Teachers at the Plymouth Community School Corporation would get a pay raise under the proposed 2019-2020 teacher contract.
During a public hearing before the school board Wednesday, Superintendent Andy Hartley said the agreement would allow for a $1,400 increase for eligible teachers.
The starting base salary for new teachers would go up by more than $2,600 to $37,000. Provisions are in place to make sure the pay for current teachers will keep up, as well. The proposal also calls for an increase in the hourly rate for professional development, as well as a slight adjustment in teachers’ retirement benefits.
Hartley said the raises were made possible by adjustments to the state’s funding formula, newer teachers costing less than those they replaced, and the reduction in the school corporation’s required contribution to the Teachers’ Retirement Fund.
Plymouth Education Association President Laura Kruyer called the contract a positive step forward, when it comes to getting Plymouth teachers caught up with other area school districts. She hoped it would serve as an incentive for teachers to stay in Plymouth.
The contract is expected to be up for the school board’s final approval on November 5.
