newsminer.com

The Fairbanks North Star Borough School district and the Fairbanks Education Association reached a tentative contract agreement Saturday.

The contract includes a combination of flat-dollar increases and percentages in each step on the salary schedule for 1,000 local teachers.

The first year calls for a $1,200 increase in each step, along with a 2 percent raise.

The second year would bring a $600 increase along with a 3 percent additional raise, while the third year would feature a 4 percent increase across the board.

The starting salary for new teachers was bumped up to $40,904 for new teachers with a bachelor's degree. In addition, the starting wage for teachers with higher educational levels was also adjusted up.

The contract is to be presented to teachers for ratification Thursday and to the school board Friday.