The Lyme-Old Lyme (Region 18) Public Schools’ teachers have agreed to no wage increase for the last year of the four year agreement they are currently working under. Under the agreement, there will be no general wage increase or step advance for 2012-2013. There will be no increase in insurance premium cost share or co-pays for the same period.

The Board of Education and the Region 18 Teachers Association reached the agreement and approved it this week. Board Chairman Jim Witkins said, “The ratification vote demonstrates each side has a clear recognition of the difficult and uncertain economic times in our state and the local community. The agreement reflects a shared commitment to address challenges in a manner that supports the high quality of education in Region 18.” 

Superintendent of Schools Elizabeth Osga and local presidents, Richard LaVecchia and Pam Russell, said in a joint statement released today, “The Lyme-Old Lyme Board and Teachers continue to approach negotiations as a collaborative process to address the community’s and the teachers’ needs.” 

District schools and programs have received a number of accolades over recent years including high state and national rankings for the high school, the CAS elementary school of the year award and numerous program recognitions. The hard work of teachers is an important component to achieve these rankings. “We are in this together,” says Co-president LaVecchia.

Osga said, “Our joint efforts will provide the community and our students with a model for effective labor–management relations as we continue to discuss other issues, such as health insurance costs, education reform initiatives and successor agreements.”

Meanwhile, the Lyme-Old Lyme Administrators Association (LOLA) and the Region 18 Board of Education have reached an agreement on a new three year contract that will take effect on July 1, 2012. The terms of the contract call for no wage increase in 2012-2013 followed by 2.0% and 2.5% increases in the next two years.

The health insurance plan will remain substantially the same in the first year. The employees will increase their premium shares in the next two years and have agreed to plan modifications. 

Association President James Cavalieri and Board Chair James Witkins are pleased to reach an agreement that is reasonable and responsible as the District continues its tradition of excellence in challenging economic times. 

Osga noted, “Our leadership team is both talented and dedicated to the educational needs of the community. We are grateful for their service and pleased to have a new agreement with them.”