The Carmel Clay School Board of Trustees and the Carmel Teacher’s Association announced that they have reached a new, two-year collective bargaining agreement, giving CCS teachers their biggest raise in over 10 years.
Kerschner
Under the new agreement, teachers will receive a 4 percent increase to their salary schedule, plus increment for the 2019-2020 school year, and a 2 percent increase, plus increment, for the 2020-2021 school year. The agreement also includes an increase in life insurance from $50,000 to $75,000 and the addition of a new leave dedicated to foster parents.
Board President Mike Kerschner said that bargaining sessions were positive and collaborative.
“On behalf of the entire board, I’d like to extend my appreciation to the Carmel Teacher’s Association and CCS administration for their collective effort in reaching an agreement. We would also like to thank our teachers; their hard work, talent, dedication and the positive impact they have on our students and our entire school community is what makes Carmel Clay Schools an outstanding public school district.”
O’Hara
Carmel Teacher’s Association President Pete O’Hara said, “The Carmel Teachers Association is thrilled for the teachers and students of Carmel Clay Schools. We cannot express enough how much we appreciate the Board and administration of Carmel Clay Schools, for their cooperative effort to resolve this contract quickly and in the best interests of all involved. This is a great contract for our entire community. Thanks to all who had a part in this effort.”
“I appreciate the transparent and collaborative approach both sides took to reach this agreement,” said Dr. Michael Beresford, Superintendent of Carmel Clay Schools. “School budgets are difficult to balance and the teams focused on creating a fair and responsible contract. While teacher pay in Indiana has not kept up with the cost of living, this agreement represents the highest raise CCS teachers have received in over 10 years. We will continue to invest in our team and keep CCS competitive with surrounding districts.”
Beresford
The source of the funding for this two-year agreement will be provided by the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 state funding formula, a Referendum Fund increase of 3.5 percent for 2020 and an estimated increase of 3.4 percent for 2021, and a reduction in the district’s contribution to the Teacher’s Retirement Fund. Within Governor Holcomb’s 2019 Budget Bill (HEA 1001), the state will use $150 million from Indiana’s budget reserves and pay off an unfunded portion of the state’s retirement fund for teachers, decreasing the amount school districts are required to pay towards the plan.
To watch the Special Session of the action item to approve the tentative agreement between Carmel Clay Schools and Carmel Teacher’s Association, click here. To view a copy of the contract, please click here.