Salisbury Teachers Union and School Board Reach Contract Agreement

More than two years after their last contract expired, the 140-member the Salisbury Education Association, or teachers union, and the Salisbury School Board reached a tentative agreement, according to Russell Giordano, school board president.

The new agreement, reached at special meeting Sept. 6, extends from Aug. 31, 2010 to Aug. 31, 2014. Under the terms of the contract, union members will get an average 2.8 percent salary increase, said Superintendent Robert Gross.

Union members contributions to health care costs will increase.  The deductible will increase to $250 for an individual and $500 for a family; the premium share in 2011-2012 will increase to 1 percent of salary for an individual and 2 percent of salary for a family; and the premium share in 2013-2014 will increase to 2 percent of salary for an individual and 3 percent of salary for a family.

Members' co-pays to doctors will increase from $10 a visit to $20. Generic prescriptions will increase from $5 to $10, brand name prescription costs will remain at $30 and specialty drugs will cost $50.

Salisbury Education Association President Richard Marsico did not respond to an e-mail request for comment.