Cda Teachers’ Pact Ok’D Trustees Approve Contract With Average 7.3% Salary Hike

In sharp contrast to last year’s five-month impasse, the Coeur d’Alene School District’s trustees Thursday approved a contract with its teachers.

Last year’s contract wasn’t signed until January, due to a dispute between the district and the teachers over salary and benefits.

This year’s agreement includes a 5.5 percent increase on the teachers’ base salary and represents an average increase of 7.3 percent across the salary schedule. It increases from 77 to 78 percent the district’s contribution to the family insurance plan.

Starting this fall, beginning teachers will receive $22,801, up from $21,612. A teacher with 10 years of experience and 60 credits past a bachelor’s degree will receive $39,901. The contract also increases the longevity stipend for the most experienced teachers.

The Coeur d’Alene Education Association strongly approved the agreement, said President Joe Partington. He thanked the district for making teachers a priority, and gave special praise to trustee Edie Brooks, who lobbied the Legislature on behalf of teachers and public education.

Superintendent David Rawls said the salary schedule will help attract new teachers while retaining veterans.

“I’m very pleased we were able to come to an agreement and to do this early so everyone can concentrate on the business of what we are here for - educating kids,” said Brooks, who served on the district’s negotiating team. “However, our task is not finished. As a state we have to look at how we can generate resources for education without burdening our community. We can’t overtax our people, but our kids deserve the best education possible.”