MECHANIC FALLS – After working for two years without raises or changes in benefits, teachers here finally have accepted a labor contract.

Teachers, School Union 29 officials, and school committee members agreed that an end to the drawn-out negotiations has lifted a dark cloud from the community. The School committee will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the elementary school to ratify the new contract.

“This was the best way to say Merry Christmas,” said Laura Parks, lead negotiator for the teachers. “I think the teachers finally feel recognized by the school committee. I think that many of us feel more secure financially, too.”

Teachers voted unanimously on Friday to accept the 3-year contract, said Parks.

“This is such a huge relief,” said Terry Arsenault, a school committee member. “I have really dreaded going into the school lately. But on Friday I went in for my daughters’ Christmas pageants and actually got hugs from teachers. Not having a contract had created such an us-versus-them situation that none of us really wanted.”

After several attempts at mediation and a seemingly endless impasse, negotiators for both sides expected to enter into a state sponsored fact-finding process last Thursday.

However, both sides went back to the table on Wednesday and Thursday to talk directly, avoiding outside parties.

“At first, it was like both sides were determined not to give in,” said Arsenault. “But once we met face to face, we found out that we were a lot closer than we had thought. And we realized that both sides had to give a little.”

The new contract allows raises retroactive to the 2002-2003 year and runs through the 2004-2005 year. The two sides compromised on their differences in health plan options and premium payments. Details of the contract will be available at Tuesday’s meeting.

To avoid the contentious atmosphere of the past two years, school officials and teachers agreed to form a committee that will research teacher pay and benefits throughout the state in communities similar to Mechanic Falls, said Parks.

“One of the biggest things out of talks was a recognition that the salary scale here is an issue,” said Parks. “It feels good that we can this one behind us and move forward.”

Parks credited Assistant Superintendent Bill Doughty with bringing in a new perspective and attitude from the previous administration. She added that community support and teacher solidarity helped their cause.

“While we regret early difficulties in getting this contract, we have learned a great deal from working together,” said Doughty in a written statement.

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