INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Public School Board approved a 3% raise for IPS teachers.
"This is for IPS teachers within the LEA," said Commissioner Evan Hawkins. "I think it's exciting this is a trend here we have seen over the last few years, raises for our teachers."
Indianapolis Public Schools and its teachers' union have settled on a two-year contract.
Teachers will get a 3% pay raise each year retroactive to this past July.
Depending on their years on the job, teachers could see a total increase ranging from $2,900 and $5,300 over two years.
Some parents and teachers question if that's enough.
"Not at all. Not at all," said Lateeria Anderson.
The Indianapolis Teachers Society sent WRTV the following statement about the pay raise:
The current rate of inflation is 5.4%, the current contract would not keep teachers above living wages. If IPS wants to retain highly qualified teachers, they need to pay a competitive wage.
They add that teachers are being asked to do more with less, "All while expected to reach grade-level standards, bridge gaps from virtual learning, and more."
The Indianapolis Teachers Society explained how they're also concerned about benefits. "If history were to repeat itself, teachers will spend their raise on increased premiums, thus, making their raise obsolete," they said.
Hawkins says they're confident with the new contract.
"We feel great about the benefits package presented. We want to make sure our benefits are as competitive as possible and we feel like we've delivered that," he said.
A hot topic during Thursday's board meeting was referendum funds.
In 2018, voters approved a $220 million referendum to support teacher compensation and a $52 million capital improvement referendum.
"My concern is the referendum money that was supposed to be distributed throughout all of our schools equally," Anderson said.
"I don't want my kids to be limited," said Donate Dison.
"Schools that have received funding from the operating referendum can better help students that need extra help and they have the funds to better retain and attract teachers," Megan Prosel said.
Hawkins says they hear the concerns and they've asked the administration to look into the data.
"We like to see a presentation and understanding of what it means," Hawkins said. "What is the current state of equable funding and what opportunities do we have to ensure all teachers have access to the resources and the kiddos have access to the resources."
Indianapolis Public Schools has more than 31,000 students and 88 schools.
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A full statement by the Indianapolis Teachers Association is as follows:
"The current rate of inflation is 5.4%, the current contract that would not keep teachers above living wages. If IPS wants to retain highly qualified teachers, they need to pay a competitive wage. We also have not heard any information concerning benefits. If history were to repeat itself, teachers will spend their raise on increased premiums, thus making their raise obsolete. IEA and IPS have also not addressed the 2 additional days added to our work calendar. According to sources, IEA only passed the contract with 93%, how many votes were there? Since they are below 50% enrollment, IPS bargains with them out of courtesy. Teachers are being asked to do more and more with less. We are clocking more hours, while being paid less. All while we are expected to reach grade level standards, bridge gaps from virtual learning, provide a safe and loving environment for our students, hold weekly and monthly meetings, and plan highly engaged lessons. Last year, we were told to "Give yourself and students grace." Where did all the grace go? We are sitting in classrooms that are NOT socially distanced (CDC recommendation of 6 feet). IPS has decided that 3 feet is the same thing. Students who do not wear their masks properly, even after being reminded. We are not put in quarantine and if we test positive for COVID (gasp), we have to use our own sick days. Many of our teachers are parents, to some of IPS's students. They still have to use their own sick days. There is no plan in place for when classrooms are all in quarantine. The only virtual option was signed away to a charter school. Where did all the "grace" go?"
