Westerville Teachers, School Board Approve New Contract

Teachers in the Westerville City School district voted Monday night to approve a new contract and avoid a strike.

The results concluded shortly after 9 p.m. The contract was then promptly approved by the Westerville City School board.

Teachers’ union spokesman Trevor Kielmeyer said that nearly all 970 teachers voted.

“I think it’s good that the teachers in Westerville now have three years where we can simply focus on practicing our craft,” Kielmeyer said.

School board member Cindy Crowe said that the vote will make for a positive start to the school year, which begins Wednesday.

“All of our efforts and all of our vision should be focused on our kids right now,” Crowe said. “I’m very thrilled that our school year will start out with us all prepared to move forward.”

The three year contract takes effect Sept. 1.

During the first two years, teachers will see a base salary freeze and no step increases.

In year three, teachers will get a 2-percent raise and those eligible will receive a step increase for additional experience

In addition, the district will phase out its contribution to the health savings accounts and future reductions in force will be determined through the use of teacher evaluations instead of seniority.

Art positions and school aides will be retained so teachers can have more planning time.

District officials previously told 10TV they authorized a contract with a company to provide replacements for unionized teachers in the event that contract negotiations fell short.

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