School board looks forward to graduation and next school year
By Jerry W. Kram
The New Town School Board got an update on this year’s graduating class and started getting ready for the 2014-15 school year and beyond.
High School Prinicipal John Gartner said teachers were working very closely with students to make sure they have enough credits to graduate. He expects 24 students will be eligible to graduate at the end of May.
Superintendent Marc Bluestone reported that negotiations with the New Town Teachers Association went smoothly and all issues were wrapped up in just four meetings. The base salary for new teachers in the New Town School District was increased by $2,500 and returning teachers will get a $3,000 salary increase. Returning teachers will also get a $1,000 bonus if they sign a contract for next year before the end of April.
Bluestone presented 54 contracts to the school board for approval out of the 70 current staff. He said he expects that the school will need to hire just six new teachers for next year, a sharp decrease from last year. Even with fewer new teachers in the district, housing will still be a concern.
