Moses Lake schools approve teacher contract

New contract changes cost district $1.3 million

MOSES LAKE - The Moses Lake school board ratified a teacher contract for the new school year at a Thursday meeting.

Changes in the contract total $1.3 million, according to the Moses Lake School District.

In August, the Moses Lake Education Association declared an impasse in bargaining with the school district for smaller classroom sizes, special education class-size limitations, assistance in overcrowded classrooms and a salary increase.

"We got a good settlement, we're satisfied with the settlement." said Washington Education Association co-President Michelle Kittrell.

The school district agreed to contribute $300,000 to the insurance pool in the 2007 to 2008 school year, an increase of $50,000 compared with 2006. Class sizes were limited to 23 students in kindergarten and first grade, and 24 students in second grade.

Teachers are paid $12 per day for each extra student at the elementary school level. Previously, they were paid $10 per extra student. At the secondary level, teachers are paid $3 per extra student instead of $2, for non physical-education classes.

Kittrell said she felt both sides worked hard to come up with a fair settlement.