Representatives of the Libby School Board and its teachers’ union began negotiations Wednesday for a new contract that will be the first as administrators, faculty and staff look toward a more streamlined system.

   District 4 negotiations began at 4 p.m. Wednesday with ranking members representing the Libby Educational Association.

   During the recent May 17 board meeting, Superintendent K.W. Maki praised district employees for accepting a higher deductible on their insurance premiums, a fact Maki said would save the district money during tight budget times.

   While acceptance of the higher deductible did not eliminate the increase the district faces for insurance, it did lessen it.

   “We’re so grateful employees are willing to do this,” Maki said. “This is really a good move. We appreciate staff in helping us out,” the superintendent said.

   Essentially, the deductible went from $3,000 annually to $3,500.

   Asked about the negotiations and the length of those negotiations, one board member said, “I expect it will be long, but that’s entirely up to how long Mr. Maki talks,” which said in the presence of the superintendent drew chuckles from negotiators as the meeting was about to convene at the district office.