Teachers in the St. Louis public schools last week ratified a contract agreement, averting a strike that had been set for Jan. 19. (“St. Louis District Faces Feuding School Board, Labor Unrest, Red Ink,” Jan. 12, 2005.)
The agreement, which will cost the 39,000-student district $25 million, calls for teachers to receive raises totaling between 11 percent and 26 percent over four years, depending upon their education and years of experience, said Charles Pineau, the executive director of human resources for the St. Louis schools.
The school board voted to approve the deal on Jan. 18, the same day the members of the American Federation of Teachers Local 420 signed off on it.
The agreement will lengthen the school year for teachers from 180 to 190 days and the work day by one hour, to be phased in over the life of the contract. Teachers will spend the new work days engaged in professional-development activities, Mr. Pineau said.
