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Board rejects tentative agreement with teachers

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By Meagan Engle, Staff Writer 10:04 AM Thursday, July 22, 2010

OXFORD — The Talawanda Board of Education rejected a proposed contract with the teachers’ union, instead voting to go back to the table.

“I feel it is important for us to negotiate further,” said board President Darrell Smith, declining to answer a question from the audience about what raises were being sought in the rejected tentative agreement.

The Talawanda Educators Association’s last contract expired June 30. It called for a one-year salary freeze.

Health care changes mean raises

The school board approved a 1.5-percent salary increase for any administrative and non-union central office employees who switch to a less expensive health care plan for the 2010-11 and 2011-12 school years.

Smith abstained from the vote.

There are 17 administrators and central office staff who qualify, though one person is already enrolled in the less expensive plan. If all members switched, Treasurer Mike Davis said the district would see $10,000 in savings annually, even with the increased salaries.

Position eliminated

The board voted to move forward with eliminating the position of custodial supervisor effective Aug. 18.

The position had been identified for elimination one year ago.

Bids for field  house sought

Board members also agreed to seek bids for the future field house, getting alternatives that will show what savings would be incurred if the wrestling room and storage room were eliminated from the building.

The project, which as planned would cost $1.9 million, could be reduced by an estimated $338,000 if the two rooms were eliminated from the plan. The board will also seek information on reducing the seating capacity at the stadium from 2,558 to 2,000, which is estimated to save $110,000 — including savings from a lower number of toilets required by the smaller number.

Contact this reporter at (513) 523-4139 or mengle@coxohio.com.

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