HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Teachers in Hutchinson USD 308 have ratified a new collective bargaining agreement after giving it overwhelming support during a vote on Friday. The agreement comes after a meeting last Thursday between the District and the teachers union.

Under the new agreement, teachers will receive — on average — a five percent pay increase with the base salary increasing from $37,501 to $ 38,550. The district will also increase its share of insurance costs by $30 and providers stipends for special education work.

The agreement comes much sooner than last year’s contract where the two sides were far apart well into the school year. The teachers finally ratified a new contract in January.

The board is expected to give its approval to the new contract during the next agenda session.