District, teachers reach agreement on largest increase in almost 40 years
Noblesville Schools announced Thursday that it has reached an agreement with the Noblesville Teachers’ Forum on a new two-year teacher contract that brings the largest pay increase for Noblesville teachers in approximately 40 years. The contract promises an average 9.75 percent increase in its first year and an additional 4.15 percent average increase the second year.
The deal comes after the district sought referendum funds from the community last year to address the growing disparity between Noblesville’s teacher pay and that of surrounding districts. The promised increases will address key pay gaps, especially for mid-career teachers whose salary has been hardest hit by reductions in state education funding.
With this increase, Noblesville teachers are more competitively placed relative to other Hamilton County teachers.
The passage of the November 2018 referendum established funds specifically earmarked for teacher compensation, and the district also spent 100 percent of the estimated savings from the recently reduced state pension obligation on teachers. The remainder of referendum money is being used for significant student and staff safety and mental health enhancements.
Per state law, the district could not begin bargaining the contract with teachers until this month, but salary increases will be retroactive to July 30, 2019.
Niedermeyer
“This agreement ultimately delivers for students by providing for teachers,” said Noblesville Schools Superintendent Dr. Beth Niedermeyer. “Our high-quality teachers are the heart of our mission and our success, educating and caring for students every day. Taking care of them is a top priority for our school leadership and I’m thankful the community supported this needed compensation funding. We’re committed to providing competitive salaries so that we can continue to retain and attract top teaching talent for our students.”
In addition to the salary increases, the new contract also enhances bereavement benefits, increases select leave days and addresses immediate compensation issues relative to extracurricular assignments.
The agreement covers both the 2019-2020 and the 2020-2021 school years.
Teachers ratified the contract on Oct. 2, and the Noblesville Schools Board of Trustees approved it at the Oct. 10 board session.
Noblesville Schools employs approximately 700 teachers and is the largest employer in Noblesville with over 1,500 total staff members.