The Fargo School Board unanimously approved a new two-year teacher contract tonight during a special meeting.
It took less than two minutes to get the 6-0 vote. A minute and a half later, the meeting was done.
"It was quick because we feel good about it (the contract)," Board President Robin Nelson said. "This week's timeline was short, but that's because we wanted teachers' raises in the first paycheck."
The contract calls for teachers to get pay raises of 4.13 percent in 2007-08 and 3.01 percent in 2008-09. With all benefits included - retirement, life and health insur-ance, Social Security and workers' compensation - the increases are 5.18 percent and 4.58 percent, respectively, School District figures show.
That puts the 2007-08 starting salary at $32,374, the average salary at $50,180 and the top salary at $61,187, with the average increase being $2,405.
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In 2008-09, the starting salary will be $33,018, the average salary $52,107, the top salary $62,404, with the average increase being $2,357.
Both sides agreed that Nelson and Fargo Education Association President Ellen Dunn would form committees to talk about several issues, including involuntary transfers, reduction-in-force and longevity pay.
Board members Dan Fremling, Laura Carley and Rick Steen were not present.
Superintendent Rick Buresh said teacher contracts would start going in the mail Friday.
