By Leonard Sparks

Published: 2:00 AM - 06/14/12

LIBERTY The Liberty school board approved a new contract with the district's teachers union on Tuesday, ending years of negotiations that began when the last contract expired in June 2009.

The agreement, which covers July 1, 2009, through June, 30, 2016, calls for annual 1.5 percent salary increases and larger health insurance contributions, and creates a new retirement-incentive plan.

"I think it's fair," said Superintendent Mike Vanyo. "I wish we didn't have to wait three years to get here."

Teachers will begin receiving annual increases in the fall. They will also up their share of health insurance premiums to 10 percent from 5 percent. The contribution will rise to 12 percent beginning July 1, 2015.

Those retiring under the incentive program would be eligible to have 85 percent of their individual health-insurance plan or 75 percent of their family plan covered by the district.

The district and union officials came to terms after a bargaining session on May 24 that went until 2 a.m. About 93 percent of LFA members approved the terms, said union President Tim Hamblin. "There was just give and take on every issue on salaries, on benefits," Hamblin said.

Liberty is also nearing an agreement with the union that represents its administrators, Vanyo said. It is also hoping to come to terms with its aides and custodial workers, he added.

"My hope is that we get back to the table with them very soon," he said.

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Liberty School District OKs new pact with teachers