Fargo teachers overwhelmingly ratified a contract today that calls for pay raises of 4 percent in 2007-08 and 3 percent in 2008-09.
About 84 percent of the roughly 780 Fargo Education Association members voted, union President Ellen Dunn said. Of that, 605 members, or 92 percent, voted for the contract. Forty-nine voted against the contract and two ballots were blank, Dunn said.
"I'm glad it's over so we can get on with what we're supposed to do, and that's working with kids," Dunn said.
The contract now goes to the Fargo School Board for approval. The board will vote on the contract at a special meeting 5:30 p.m. Thursday.
School Board President Robin Nelson said she expects a quick vote for approval.
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"That's a great sign that they want to move things in a positive direction. It sends a very strong message to the board," Nelson said. "We want to get this thing rolling along so these teachers get their raises on the first paycheck in September.
Nelson said the contract puts the emphasis back on teachers and students working together.
"That thrills me to death," she said.
Dunn credited the impasse mediation panel with reigniting a collaborative spirit in the talks, and with convincing the School Board to include some issues in the contract and talk about others.
"Contract language was really a big part of this," Dunn said. "The contract language was really the selling point."
Readers can reach Forum reporter Helmut Schmidt at (701) 241-5583
