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