Beginning $40,760, top pay $78,000: Deal reached, approved for Colfax teacher pay

The Colfax school district board approved a new salary agreement Monday night with the Colfax Education Association (CEA) – the teachers union – after negotiations since the spring between Superintendent Jerry Pugh, CEA President Christopher Clausen and others.

The 180-day contract sets starting salaries at $40,760 with a top salary of $78,000, plus six “responsibility days” and one professional learning day at per diem pay. Responsibility days refer to time spent by teachers setting up classrooms, overseeing kids at after-school activities, advising on senior projects and more.

“Everybody und...