LEWISBORO — The Katonah-Lewisboro District Teachers’ Association has ratified an agreement on a new two-year contract with the school district to replace the contract expiring at the end of the current school year.

The school board will hold a public forum on the agreement on Jan. 6 before voting on whether to approve it on Jan. 13. The agreement covers the 2011-12 and 2012-13 school years and includes very low raises for teachers.

Board of Education President Michael Gordon said the board’s goal has been to reach a fiscally responsible budget that preserves programming.

“Since so much of our budget is devoted to personnel expenses, obviously what we pay to our teachers and provide them in benefits is a significant issue,” he said.

In the first year the contract agreement calls for a 1 percent raise that is deferred to Feb. 1, 2012. Salary adjustments for education credits are also deferred until February. Teachers will also take a half-day furlough when school is not in regular session. The union will contribute to the cost of a $10,000 retirement incentive.

In the second year, a 1 percent salary increase will take effect at the beginning of the school year and another 1 percent increase on Feb. 1. Teachers will have to take a one-day furlough and contribute 13 percent to health insurance premiums, up from 11 percent.

LoHud Article

Katonah NY Homes

Katonah Luxury Homes