ADAMS TWP — A fact-finder’s report that would freeze teacher pay in the first year and freeze pay rates in the second year was approved Tuesday night by the Mars School Board, but was rejected by the teachers Tuesday afternoon.

The split vote means the district still is without a contract for its 208 teachers. However, the two sides will take another vote on next Tuesday, a requirement under state labor law.

District solicitor and chief negotiator Tom King said the fact-finder proposed a two-year agreement that would include a wage freeze for teachers in the first year.

In the second year, all teachers’ salaries would move one step up the existing wage schedule. Hourly pay rates would be frozen for both years of the contract.

Changes to the health care plan would save the district $165,000, King said.

Mars Area Education Association officers distributed a written statement regarding their vote on the fact-finder’s report.

It read: “After due consideration and deep deliberation, the association has decided it is not in the best interest of its members to accept the specific terms laid out in the fact-finder’s report.

“Regardless of the outcome of a follow-up vote to be taken next week, the association will continue to actively seek an agreement with the district that meets the needs of the association’s members while recognizing the current economic challenges faced by the district.”