Washington school teachers will be starting the year Thursday with a new contract. The board voted unanimously to approve a 5 year deal that will include salary increases of 4.2 percent annually. In addition to increases, the two sides agreed to freeze medical contributions and enhance provisions for modified family leave. The board also announced a meeting scheduled for next Tuesday regarding the potential sale of the Crossroads parking garage. Representatives from the city, district and parking authority are gathering to share information and work towards clearing up communication issues regarding the proposed sale. Forget the gas and plug in the bus. That’s what Wash High school bus drivers will be doing between dropping off students for classes later this week. The district is rolling out a new fleet of electric vehicles made possible by a 3.2 million dollar grant. Geographically, Washington is ideal for electric busing due to the condensed radius in which vehicles need to travel.