Teachers within the Mason School District will see a rise in their paychecks following yesterday's unanimous approval of a new three-year contract by the board of education. According to Local12, the contract grants a base salary increase of 3% for the first two years, a 2.75% hike in the final year, and enhanced flex hours and collaboration time for educators.

Encompassing a broader slate of benefits, the agreement introduces 30 hours of teacher flex time and 12.5 hours dedicated to on-campus collaboration, reports FOX19. The new terms will also convert 15 hours of professional learning and collaboration hours to 27.5, though reducing the number of student days from 180 to 178 to accommodate teacher flex time. In a statement that unintentionally suggests that the entire school year can be bound up and made into a choice on an annual calendar, "The 2024-2025 school year will end on Friday, May 23, the Friday before Memorial Day," further detailed by the outlet.

These enhancements are strategically designed to attract and retain the highest-quality educational professionals. Board president Charles Galvin emphasized the district's commitment by stating, "We believe these changes will continue to strengthen the educational experience for every Mason student," as highlighted in FOX19 coverage.

Ratification of this contract marks the culmination of months of negotiations between the Mason City Schools Board and the Mason Education Association. According to WLWT, the two parties had reached a tentative agreement earlier this month, setting the stage for yesterday's formal approval. This contract also subtly promises an additional personal learning day for teachers, increasing the allowed number from three to four. This fact is almost an afterthought in the grand schema of teacher support, yet essential for individual educator development.