MCDONALD SCHOOLS Teachers' salaries to rise

The top teacher salary will go to $60,201 in the second year of the pact.
McDONALD -- The McDonald school board has approved a new two-year contract with the union representing the district's school teachers.
The contract, approved Monday, increases the district's pay scale 3 percent in both years.
The teachers, who are represented by the McDonald Education Association, are still working under a three-year contract the expires Aug. 31. The new pact will begin Sept. 1, and continue through Aug. 31, 2007.
Superintendent Michael Wasser noted that the negotiations were completed in five meetings.
Teachers will continue to receive the same benefits and health-care package now in effect.
Details of the increase
Under terms of the new accord, a base salary for a starting teacher, which is now $26,965, will increase to $27,766 for 2005-06 and to $28,599 for 2006-07, district Treasurer Thomas Radabaugh said.
The top of scale, which requires at least 25 years' seniority, will be $58,642 in the first year and $60,201 in the second year.
The wage increases will cost the district $100,000 the first year and $115,000 the second year, Radabaugh said.
The school board Monday also authorized the village to use the McDonald High School swimming pool facilities free for a swim program and senior citizens' fitness program for this summer. Wasser said he and Radabaugh will meet with village representatives Tuesday to discuss details.
The list of 63 graduating seniors was approved by the board, and baccalaureate will be held at 2 p.m. May 27 in the high school auditorium. Graduation will be 2 p.m. June 5 in the auditorium.