Sharon Springs Central School and the Sharon Springs Teachers Association have reached an agreement on a new five-year contract.
Under the agreement, which runs to June 30, 2018, teachers will assume a larger share of their health insurance costs.
In return, most will receive a 1.35 percent salary increase in 2013-14, a 1.38 percent increase in 2014-15, a 1.41 percent increase in 2015-16, a 1.35 percent increase in 2016-17, and a 1.33 percent increase in 2017-18.
Teachers will also benefit from additional stipends set aside for professional development, said SSCS Superintendent Pat Green.
"By offering higher starting salaries and fair pay increases to teachers, the approved contract will help attract and retain qualified, certified teachers," Mr. Green said.
"We have a fantastic teaching staff and this new contract will help Sharon Springs to be an attractive career choice for good teachers."
Even as the district wrestles with the impact of the state's property tax cap, the agreement keeps student programs, field trips, and extracurricular activities, Mr. Green added.
Contract negotiations were amicable and collaborative, he said, thanks in part due to the efforts of longtime school board member Paul Larkin, who died unexpectedly June 20.
"Paul was instrumental in bringing both sides together," Mr. Green said. "He was very happy that the contract was ratified."
Teachers Association representative Sally Lauzon also praised the contract.
"We share the sentiment that our greatest successes will come when we work together toward a common goal and a common agenda," she said.