School district officials agreed Wednesday to find an additional $60,000 in next year’s budget to underwrite a $300 raise this year for teachers who’ve taught for more than 25 years.

The offer is part of pay plan that, if approved by both the teachers and school board, would ensure so-called step increases this year and in 2005-06. Initially, the board’s offer did not include raises for teachers with more than 25 years of experience.

“We still have some language to clear up,” said Al Gyles, lead negotiator for the teachers. “After that, it’ll go to the certified staff (teachers) for ratification.” The two sides meet again May 20.

Whether the 2005-06 raises go beyond the step increases remains to be seen.

“What we talked about tonight applies to the year we’re in now,” said Mary Rodriguez, lead negotiator for the district. “We’re still waiting to see what’s going to happen on the state level before we get into 2005-06.”

Though committed to step-increase raises in 2004-05 and 2005-06, board members have warned that they’re likely to force spending cuts in other parts of the budget. In total, the raises are expected to cost about $1 million.

As proposed, the raises would be roughly $925 for teachers with one to 14 years’ experience; $125 for teachers with 14 to 25 years’ experience; and $300 for those with more than 25 years in the classroom.

If ratified, the 2004-05 raises would paid in lump-sum checks between July 1 and July 20.