Lake Tahoe Unified School teachers, administrators and staff get 4.5% raise

The Lake Tahoe Unified School District Board voted Tuesday night to approve a 4.5 percent raise to all classified, certified and confidential employees in the district.

"This is very much appreciated," said Jody Dayberry, President of the South Tahoe Educators Association after the board voted to approve the 4.5 percent across the board raises. "Everyone is very happy."

The raises are for the 2015-16 school year and are retroactive to July 1, 2015. Billy Wessell, the District's Chief Business and Operations Office, told South Tahoe Now that the raises will cost the district $1.278 million.

The unions involved, the South Tahoe Educators Association (STEA), who represent teachers, and the California School Employee's Association (CSEA), who represent non-teaching staff, ratified the one-year contracts with their groups in February.

Wessell said all LTUSD employees received a 6.5 percent raise last year, and 3.5 percent the prior school year, 2013-14.

"We appreciate the Board and Dr. Tarwater for their collaborative efforts in approving the increases," said Bernadette Santana, President of the local CSEA and former LTUSD School Board member. "Morale is positive. This was the largest turnout we've had for voting (70 percent)."

The District is also raised health benefits for employees by $1,000.