Andover School Committee Chairman Susan K. McCready.
Andover teachers will receive 6.35 percent salary increases over three years, but will pay more for health insurance and keep schools open an extra 15 minutes each day in 2019 if the School Committee ratifies a new agreement Thursday, July 6.
The proposed agreement, announced Wednesday by School Committee Chairman Susan K. McCready, is to remain in effect until Aug. 31, 2020. The School Committee’s Negotiating Subcommittee and Andover Education Association’s negotiation team began the process last February.
“This was a thorough and detailed negotiation conducted in full collaboration with, and participation from our town manager,” McCready said. “Having Andrew at the table with the School Committee was an asset to reaching this agreement. I am pleased on many levels with the results.”
Extending the school day results in an additional 75 minutes each week or the equivalent of seven and a half school days each year. Teachers will receive a 1.5 percent increase for the 2017-2018 school year, 2 percent in the 2018-2019 school year and 2.85 percent in the 2019-2020 school year.
Town Manager Andrew P. Flanagan estimates the town will save $4.9 million in health insurance costs over the next 10 years when school employees increase their contributions to insurance premiums. New staff will pay 30 percent of the premium cost of HMO plans.