HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson USD 308 and the Hutchinson National Education Association will hold a negotiation session on Thursday.

According to Human Resources Director Rick Kraus, the two sides are in agreement for all language in the contract. But the final sticking point deals with a proposal from teachers to take funds that could be used for base pay and transfer them into longevity pay for teachers with more than 15 years of service. Kraus says the proposal was rejected by the board and the matter now goes back to the teachers.

Kraus said he doesn’t feel it would be a good idea to transfer the funds so the district can stay near the top in the region when it comes to base salaries.

Kraus says he expects teachers in the district to see a base pay above $40,000 in the next two years. Only two districts in the region are above that threshold.

Thursday’s session is open to the public and begins at 4 p.m. at the administration center at 1520 N. Plum.