(Skip Schulz/For the Gazette) The Ontonagon School Board agreed to a new teachers and staff contract.

The Ontonagon Area School District Board agreed to a new teachers and support staff contract. The contract with both unions was agreed upon during a closed meeting this past Monday.

The teachers’ contract is for one year, while the support staff contract is for two years. Teachers that have earned varying steps in their career, such as years of service, will be paid. Longevity will no longer be frozen, and the teachers will be paid in full.

While there is no increase in the teachers salary, the insurance program will now have a change from simply “vision,” to VSP 3.

The support staff will see a 1.5% increase in their salary in the first year. Than a 1% salary increase in the second year.

“No significant language changes in their contract,” said Jim Bobula, OASD Superintendent/Principal.

Bobula talked extensively at Monday night’s meeting about the UP Professional Trades Career Days. This will take place at the Marquette County Fairgrounds on Sept. 25.

“We’ll have approximately 40 students attend. This is exciting for the students, even with the travel to Marquette,” said Bobula. “The kids will get a chance to experience heavy equipment, and all sorts of trades…everything under the sun.”

The UP Professional Trades Career Days takes place every two years. Bobula stated that there is a chance that this event may come to the area in the future.

In other business, the board agreed to Norm Pestka Construction’s bid for wood chips for the school’s primary heating system. The district will pay $40 per ton, which is an increase from $39 per ton.

The district also agreed to the contract with the Ontonagon Sheriff’s Department for a School Liaison/Resource Officer for this school year. The officer will be at the school at different times and days for up to five hours per week. The contract is at $16.42 per hour.

The board also agreed to hire Tammy Lancioni as the distance learning teacher, to advertise for bids for snow removal, and remains on the lookout junior varsity boys basketball coach.