The Wichita School District and its teachers union have reached a tentative contract agreement.
The district said in a news release Tuesday night that the one-year agreement includes a base salary increase of 3.5 percent. It also includes a longevity bonus for qualifying teachers and no increase in premiums for the employee health program.
The two sides had reached an impasse earlier this summer and were negotiating with the help of a federal mediator. Teachers had initially sought a larger raise after the district received extra funding from the state legislature following the end of a lengthy court case over school funding.
The contract also includes more funding for steps and tracks for teachers, which can lead to more pay for years of service and higher levels of education.
The district says the total compensation package is valued at nearly 5 percent.
Teachers are expected to vote later this month on whether to ratify the agreement. If it is approved, the Wichita School Board says it will vote on the agreement at its Oct. 7 meeting.
Tom Shine is director of news and public affairs at KMUW.
