Jordan Public School teachers are about to enter into their ratified two-year contract, now that contract disputes between the union and the school district were settled through mediation. The negotiations to reach the agreement took months and included closed meetings and hours of mediation, but a tentative agreement was finally reached just after the New Year and the school board ratified it in mid-January.

Those familiar with the negotiations report both sides are happy to have the process over and done with because it is stressful for everyone involved. The union represents nearly 130 full-time teachers and part-time educators. The educators had worked for five months off their expired contract, but now believe the time spent negotiating the new contract were worth it. The new agreement runs until June 30, 2017.

According to the district superintendent of Jordan Public Schools, the contract was on the upper side of where they wanted to be, but they still feel it is a fair settlement. Representatives from the school board want taxpayers to know they worked hard to negotiate a fair agreement for all sides that is competitive.

Based on the agreement, teachers receive a 6.19 percent increase over two years that includes the whole packages and steps and lanes.

Union representatives are also happy with the contract and are proud of those members who participate in negotiations on behalf of all the Jordan teachers. The contract negotiations took so long because of salary percentages and benefits, in addition to language included in the contract.