SPRING LAKE, Mich. — The new, two-year contract between Spring Lake Public Schools and its support staff calls for no increase in base pay and delays in pay hikes for years of service, according to The Muskegon Chronicle.
The agreement was signed prior to a new state law on health insurance taking effect, which means that the district is not subject to the law until the new contract expires, The Chronicle reported. The new law requires public employees who receive health insurance to pay at least 20 percent of the premium or, alternatively, caps the amount school districts can spend on insurance per worker.
Superintendent Dennis Furton said the support staff contract is similar to one already signed with teachers, under which teachers will pay 10 percent toward health insurance in the second year of the agreement, The Chronicle reported. The support staff also will begin paying a health insurance deductible, the report said.
Pay increases for longevity will resume in the second year of the contract, but be limited to half of the typical automatic step increase, The Chronicle reported.
The new contract covers 40 bus drivers, food service workers and maintenance employees, according to The Chronicle, mostly part-time employees. Only full-time employees are eligible for health care benefits, The Chronicle reported.
SOURCES:
The Muskegon Chronicle, “Spring Lake support staff reach new agreement with district,” Sept. 14, 2011
FURTHER READING:
Mackinac Center for Public Policy, “Michigan School Health Insurance” (Database)
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