Higley teachers will get a 2 percent to 6 percent pay increase under an agreement approved this week by the school board.

The plan calls for a 2 percent pay increase, plus additional money based on the teacher's years of experience and completion of more college course work.

The increases were approved Thursday by the Higley Unified School District board, and include covering additional costs for teachers' medical benefits.

The agreement, negotiated between the district and the Higley Education Association, was finalized 90 minutes before Thursday's school board meeting, said Dan Lawrence, association president.

Now, association members must approve the pay increase package. A meeting is planned for 4:15 p.m. July 29 at the Higley Center for the Performing Arts.

"I don't anticipate a problem," said Lawrence, who teaches social studies and driver's education at Higley High School. "I think the district has really shown a commitment to retention and to supporting quality education by offering an excellent salary package."

The pay increases will cost the district $1.3 million, and the district is counting on enrollment growth to help fund the pay hikes, said Mark Busch, the district's executive director of budget and finance.

A beginning teacher will now make $33,416, compared with $32,761 last school year, Busch said.

The Higley district has 530 teachers.

Higley parent Michelle Rigby, who helped start the Change in HUSD group, said she appreciates the pay increases.

"I think we're trying to be competitive with surrounding school districts, and this is a good start," said Rigby.

Change in HUSD is concerned about high teacher turnover and low pay compared with other districts, and has called for new district leadership. The school board Thursday also approved an agreement on working conditions, something the association has been working on for a couple of years, Lawrence said.

"I think it's a terrific agreement," he said. "The district stepped out and approved a written agreement between the teachers. Most districts don't have a written agreement."

The Higley district still needs to discuss pay increases for administrators and support staff, and is expected to do so at the next board meeting, Busch said.

In April, Queen Creek Unified School District teachers got a 2 percent pay increase, while support staff and administrators got a 1.5 percent increase. In May, Gilbert Unified School District teachers got an average pay increase of 2 percent.

In Queen Creek and Gilbert, teachers also could qualify for other increases based on experience and education.