School Board counter offer comes close to initial DEA bottom line

The Decorah Community School Board presented a counter offer to the Decorah Education Association on Tuesday afternoon that came close to the initial DEA request for a total package increase of 3.25 percent. The board offer represented a 3.0 percent total package increase.

There were some differences regarding how the sides came to the totals, with the school district proposing a base salary increase of $35 to $27,030 and an increase of $140 to the Teacher Quality Salary Schedule. The district plan removed a provision for a $250 contribution related to insurance program options. Also included was a change in language related to professional leave days that Superintendent Mike Haluska said eliminated possible confusion and more accurately reflected actual practice within the district. There was agreement that an Assistant Tennis Coach and Art/Science Club position would be added.

Superintendent Haluska said he was appreciative that, during difficult budget periods and the possibility of zero allowable growth from the state, the DEA worked hard to present a reasonable master contract request. Although there is a good possibility that there will be zero allowable growth funding from the state, the Decorah School District should still receive increased funding of approximately $103,000 because of an increase in the certified enrollment (18.2 students).

The two sides convened in closed session for further negotiation after the Tuesday meeting.