Custodians in Albert Lea Area Schools will be paid 3 percent more during the 2016-17 school year.

The Albert Lea School Board approved a two-year union contract Monday night with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees that retroactively set a 3 percent raise for the 2015-16 school year. The contract also included an additional 3 percent raise for the 2016-17 school year for the approximately 30 custodians in the school district.

Based on the custodians’ current hourly wage, this equates to an average increase of 85 cents an hour for each year of the contract, said Jim Quiram, executive director of administrative services for the district.

“This increase makes our custodial wages comparable to other schools of similar size in our area,” Quiram said.

He said funding for the raise will come from operating funds from the state.

“They’re compensated for dedicating a career to the district,” he said of the custodians. “I think that’s important to let them know that what they do is value added to what we do as a district.”

He said raises with all employees normally vary, but  are typically similar.

He said the custodians have steps in salaries and their salaries are based on what step they are on.

Custodians received a 2 percent raise for the 2014-15 school year.

Quiram said raises for other departments will depend on the individual bargaining units and their areas of priority.