Salary increases were approved Monday by the Great Bend USD 428 Board of Education.The base salary for a teacher increased $100, to $36,000.The board ratified the 2016-2017 teachers’ contract, which was ratified by the Great Bend-National Education Association last Friday. Money for pay increases represents an additional $332,260, or 1.6 percent more money assigned to the salary schedule.Board member Susan Young explained that this does not translate to a 1.6 percent raise for every teacher.Board president Joyce Carter noted that the school district is dipping into reserves to fund the pay increases. “We are not raising taxes to do this.”“This should show the board’s confidence in our staff.”