Teachers to get bonus, no raise

Terry Webster

Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2000 | 10:48 a.m.

An arbitrator has awarded the Clark County Education Association a 1 percent bonus, but no salary increase.

"It's terrible and depressing," John Jasonek, the teacher's union executive director, said following the announcement of the award Monday afternoon.

Because of a lack of state funding, Jasonek said he "holds the governor and the state Legislature responsible for this."

The agreement totals $7.4 million in bonuses and health insurance benefits, Jasonek said.

Before the end of this month, teachers, including those hired this year, will receive the bonus based on 1 percent of their salaries. That means the award can range from around $260 for new teachers to $540 for teachers at the top of the pay scale.

And although it's being called a one-shot deal, Jasonek said he's determined to hang on to the 1 percent.

"We are not perceiving it as one time," Jasonek said. "We expect it to be moved up on the salary schedule next year."

Jasonek added that the contract's wording can allow for that to happen.

Walt Rulffes, the school district's chief financial officer, said that because the bonus is not classified as permanent, it does not have to be reported to the Public Employee Retirement System.

Rulffes is still looking to trim an estimated $13 million from the district's $1.1 billion budget to cover contract settlements and increasing fuel costs.

Other measures under the teacher's union settlement include the establishment of a retiree health benefits fund and a sick leave for catastrophic illnesses.

Allin Chandler, executive director of the Clark County Association of School Administrators, said his union will seek the same 1 percent bonus awarded to the teachers union.

Administrators will receive a bonus ranging anywhere from $400 to $1,000, he said.