CRANSTON — The contract approved by the city’s teachers on Tuesday is expected to save money in a number of ways, but one of the most symbolic changes might be found under the heading of employee health insurance.

Teachers, now paying 5 percent of their health-insurance premiums, will pay 15 percent if the contract is approved next week by the School Committee. And starting in year-three of the contract, they would pay 17 percent — bringing them close to the 20-percent figure that many municipal leaders are citing as a goal.

All told, the contract is expected to save more than $2.2 million over three years, while providing pay raises of 1 percent, for top-step teachers only, in year one; and across-the-board 2¼-percent increases in years two and three.

Negotiators for both sides say teachers recognized the financial challenges facing the city and stepped up to the plate.

“The district obviously is under great duress financially,” said Francis J. Flynn, president of the teachers union. “The resolve was there to get it done … It was in both sides’ interests to resolve this and put the business of education first.”

Teachers approved the contract by a voice vote Tuesday at the West Valley Inn, in West Warwick, Flynn said. The union, which has about 970 members, met at 4 p.m. and finished about three hours later, he said.

Flynn and School Committee member Frank S. Lombardi said the contract, in addition to saving money, improves education by giving teachers more classroom time. They declined to discuss specifics, which are expected to be made public after the School Committee votes on Monday.

Lombardi said the long months of negotiations culminated last week with a meeting that lasted until about 1:15 Wednesday morning.

The last teachers’ contract expired on Aug. 30, 2008.

redgar@projo.com