Over 400 teachers representing the Medina City Teachers Association approved a new contract with salary freezes and increased insurance costs.

WKYC Channel 3 News reports all 407 teachers got their votes tallied just after 4p.m Wednesday afternoon.

Union officials tell the TV station teachers were asked to accept the two-year salary freeze, but that longevity or step pay increases will remain in the contract. Teachers will also be paying 20 percent more into their health insurance, which is up from 17.5 percent.

The move comes on the heels of an $83,000 bonus that was paid to Medina Schools Superintendent Randy Stepp as part of his new five year contract with the district, which had the community up in arms.

Stepp said he will pay back the bonus after feeling the heat from both parents and the union. He also said he will be giving up merit raises as well.

Medina City Schools are seeking a 5.9 mill levy in May after numerous past levies had failed.

On the Web: www.wkyc.com
 

The Tribe is signing shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera to a new two-year contract extension, just one day before the season opener against the Blue Jays.

Cleveland Indians Team President Mark Shapiro says Cabrera is an important asset to their roster.

"This is a guy that has established himself as one of the best offensive middle infielders in the game," he said.

Cabrera has been an anchor for this Indians team, leading the team in runs, hits, runs batted in and stolen bases on his way to his first All-Star appearance in 2011.

"The ability to get him for additional years of free agency is a huge plus for our organization, for our ability to plan," Shapiro said.

Press Release:

(Cleveland Indians) The Cleveland Indians today announced the club has signed INF ASDRUBAL CABRERA to a two-year contract extension covering the 2013 and 2014 Championship Seasons.

Cabrera, 26, earned his first All-Star selection in 2011 and was awarded an American League Silver Slugger, hitting .273 (165-for-604) with 32 doubles, 3 triples, 25HR and 92 RBI in 151 games. He led the team in runs (87), hits (165), RBI (92) and stolen bases (17) and topped American League shortstops in RBI, was tied for first in hits and was second in runs, doubles and home runs. Overall his 92RBI were 17th in the entire AL and were the most by an Indians shortstop since Lou Boudreau (106) won the 1948 MVP Award. His 25 home runs as a shortstop were the most in the 111-year history of the Cleveland Indians franchise and the most ever for a Venezuelan-born shortstop.

Asdrubal was also named “Man of the Year” by the Cleveland BBWAA Chapter, finished 20th in the AL MVP voting and was named the shortstop on the Sporting News AL postseason All-Star Team.