Warren Tech contract battle over

FRANKLIN TWP. | Members of both the Warren Tech Education Association and the school board expressed relief Wednesday night that a more than two-year contract battle is behind them.

Board members approved a memorandum of agreement with the association. All that remains is for the business administrator to add his signature after his return from vacation.

"It's just a good feeling," board President Harold Warne said as he signed his name on the contracts. "The teachers are going to get paid the money they deserve."

About 44 teachers are owed about $6,000 each in back pay, education association President Ed Yarusinsky said. Considering increases in gas prices, food costs and other expenses, he said the teachers have been hit hard.

The board also voted to accept a fact-finding report regarding mediation between the sides.

Teachers have been frustrated with the slow process, described by Yarusinsky as a long, unnecessary road. The sides had long since settled issues of pay increases and insurance contributions, but their talks stalled for months over contract language.

"It's long overdue," said Rich Patricia, the association's negotiations chairman.

He and Yarusinsky hope to avoid a repeat of the drawn-out process. They said that about seven great teachers have resigned from the district this year, at least partially out of frustration.

The first year of the contract is a 4 percent raise, then 4.25 percent and 4.5 percent for the last two years. The starting salary for teachers in the upcoming school year is about $41,000. The contract also includes full medical benefits.