GRPS offers teachers 3-year contract

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - The Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education on Tuesday released the specifics of a proposed teachers contract.

GRPS said in a letter to the media it has offered a three-year contract and a pay increase of between 2% and 4.2% for teachers. The district would also pay all dental, vision, and life insurance costs. Currently, union members pay 11% of those costs.

If signed before March 27, right-to-work would not apply for the duration of the contract.  

The district also addressed teachers' concerns about health insurance for single-parent families -- saying its offer is more than fair.

"I think there is a desire on both sides to reach an agreement," said spokesman John Helmholdt.

Calls to teachers union president Paul Helder for comment were not returned Tuesday afternoon.

But when talking about this specific offer last week, Helder said the contract isn't realistic or fair to teachers in West Michigan's largest school district.