaining units which include the custodial staff, education support personnel, and kitchen and office workers. He also mentioned bus drivers now have a pay rate four-percent higher than last year.

 

Elementary principal Kimberly Meyer reported one of her start-of-year activities was to visit each classroom and help students understand each of the different characteristics listed in the “Panther Pride” initiative: Positive, respectful, responsible and safe.

 

Secondary principal Grant Berg commented the modified traffic pattern in use for delivering and picking up students as construction on the street in front of the school continues is going “better than expected,” with students and parents following through on expectations and construction crews being respectful of transportation processes. “Now we mostly only have to worry about the dust and the dirt,” he said regarding the yet-unpaved street.

 

Board members voted to apply $5,000 to complete fundraising efforts for “phase two” of the adaptive playground being installed at the elementary site. Phase two is a large piece of equipment called a “Swing and Sway Glider,” capable of holding two wheelchairs and numerous other individuals at the same time. Other sources have donated most of the $43,000 needed to purchase and install the piece. With funds in place, Meihak said the glider will likely be purchased during the school year and installed next summer. Funds raised by on-going efforts can now be applied toward phase three, the installation of suitable ground covering.

 

Also during the Sept. 15 meeting, Meihak announced district administrative staff is working to develop a policy regarding posts placed on social media sites by district employees.