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Keokuk School District Proposing Wage Freeze

The Keokuk School District is proposing some major language changes in a new contract with its teachers.

The initial offer from the district to the Keokuk Education Association calls for a freeze in the base pay for new teachers.

It also seeks no movement on the salary schedule for experience or education.

The district also wants KEA members to start using direct deposit.

The most significant changes, though, come in the area of insurance.

The district wants to present health and dental insurance plans that are similar to what was provided the previous year.

In the past, the KEA was able to review the insurance policies.

The offer would also make members eligible for insurance, as opposed to being covered by a plan.

Some other requests include limiting sick leave for children or step-children to five days, reducing professional leave time, and not allowing teachers to serve as consultants.

By contrast, the KEA wants a $1,000 increase in the base pay with corresponding raises and the creation of general leave time.

The two sides can now negotiate behind closed doors.

Jason Parrott is a former reporter at Tri States Public Radio.