The Pella School Board approved the annual teacher salary settlement at their meeting Monday. The board accepted 3.29% total increase for staff tentatively agreed to by administration and a panel of educators on February 21st. The change represents a $470,000 increase in salaries and benefits in the next fiscal year.

Additionally, the board approved health and dental insurance renewals and a policy for stock prescription medication supply as it relates to having Naloxone on hand for nurses to use in case of overdose.

A presentation was also given by Pella Mayor Don DeWaard on the proposed recreation center at the Pella Sports Park, with a request for the school district to fund $5 million of the $50 million project over 20 years. All district administrators gave their monthly updates about ongoing activities in the district as well, which included a presentation by the Pella High FFA.

The Pella School Board meeting started with a closed session, which was immediately followed by approval of a settlement in relation to the exempt meeting. An agreement was reached with former Pella Volleyball Coach and High School Teacher Mallory Peterson, but no additional details have been released at this time.