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North Salem Teachers And Administration Sign New Contract

NORTH SALEM, N.Y. – The North Salem Central School District and the North Salem Teachers Association have reached an agreement on a new three-year contract, effective at the start of the 2013-14 school year.

The North Salem Board of Ed and Teachers' Association have approved a new three-year contract.

The North Salem Board of Ed and Teachers' Association have approved a new three-year contract.

Photo Credit: Katherine Pacchiana

“The agreement allows us to remain fiscally responsible to the community, while preserving teaching positions and programs that are so valuable to our district,” said Board of Education President, Deborah D’Agostino.

Among the items agreed upon are the following:

  • Teachers will defer their step increases until November 2013 and will receive a salary increase of 0.75 percent, not applied to the step schedule.
  • In the 2014-15 school year, teachers have agreed to a step freeze for the year and a salary increase of 1.6 percent (not applied to the step schedule).
  • In the 2015-16 school year, teachers will receive their regular step increases but have agreed to a salary freeze for the entire year.
  • Teachers have agreed to contribute a larger percentage toward their health benefits, going from the current 11 percent contribution to a 15 percent contribution by July 1, 2014.

Henry Sassone, head of the North Salem Teachers Association, said the agreement reflects the collaborative progress made by the teachers and the administration. “Our teachers understand the challenging economic environment we live in, and are committed to preserving the academic excellence that we have developed,” he said.

Superintendent of Schools Ken Freeston added that he believes the contract was settled responsibly and fairly and reflected the district’s encouragement and appreciation of its professionals. “The contract demonstrates the district’s continued commitment to our teaching staff in pursuit of excellent student outcomes,” he said.

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