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E-mail StoryPanama district ratifies union contract
| Tuesday, Feb 26 2008 8:36 PM
Last Updated: Tuesday, Feb 26 2008 8:36 PM
Board members with the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District ratified a contract Tuesday night with the union that represents its food service and clerical staff and aides. The contract passed on a unanimous vote.
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The settlement with Panama-Buena Vista Chapter 649 of the California School Employees Association applies to the 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10 school years.
Some highlights include 2.6 percent across-the-board raises, retroactive to July 1, 2007. Employees will receive a 3 percent one-time stipend based on their 2007-08 base salaries.
The group has about 325 bargaining-unit members, said Lettie Hunter, chapter president. Some 220 people voted Feb. 20.
The vote was 115 for the contract and 105 against, she said.
Meanwhile, negotiations between the district and its teachers association are ongoing. The talks started in September.
A mediator met with both parties Feb. 15 and may return in mid-March, said Darla Bramlette, association president.
Teachers are seeking a 5.52 percent on-schedule increase and health benefits for all employees and eligible retirees to age 65. The district is offering a 2 percent on-schedule raise and a 3 percent one-time stipend.
Teacher Carmen Tyack told the board she believed members were out of touch with teachers and the workforce.
Superintendent Kip Hearron said after Tuesday’s meeting the district appreciates all its employees.