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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- The Ottumwa School Board approved a pay raise for teachers at Monday night’s meeting.

Ottumwa Schools Superintendent Dr. Jon Sheldahl said a raise of 2.47% was agreed upon through the collective bargaining process.

He said he is satisfied with the deal, and providing a raise is important to keep teachers' salaries competitive as well as help teacher moral in hopes they continue to improve as teachers.

The raise comes despite many cuts in the school’s budget.

Sheldahl said the raise was factored in when making cuts, and they looked to save money elsewhere.