A retroactive agreement has been reached between Noblesville Schools and its 700-plus teachers.
Last month, the district and the Noblesville Teachers’ Forum reached an agreement that will give teachers the biggest pay increase in nearly four decades. The two-year contract, retroactive to July 30 because of a state law that prohibits contract bargaining until October, will give teachers an average 9.75 percent raise in its first year and another 4.15 percent average increase in the second year.
Raises were expected after the district and its political action committee declared that approximately half of money received from a $50 million referendum would be used for teacher salary increases. The operating referendum, which also gave funding to additional safety initiatives and mental health programming, was passed in November 2018 with 58 percent of Noblesville Township voting in favor.
In recent years, the district saw teachers leaving to take jobs at neighboring districts offering larger salaries. Now, district administrators say the new contract will address pay gaps, particularly for teachers in the middle of their careers who haven’t had raises because of reductions in state funding.
“This agreement ultimately delivers for students by providing for teachers,” Noblesville Schools Supt. Beth Niedermeyer said. “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.”
The new contract includes added benefits of an increase in leave days, bereavement benefits and other benefits.
Teachers ratified the contract Oct. 2. The school board approved the contract Oct. 10.
