Arbitrator splits decision on LCS teacher contracts

According to Superintendent Dr. Todd Wendt, the decision of arbitrator Sharon Gallagher was split.

Gallagher awarded the Le Mars Community Education Association's (representing the teachers) position on an increase in base salary of $445, and awarded the district's position for a $35 per month increase in the insurance stipend.

At the arbitration hearing held April 23, the LCEA proposed a 4.0 increase including a $450 increase in base salary and an $85 increase in district contribution to insurance.

The school district's final offer was a 1.81 percent increase, with no increase in base salary but a $35 increase in insurance contribution.

Under Gallagher's decision, base salary will increase from $30,295 to $30,740. Insurance contributions will be $815 per month, up from $780.

The increase in base salary will cost $255,310, while the increase in insurance contributions will cost $65,086, for a total increase of $319,396 according to school district figures, Wendt said.

That represents a 3.1 percent total package increase for the 2009-10 teacher contracts.

"I was a little surprised that she split the decision," said Wendt. "even though there's always that possibility when there is more than one issue going into arbitration."

This was the first time the association and district have gone to arbitration since the 1994-95 school year.

"Our plan now is to get contracts approved for teachers at Monday night's board meeting so they can be issued to the teachers," Wendt said.

Teachers have 21 days to return their signed contracts.

The school board certified the district's 2009-10 budget in April.

Wendt said the district is still receiving information about federal stimulus dollars which will be coming to the district.

"We know how much has been allocated, but we don't know all of the acceptable uses for those funds," Wendt said. "It's taking more time to know what you can and can't do with the money."