"Principals would compare their salaries to Alpine and Nebo, but (principals in those districts) were working more," Smith said.

Provo administrators hope the higher salaries will retain good administrators.

"It makes us more competitive with the surrounding districts," he said.

Provo High lost an assistant principal who was enticed by a higher salary to work at Mountain View High in Orem in the Alpine School District.

Negotiations this year between the teachers union and the district were "very cordial and very cooperative," Firmage said, in part because of more money from the Legislature.

Negotiations were also more pleasant than in years' past because teachers weren't facing benefits cuts, Firmage said.

Two years ago, the district eliminated a post-retirement supplemental insurance program because the cost was considered too burdensome.

Teachers were outraged at the cut, and negotiations for the 2005-2006 contract were delayed for about three months.

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E-mail: lhancock@desnews.com