Board OKs classified contract

The Whitefish School Board has approved a new three-year contract for its classified staff.

The board accepted the contract at their Aug. 14 meeting after completing negotiations with the Whitefish Classified Employees Association union.

Under the contract, classified employees will get a $.50 per hour wage increase for the upcoming school year. Subsequent raises will take place in 2013-14 of $.75 per hour and $.50 per hour increase for 2014-15.

Also included is a $.25 per hour increase in starting wages and $.10 per hour increase in substitute wages.

The contact contains an increase of flex in-lieu of insurance contribution starting in 2013-14.

In other action, the board:

• Approved a contract with Rocky Mountain Transportation for bus service. The one-year contract includes a 3.5 percent increase for a total of about $515,000. The contract includes a fuel charge of $3 per gallon. This charge will either go up or down depending on fuel prices.

• Approved the contract with Steeplechase Development Advisors and Dow’s Custom Construction to serve as owner’s representative on the high school construction project. The contract is for $322,500.

• Approved adding four PIR days to the school calendar: Oct. 1, Nov. 5, March 18 and April 15.