LAWRENCE, Ind. — Teachers at the MSD of Lawrence Township will soon see more money in their paychecks.
A spokesperson for the district confirmed Lawrence Township Schools reached an agreement with the Lawrence Education Association to increase teacher salaries.
The Board of Education approved the more than $6.7 million agreement on Nov. 12.
According to a release from the township, the agreement includes:
4.5% salary increase for new and returning teachers
.50% contribution increase to the Teachers Retirement Fund
.50% increase to the 401(a) match
$2,000 stipend for approved bilingual teachers
District Sick Day Buy Back
"Our teachers are everything," said Dana Altemeyer, director of communications with the MSD of Lawrence Township. "I mean, they are the backbone of our entire system."
Altemeyer explained that the majority of the education funds for the township come from the state through the General Assembly.
"Property taxes still do work into the equation," said Altemeyer, "but they are more for our capital projects, as opposed to our education fund, which is what really impacts our teachers and our classrooms."
This year, the funding is due, in large part, to the increasing student enrollment at Lawrence Township Schools. Altemeyer said the township now serves close to 17,000 students and is the fifth largest district in the state.
"With those students come additional dollars and additional resources, as the money is tied to the child," said Altemeyer.
Thanks to the growing enrollment, Altemeyer said the township has provided raises to teachers for 10 consecutive years.
"So, obviously, the more we can do for our teachers, the more likely they are to stay with us," said Altemeyer.
It's working, with 90% of last year's teachers returning to Lawrence Township Schools.
"I know that the collective bargaining process is tough, and it's a labor of love," said Altemeyer. "There are only so many dollars, but I think everyone was happy in the end."
The annual formal bargaining window for teachers is Sept. 15 through Nov. 14, according to the Indiana State Teachers Association, or ISTA.
The 2024 Indiana Teacher Compensation Report shows 98% of school districts gave teachers a raise last year, impacting 92% of teachers statewide.
The report shows an annual teacher salary for the 2023-2024 school year was just more than $60,000.
Right now in Lawrence Township, the lowest reported teacher salary is $52,250. The highest is $103,147, according to Altemeyer.
"Of course, we want to give our teachers more and provide them with what they need to be successful in the classroom and in their own personal lives," said Altemeyer.
The new Lawrence Township agreement is effective immediately, with teachers receiving retro-pay for the school year so far this Friday. Altemeyer said teachers will then see the new pay rate reflected in the next paycheck.
Meanwhile, Hamilton Southeastern Schools has reached a tentative agreement with its teachers' union.
The deal would, among other benefits, boost base salary for returning teachers by $1,400.
The Board of Trustees is set to hold a public hearing on the agreement Thursday at 5 p.m.
ISTA President Keith Gambill shared the following statement with 13News on Tuesday:
“We are proud of our members who take on the responsibility of bargaining for their districts, ensuring that educators are fairly compensated for their dedication to Indiana’s students. The collective bargaining process, while not perfect, continues to demonstrate that collaboration between teachers and administrators can lead to meaningful agreements that benefit schools and communities.
However, the potential for what could be achieved is far greater. With stronger investments from the legislature, teachers and administrators would have the resources needed to make even more significant strides in pay. Educators deserve compensation that reflects their vital role in shaping Indiana’s future, and we will continue advocating for legislative support to make this a reality.”
