IPS board approves new teacher contract with average 3% salary increases

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On Tuesday, the Indianapolis Public Schools board unanimously approved a new two-year labor contract that will provide teachers with an average raise of 3% and additional time off.

Last month, the contract was ratified by members of the Indianapolis Education Association. As part of the agreement, starting pay in the district will increase from $50,400 to $51,900 in 2023-24, and further to $53,460 in 2024-25. Additionally, current teachers have the opportunity to increase their base salary based on their evaluation ratings, years of service in IPS, and if they serve in high-need subject areas.

For the 2023-24 school year, the pay increases range from $1,850 to $2,790, and for 2024-25, they range from $1,900 to $2,870. However, teachers who were rated as ineffective or needing improvement are not eligible for an increase.

In addition, teachers will now receive two floating holidays per academic year, providing flexibility for those whose religious holidays do not align with the traditional school calendar.

Both the Indianapolis Public Schools and the Indianapolis Education Association consider this agreement to be a positive collaborative effort. It comes at a critical time for the district as it prepares to reorganize its K-8 schools and shift teachers to different locations next school year.

“I’m proud of the agreement that we have achieved by working together collaboratively to overcome the fiscal and logistical challenges faced by our district,” said Tina Ahlgren, the bargaining chair for the Indianapolis Education Association.

The contract also introduces a pilot program that compensates teachers for giving up their preparation periods to cover for an absent teacher in another class. Under this provision, teachers can receive $25 per hour.

Additionally, if principals increase a teacher’s class size by at least 30% due to another teacher’s absence, the affected teacher is eligible for the extra pay.

Superintendent Aleesia Johnson expressed gratitude for the collaboration between Indianapolis Public Schools and the Indianapolis Education Association, emphasizing the positive conversations and discussions that took place throughout the process.

The contract also includes new pay for staff members serving as certified school psychologists, social workers, or teachers of English as a new language.

Teachers who are approved to serve as long-term substitutes in addition to their regular teaching roles will receive additional compensation under the new contract.

Furthermore, the contract increases the payout for unused sick time cashed out upon retirement from $35 for every seven hours to $50. This change marks the first adjustment in over 15 years.

However, the district will no longer cover the cost of long-term disability insurance. Teachers have the option to enroll in the insurance but will be responsible for paying the premiums themselves.