The $13 to $14 range is entry level, Popp said. There are annual step increases of 1 percent to 3 percent, which the district has failed to give only once, and merit increases based on recommendations from a supervisor, she said.

The district also has lowered employee contributions to health care to make a competitive package, Popp said.

As an example, a policy for a family of four has been reduced from $800 to $500 a month, she said.

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