Board approves new pact for Sharon teachers

SHARON, Pa. (AP)

The Sharon City School Board has approved a new four-year contract with its teachers’ union that includes a one-year wage freeze, but calls on the district to pay more into the teachers’ pension fund.

The union approved the contract Friday. The board voted 7-1 to support the new deal Monday night.

Board President Melvin Bandzak cast the lone “no” vote against the contract, saying he opposes a provision letting teachers take a buyout if they opt not to take health-care coverage for their families.

Bandzak said that provision is unfair to single teachers and says paying people to not take the insurance essentially turns the buyout into a pay bonus instead of a fringe benefit.