Teachers, school workers reject contract offer

SOLDOTNA (AP) -- Teachers and other employees of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District have rejected a contract offer.

The district team of administrators and school board members put a new three-year proposal on the table Friday, asking the unions for a yes or no answer. On Saturday, they got the answer: no.

The district, which originally suggested a salary freeze, offered to allow regular step increases next year, 1.5 and 2 percent increases the following two years and the elimination of the unpopular two-tier salary schedule.

The unions' preliminary proposals asked for across-the-board raises of 9 percent, a one-year contract and increases in benefits such as health insurance payments and retirement bonuses. Their counter-ffer Saturday called for 8 percent raises.

The teachers' salaries differ by about $3,000 to $4,000 per teacher per year in the two competing offers.

The two sides plan to meet again April 10. The current contracts expire at the end of June.