Van Wert Federation of Teachers President Chuck Rollins and Van Wert City Schools Superintendent Ken Amstutz announced a new three-year contract that included no raises. Employees will continue to pay 15 percent of their health insurance costs. The contract was passed with the majority of the 150 members voting yes. The union representatives believed with hard economic times, it would be very difficult to go to the public and ask for more money. The district will be facing tight financial times and will have a 1 percent income tax levy on the ballot on November 4th. The same levy was defeated in March with 51 percent of the voters opposing it. Negotiations were very non-confrontational as the administration and emplyees recognized some common goals.