The Van-Far school board gave their unanimous approval to a package of salary increases and insurance rates recommended by Superintendent John Fortney at the April meeting.

Pay will be bumped up by 4 percent for all personnel. In real dollar terms, the increase amounts to raises ranging from $950 to $1,475.

The Board will add $1,000 to the base salary and grant a $475 step for teachers. Classified personnel salaries will also reflect the same percent increase and an additional $475, with a minimum increase of $950 and a cap of $1,475.

Administrative salaries will increase by the same $1,475 as teacher salaries. Extra-duty salaries will retain the same percentage rate as before but will reflect the 2021-2022 salary schedule.

Summer school salaries will remain the same.

“This touches everyone who gets a check from us,” Fortney said.

This increase in pay schedules will cost the district $109,381 over this year’s expenditures. Fortney pointed out that the expense will be covered by reallocating funds.

“If we can do it for $109,000 and remain budget neutral, I like it,” school board president Justin Hopke said.

Health insurance will continue to be offered as it has been in the past, but is subject to a 7.5 percent increase in cost over 2020-2021. The Board will contribute $539 per month for all employees on the district’s insurance plan.

Life insurance will continue to be offered at $3.85 per $35,000 of coverage.

One cost savings initiative explored by the district is a computer program called School Dude. The program and its component, Dude Solutions, will enable employees to use an app to report issues.

“It will make things chartable,” maintenance director Ryan Morris said. “We will be able to track things, including costs. It will create accountability.”