The Rossville Consolidated School District Board of Education unanimously approved the 2026-2027 teacher contract during its Nov. 10 meeting, authorizing salary increases for eligible teachers and higher district contributions toward employee health insurance.
The agreement between the district and the Rossville Classroom Teachers Association covers July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. Representatives reached a tentative agreement on Oct. 23.
Under the approved compensation plan, eligible teachers will receive an $800 increase to their base salaries based on their previous year’s evaluations. Teachers must have earned an effective or highly effective rating and worked at least 120 days during the prior year to qualify.
An additional base salary increase of up to $200 is available to teachers initially qualifying under the contract’s academic need category, which addresses qualifications for Indiana College Core dual credit courses or assignments to comparable Advanced Placement courses.
The agreement also provides a separate $200 base salary differential for teachers whose valid Indiana teaching licenses include a literacy endorsement. The differential is awarded only once and requires documentation and district verification.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, the district’s annual health insurance contribution will increase by $500 for both coverage levels, bringing its contribution to $9,000 for single coverage and $16,000 for family coverage.
Starting pay for a teacher with no experience or additional educational attainment is $46,500, or $46,700 with a literacy endorsement. New teacher salary bands range from $46,500 to $62,000, depending on experience and educational attainment. The agreement allows starting salaries up to $3,000 above the applicable band for certain high-need positions or positions attracting three or fewer qualified applicants.
The contract also increases the base used to calculate extracurricular compensation from $46,000 to $46,500.
Board members approved the master contract and several personnel appointments in a single unanimous vote.
Kyle McMains was approved as a temporary, part-time agriculture teacher beginning Nov. 11 and continuing through the remainder of the school year. His compensation will equal four-sevenths of a base teacher contract, prorated for 120 days.
Nicolis Halsema was approved as a computer technician, with his start contingent on successfully completing a background check. Kaitlin Green was approved as a substitute teacher.
Carlee Potts was appointed to a special needs teaching position beginning Nov. 30. Her annual compensation of $60,500 will be prorated for the remaining days of the contract.
In other business, the board unanimously approved five policies following their second reading. New policies address board membership in state and national organizations and teaching controversial subjects. Revised policies concern board-superintendent relations, disclosure of education records and investment of public funds.
The meeting also recognized Joe Hufford for more than 13 years of school board service, including 12 years as board president. Interviews with Clay Township school board candidates Joseph Cadwell and Ashley Brunton were included on the agenda.
Members unanimously approved the Nov. 3 regular-session minutes, claims, and payroll. Field trip reports listed Dec. 7 visits to the Rossville Community Library for both morning and afternoon preschool classes.
The board’s next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 1, at 7 p.m.