HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson School Board approved the 2014-15 negotiated agreement with NEA-Hutchinson during a brief meeting Tuesday.

The agreement, approved by non-administrative licensed staff on Friday, increases the base salary for teachers by $260, making it $35,661 for a teacher with a bachelor’s teaching degree and no experience. The agreement also provides for movement on the salary schedule for years of experience and education.

The document also requires new teaching staff to attend up to five professional development days prior to the start of their regular teaching contract. Paid at the rate of $15 an hour, the previous agreement allowed for a four-day workshop.

Under fringe, the agreement leaves the health insurance benefit at $455 per month per employee. The agreement did allow the health insurance benefit to increase if a higher rate would be required by the Affordable Care Act.

The board met Tuesday because Monday was Memorial Day.