LREA reaches tentative agreement on pay raises | News

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - The Little Rock Education Association has reached a tentative agreement with the school district over pay raises and increases in health care contributions.

Cathy Koehler, president of the education association, said she's proud of the effort put into it.

"It's a great example of the collaboration that has been going on in the Little Rock School District between the administration, school board and the employees. We couldn't be more proud of it and putting children first," she said.

Koehler said the agreement now goes back to the school board to be ratified Thursday.

There is a 1.75 percent increase across the board for certified personnel and a 2 percent increase for non-certified personnel retroactive to July 1, 2012. The majority of employees' contract payments for 2012-2013 began on Sept. 21, 2012.

Health Care Contribution increased by $39.34 from $318.36 to $357.70, and the amount covers the cost of the Individual Gold Plan. The health care contribution kicks in December 1st, and raises will appear on the Dec. 1 or 15 check.