The Albuquerque Public Schools and the Albuquerque Teachers Federation reached a tentative contract agreement this week that gives teachers a 2 percent pay raise plus compensation for an additional instructional day.

The new contract also increases by 10 percent the extra compensation, or differential, for department chairpersons, team leaders, activity sponsors, coaches and other teachers who take on extra duties.

In addition, the contract provides increased longevity pay for coaches.

"We appreciate the efforts of the district and ATF negotiating teams who were able to reach an agreement in a timely fashion," said APS Superintendent Winston Brooks. "While limited funding and a tight budget made the process frustrating, we know both sides of the table had at heart the best interest of the more than 7,000 teachers, counselors, nurses, social workers, therapists and other educational professionals represented by the union."

The state Legislature appropriated funding for the 2 percent increase plus the amount of pay to work the extra instructional day. The new state mandate requires students to be in class for 181 days this school year.

"The negotiations with APS were productive and respectful, hopefully setting the future tone for our working relationship with our new superintendent," said ATF president Ellen Bernstein. "A 2 percent increase is less than inflation and far less than teachers deserve. We must work tirelessly this year to change our state's education funding formula."

Employees represented by the Albuquerque Teachers Federation will receive more details and ratification information in the mail. The contract will be posted on the ATF Web site at http://www.atfunion.org once the teachers ratify the agreement. The board is expected to ratify it on Aug. 6.