Negotiators have tentatively agreed on a compromise 12.5 percent salary increase for West Fargo teachers over the next two years.
"It look like a pretty reasonable compromise," said West Fargo Superintendent Chuck Cheney.
The agreement reached Monday night must be ratified by the West Fargo Education Association, representing about 310 members. And negotiators for both the district and association say they'll need to work through the numbers one last time.
But, "If it passes scrutiny, we're OK with it," said Tim Scully, a teacher negotiator.
The agreement will give teachers a 5.25 percent, or $699,683, increase in 2003-04 and a 7.25 percent, or $1.02 million increase, in 2004-05.
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The salary of individual teachers will rise $1,661 to $2,397 in 2003-04 and $2,266 to $3,476 in 2004-05.
Teachers originally asked for a 14.4 percent increase, while the district initially offered 11 percent.
Teachers later dropped to 12.5 percent: 6.02 percent in 2003-04 and 6.48 percent in 2004-05.
The district later raised its offer to 11.55 percent: 6.05 percent in 2003-04 and 5.5 percent the following year.
The compromise will cost the district about $27,000 more than its offer of 11.55 percent would have.
The compromise also will give teachers about $100,000 less than they were seeking in their original 12.5 percent offer. That's because a 5.25 increase followed by a 7.25 increase gives them smaller dollar raises over the two years than a 6.02 increase followed by a 6.48 increase would have.
With the two sides close on money in the first year but still far apart in the second, Scully suggested approving a one-year contract.
District negotiators turned down the suggestion.
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"That's not of interest to the board," Cheney said.
Scully then suggested the 5.25 percent/7.25 percent increase, to which district negotiators agreed.
The district also agreed to a teacher-supported salary schedule that will give veteran teachers larger dollar raises than new and early-career teachers.
Negotiators for the district had wanted to spread the raises more evenly among all teachers, something teacher negotiators strongly opposed.
Several other issues, including preparation time for elementary teachers, remain to be resolved. But negotiators for both sides said they're confident these issues can be worked out.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Jonathan Knutson at (701) 241-5530
