After a year of working without a signed contract, 217 teachers employed by Alpena Public Schools officially have one in place. The district's board of education unanimously ratified the contract during a special board meeting Wednesday morning.
Teachers in the Alpena Education Association voted to ratify a proposed contract on Tuesday morning that differs slightly from the one that was imposed on them by the board of education in early August. In addition to the switch from Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO I insurance to PPO II insurance that is already in place and a 0.5 percent increase for the 2010-11 fiscal year, steps and columns have been restored to the contract. Teachers who wish to opt out of the district's insurance will be given a cash payment equal to 40 percent of the single subscriber rate.
"We are happy to be able to come to mutual agreement and closure," Pat Sampier, assistant superintendent for human resources, said in a district issued press release. "I want to thank the AEA bargaining team and the entire membership for their ongoing cooperation and professionalism throughout the past year and a half."
Superintendent Brent Holcomb said he is happy to have the teacher contract in place.
"It's always good to have a contract in place, it will kind of make the school year much easier," he said.
AEA President Donice ZiBerna said she wouldn't comment beyond what was issued in the union's press release Tuesday. The press release stated the AEA is disappointed APS was unwilling to maintain quality insurance coverage by considering other insurance options and the AEA will continue to work attaining a high quality, fiscally responsible insurance package.
"The association believes that knowledge has value and hopes that our school board is willing to become knowledgeable participants in the future negotiations," it stated.
The teachers newly approved contract expires Aug. 31, 2011. The bargaining units are taking a couple of months off but will begin teacher contract negotiations after the new year.
Crystal Nelson can be reached via e-mail at cnelson@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5693.