Byline: Alyson Crean

Oct. 6--The Monroe County School District and the United Teachers of Monroe reached agreement Tuesday and signed a contract that will carry teachers and other district employees through the 2007-08 school year.

Union members can look forward to a cost-of-living raise of at lease 3 percent plus so-called step raises that are based upon a teacher's tenure and education.

"Considering the Legislature is meeting as we speak, this is a good result," union President Leon Fowler said. "It seems the Legislature keeps throwing new stuff at us and we have to respond."

The Legislature is in the midst of its third special session this year, seeking to ...