Newberry Teachers Have New Contract

After working a year and a half without a new contract, teachers in Newberry are back on the job with a new deal in place.

The Tahquamenon Area School Board and the teachers’ union both ratified a new agreement late yesterday.

The teachers took concessions to save the district some money on insurance premiums.

They’ll get a 2% raise this year and 1.5% raises each of the next 2 years.

The teachers have also dropped an unfair labor practices lawsuit they filed against the board.

The deal came out of a negotiating session with a state mediator a month ago.

It was the first time the 2 sides had talked since July, when the school board voted to impose contract terms on the teachers.

Like most other U.P. districts, the Tahquamenon Area District is losing students.

Enrollment is down 20% since 2001, and fewer students means less state funding.