New Teacher Contract Approved by Madison Board of Ed

The Madison Board of Education approved a new three-year contract with the Madison Education Association at its Tuesday meeting that increases salaries on average 2.4 percent a year.

The contract, which covers teachers, teacher assistants and secretaries from July 1 until June 30, 2016, includes a 2.9 percent increase for the 2013-2014 school year, but the raises don't take hold until Feb. 1.

Increases for the second and third years are 1.5 percent and 2.85 percent, respectively, according to a statement read by Board of Education President Lisa Ellis at the board meeting.

The agreement also call for slight increases to extra-curricular stipends.

The MEA ratified the deal by a wide margin at a meeting on Monday.

Matt Millichap, co-chair of the MEA's negotiations committee, said in the statement the union was pleased to have reached an agreement and negotiation sessions "were quite positive with a tone of collaboration as each side articulated its viewpoints and gave respectful consideration to the other side's ideas."

"The agreements all seem fair and reasonable," he said. "Our Association ratified by a wide margin, showing satisfaction amongst our membership which will help to foster a positive climate through our school district."

Ellis said the district has continued to thrive in the face of serious financial challenges.

"This is due largely to the outstanding professionalism of our staff and the wonderful sense of collaboration and teamwork that is shared throughout the district," Ellis said. "Open communication, the ability to see both sides of an issue and come up with a compromise position, is reflected in our day to day relationship and was carried through the negotiations process resulting in a contract that is fair for the Board, the MEA, our students and the Madison community. The Board extends its appreciation to the MEA for their continued partnership. Working together in the face of tough challenges insures that we can continue to meet the needs of all our students."