Bobbie Washburn Ruhnow Correspondent
CULVER — The two-year teacher contract was approved by the Culver Community school board at Monday evening’s meeting. Brad Schuldt, superintendent, presented the contract for ratification and noted that the plan was worked out in one working session with CTA.

Highlights of the contract for certified personnel are:
1.  A $15 stipend for detention supervision.
2.  Increase the board’s contribution for Family Plan Insurance from $300 to $3,000.
3.  Co-pay for exams and office visits to increase to $20
4. Retail prescription costs increase to $10 generic and $20 to $60 for brand names.
5. Mail order prescription costs increase to $20  generic and $20 to $60 for brand names.
6. Increase out-of-network deductibles to $1,250/$2,500.
7. A 3.5 percent increase in salary and extra-curricular pay for 2007-08 and 2008-09.
Schuldt noted this was the best way to address rising insurance costs and still stay affordable. “This will help us stay competitive with other school corporations,” Schuldt said.
Wages for non-certified personnel were also increased 3.5 percent with a stipulation of a board payment of $6,630 toward the insurance plan. The increase will apply to all four building principals, Tom Cory and Andy Thomas. The salary for Craig Hopple, who has completed his requirement to obtain an administrator’s license, will be determined when his license is received. There is also a $950 incremental payment based on tenure similar to the certified personnel’s payment based on years of service.
Board President Chris Kline questioned the impact on the corporation's cash balance. Schuldt said that the budget for 2007 still had not been approved, however, based on projections by Tom Bendy, treasurer, and use of the “Rainy Day Fund” if necessary, he felt this was a sound plan.
In other business, handbooks were approved for Monterey Elementary and Culver Elementary. Few changes were made, a primary change in Monterey will be the elimination of the first recess. Chuck Kitchell, Culver Elementary, announced there will be a fourth kindergarten class for 2008 and recess times will be changed.
Ashley Faulkner was hired as a Middle School teacher. Faulkner also serves as the assistant girls basketball coach. Rose Master has announced her retirement, but will stay until her replacement is trained, Schuldt announced.
There will no longer be the option of a board member voting on an issue by phone. A member may participate in discussion, as they have in the past, but a new law prevents the member from voting.
A budget workshop completed the session.