INDIANAPOLIS — Staff members in the Indianapolis Public Schools district will be getting a raise.
The IPS Board of School Commissioners approved a 7.4% wage increase Thursday for school service and support workers who are members of AFSCME Local 661.
The workers who will see the increase include classroom paraprofessionals, staff custodians and food service employees. The district said those employees will receive, on average, a $2,000 wage increase and will receive back pay as of July 1, 2023.
“IPS is proud to raise salaries in recognition of all the ways our staff show up every day to make sure our students have everything they need," said Christina Aden Hamer, the district’s chief human resources officer.
The contract approved Thursday also adds more paid time off, floating holidays and accommodations to the summer work schedule for the employees.
“The truth of the matter and reality is the new starting wage of $16.01 – coupled with the step increases – will be life-altering,” said Phyllis Bailey, president of AFSCME Local 661.
The new starting hourly wage is an increase of $5, up from the current $11.01/hour. Staff members who reach three or 10 years of employment with the district will be eligible for salary bumps.
The contract also eliminates the college credit requirement for substitute pay, IPS said. It also increases the district's 403(b) contribution match from 0.5% to 3%.
The contract runs through June 30, 2025.