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ND – (NewsDakota.com) An impasse hearing was held at the Barnes County North School district before a three member state Fact Finding Commission on August 27.

Teacher negotiation spokeswoman Beth Undem said at issue is the school board stand concerning teacher salaries and health insurance benefits. Undem said the teachers believe their request is fiscally sound.

David Phillips is the attorney representing the Barnes County North School District he said, the School Board’s last offer before impasse is fair, highly competitive with similar school districts in the state and fiscally responsible. 

Phillips said in light of declining state aid and other costs to the district, the School Board must remain diligent to be both fair to its teachers and responsible with the tax payer’s money.

Phillips said “the Barnes County North School Board appreciates the incredible dedication, talent, and enthusiasm of its teachers. The teachers deserve to be well compensated for the value they bring to the parents and students of this school district. The School Board has offered to increase the base pay of the teachers by $750 in the 2015-2016 school year and by $500 in the 2016-2017 school year.  The School Board has also offered to give teachers the choice of a $2,500 contribution to a flex spending account or a 50% contribution to a health insurance policy.  This offer raises the teacher’s total cost to the district by 3.76% the first year and another 1.99% the second year, which is a sustainable increase.

The state Fact Finding Commission will issue a ruling in 10 days or less.