JAMESTOWN, PA. Teachers, school board OK pact

The top teacher salary will climb to $60,600 the final contract year.
JAMESTOWN, Pa. -- Teachers in the Jamestown Area School District will continue to get annual pay raises of about 3 percent throughout the life of their five-year contract.
The 45 teachers and the school board signed a five-year agreement last school year, and it took effect July 1.
The pact included wage increases in the range of 3 percent for the first two years but left the salary schedule open for the last three years, Superintendent David Shaffer said.
The board and teachers union have now finalized the terms for those additional three years, he said Thursday.
The starting salary won't change significantly, but teachers already at the top of the 15-step salary schedule will get annual raises ranging from 2.63 percent to 2.94 percent. Those still receiving the salary steps each year will see raises between 3 percent and 3.52 percent over the life of the agreement, Shaffer said.
The starting salary for teachers is $33,300 this year and will increase to $34,100 the second year, remain at that level the third year, rise to $34,300 the fourth year and to $34,800 the final year.
The maximum teacher salary stands at $54,700 this year and will rise to $56,100 the second, $57,600 the third, $59,100 the fourth and $60,600 the final year.
Both sides have agreed to meet annually to review the budget, salaries, health-care costs and working conditions. The economy and district revenues could lead to a revision of salary figures, the superintendent added.