Boardman school board, union ratify pact

BOARDMAN -- The school board and the Boardman Education Association ratified a new a three-year contract. The board approved the pact last Wednesday, and the teachers union did so on Labor Day.
The contract reflects a pay-raise freeze in the first year, a salary increase of 2.5 percent in the second year and 2.9 percent in the third year, as well as concessions in health insurance throughout the life of the contract, which expires June 30, 2006.
In the first year, the contract calls for a switch from a major medical plan to a preferred provider organization, which is expected to save the board $600,000, says a press release from the board.
The contract increases co-payment for prescriptions, implements medical insurance caps for the board and initiates employee contributions to medical premiums. It also increases employee liability for any additional premium increases on medical insurance.