Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Spouses with their own health coverage must pay to use the district's plan.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
HOWLAND -- The board of education has ratified a two-year labor contract with its teaching staff, calling for raises of 1 percent per year.
The board took the action Monday with its 210 teachers, members of the Howland Classroom Teachers Association.
Tom Krispinsky, district treasurer, said the average teacher in the district is paid $50,000 annually. The increase will bring the average to more than $51,000 in the second year of the agreement.
The district will offer one medical plan, as compared with several it had previously offered. Teachers' spouses who are employed elsewhere and have their own medical coverage must use that coverage -- or pay the district $100 a month if they don't use it, Krispinsky explained.
The agreement will cost the district about $120,000 annually in wage benefits, he said.
Krispinsky said salary increases are being kept minimal because voters approved a 5-mill levy in 2003 with the understanding the district wouldn't seek added millage for five years.
The contract with the nonteaching staff, members of the Ohio Association of Public School Employees, is still being worked out, the treasurer said.
Advocating fair play
The board tabled a resolution that promotes positive sportsmanship. Krispinsky said it was delayed because two board members didn't attend the meeting, and they want to support it.
The resolution calls for all coaches to be role models for students and be committed to excellence.
It asks that student athletes be diligent in preparation, relentless in effort, disciplined in nature, respectful in actions, self controlled in works, humble in spirit and aggressive in the pursuit of excellence without regard to score, the opponent, playing time or referee.
"Our athletic programs are an extension of the classroom and the educational process," the resolution says.
In other business, the board:
Approved the final permanent appropriation of $38.6 million for fiscal year 2006, about 4 percent higher than the previous budget.
Accepted the resignation of Julie King, high school social studies teacher, who has been employed at Howland since 1970.
Accepted the resignation of Edward Jenkins, principal at Glen Primary School, who has been with the district since 1991. He was also a teacher and principal in Warren city schools.
Accepted the resignation of Charles Hahn, assistant high school principal, who has been with the district since 1978.
Agreed to pay $27,700 toward the cost of a police officer to serve as a resource officer in the schools for nine months during the 2006-07 school year. The township will pay the balance of the wages and benefits.
yovich@vindy.com