Lake City Schools signs contract to improve teachers’ benefits

(ABC 6 News) – On Feb. 27, Lake City School District announced they and the teachers union have agreed to a new two-year contract for district teachers.

Under the new contract, base pay for teachers will increase by 5% in the first year of the agreement and by 3% in the second.

Teachers with 20 or more years of experience will receive an annual salary stipend of increasing value.

The contract included additional compensation for staff working beyond the expected school day and teaching an “overload of course or multiple courses at the same time.”

The district will also include 10 activities and athletics coaching and advisory positions. According to the district, this will include positions that have already existed in other forms and some that are entirely new to the district.

The district will contribute an additional $1,000 for HSA/HRA healthcare coverage.

“Teachers are critical for the success of our kids. This agreement provides for a competitive salary increase, allowing our district to continue to attract and retain high quality teachers,” said Superintendent Ariana Wright.

Union members voted to approve the contract on Feb. 20. The school board voted to approve the contract on Feb. 26 during its meeting.