The Board of Education of Fieldcrest and the Fieldcrest Education Association have reached a 1 year agreement.  In this agreement the teachers received a 2% increase on the base with a similar increase received by the education support personnel.  Considering the base was frozen the past year this agreement results in an average base increase of 1% over the past 2 years.  Board President Joe Kirkpatrick stated, "Since the Association agreed to a base salary freeze last year the Board felt the need to bargain a fair increase.  We could not have reached this agreement without the consideration of the Association of our continuing financial challenges.  As a result of this agreement and due to a number of retirements we are anticipating spending over $400,000 less in salaries than we did last year."

Nancy Turner, lead negotiator for the Association echoed these comments stating, "The Fieldcrest Education Association wants to achieve an appropriate balance between advocating for its membership and protecting the financial future of the school district.  The membership appreciates the Board's sensitivity  to its employees and the FEA will remain committed to continial improvement throughout the school district."

The new superintendent, Randy Vincent was pleased with the agreement and the process.  He stated, "Because I did not officially start at Fieldcrest until July 1 my role during bargaining was primarily that of observer.  I am impressed with the professionalism exhibited by both the Board and the Association.  Maintaining that level of professionalism is a great representation of the committment to education in the Fieldcrest district and will serve us well in tackling issues in the future.