New contract reached for West Branch teachers

Staff report

BELOIT

The West Branch Local School Board and teachers union have reached a two-year contract.

The agreement runs from July 1 through June 30, 2018.

The union, the West Branch Teachers Association, will receive a 1 percent pay increase each year, and the pact will increase members’ contribution to health care insurance from 10 percent to 12.5 percent.

This marks the first raise for teachers in four years. About 140 teachers are in the union, which is part of the Ohio Education Association.

“We value our teachers and all they do for our students,” Scott Weingart, interim superintendent, said in a news release. “Their willingness to shoulder more of the costs of health care allowed the district to give a modest 1 percent raise after years of no increases.”

The district’s health care premiums were up 11 percent this year and are to increase 12 percent to 13 percent next year.

Mike Helm, WBTA president, said the union’s concern was remaining competitive in the job market.

“After years with no increase to salaries, we were falling behind our neighboring districts,” he said. “We need to attract and retain the best teachers we can find. This agreement helps us move forward.”

A new contract between the district and the West Branch Classified Education Association is next on the district’s agenda.

The union represents cooks, custodians, bus drivers, secretaries and aides and expires June 30.