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No Raises For Sarasota Teachers, District Says

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By TIFFANY LANKES

Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Published: August 28, 2008

SARASOTA COUNTY - The latest sign of how the weak economy is impacting the school district manifested itself Thursday at teacher contract negotiations.

Sarasota school district budget director Al Weidner said the district is proposing no raise for most teachers. Only teachers on the highest step of the salary ladder - who don't get a regular step increase - would get a modest 1.5 percent one-time bonus.

"It's an example of how to take as little money as possible and give it to as few people as possible," said Barry Dubin, executive director of the Sarasota Classified/Teachers Association. "But it's only their first offer."

The district is also proposing a health benefits package with a higher deductible and higher co-pays for staff members.

The union is expected to return to the table with counter offers Tuesday.

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