Brighton teachers to pay more for insurance

BRIGHTON, Mich. - Brighton Area Schools teachers will receive pay raises and step increases, but also contribute more to their health insurance costs in the next two years, a move expected to help the district address its overspending problems, according to the Livingston County Daily Press & Argus.

The Press & Argus said that teachers will receive a total of 3.38 percent in pay hikes as well as step and longevity payments, but also must contribute up to $1,800 a year for insurance.

Overall, the district will save $1.2 million under the contract, which expires in 2011, the Press & Argus reported.

Though the previous contract did not expire until 2010, the district asked teachers to reopen negotiations in view of a budget calling for $4 million to $6 million in overspending, according to Press & Argus reports. Similar deals were approved with the support staff and administrators.

Brighton Education Association President Barry Goode told the Press & Argus that not all teachers were pleased, though he declined to release the tally of voting among teachers.

"I've taken a lot of heat," he said, the Press & Argus reported.

The school board approved the contract in a 6-0 vote.

SOURCE:
Livingston County Daily Press & Argus, "Brighton schools win $1.2M payback," Sept. 15, 2009

FURTHER READING:
Michigan Education Report, "Splitting the health insurance bill," Aug. 19, 2009