In 2009, Blue Mountain School District employed 250 teachers and administrators with an average teacher salary of $55,759. The top salary was $143,065. The contract has a 188-day year with 180 student days. Teachers work 7.5 hours a day, with a duty-free lunch and daily preparation period. Additionally, the District's teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance, life insurance, professional development reimbursement, 2 paid emergency leave days, 3 paid personal days, 10 paid sick days which accumulate, 5 paid bereavement days, and many other benefits. Teachers receive additional payment for work beyond the classroom and the regular work day. According to Rep. Glen Grell, a trustee of the state teacher retirement fund, a 40-year educator can retire with a pension equal to 100 percent of their final salary. Lead teachers receive additional cash compensation each year.