The Rossville Consolidated School District (RCSD) and the Rossville Classroom Teachers Association (RCTA) have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract focusing on salaries, benefits, and teacher support. After several discussions, which considered various factors critical to the district’s fiscal health and teacher needs, the Board of Education is set to finalize the contract at its meeting on Nov. 12, 2024.
Key Factors in the Negotiations
Negotiations centered around state-mandated restrictions and funding limitations unique to Indiana’s educational system. Significant factors included:
- Budget Constraints and Compliance: The contract, limited to salary, wages, and wage-related benefits, complies with Indiana’s legal requirements for school funding. State law mandates that school districts avoid deficit financing, meaning the contract must balance available resources without overextending financially.
- Enrollment-Driven Revenue: RCSD’s funding is largely determined by state funding, which is based partly on student enrollment. The district works within these parameters to maintain a sustainable budget that aligns with changes in student numbers.
- State Biennial Budgeting: Indiana’s Legislative Branch develops a biennial budget, constraining funding across state schools. With the new 2025-2027 budget cycle beginning in January 2025, the contract has been crafted to meet current needs and anticipated legislative developments.
The tentative agreement, approved by representatives from RCSD and RCTA on Oct. 4, 2024, was ratified by RCTA members on October 10, 2024. RCSD has made the agreement available on its website, www.rcsd.k12.in.us.
Contract Provisions
The tentative agreement, developed with both teacher support and district sustainability in mind, includes significant updates and adjustments:
- Health Insurance Contributions: Responding to recent changes in health insurance costs, the district increased its contribution to teacher health insurance premiums, setting a maximum of $7,400 for single plans and $14,200 for family plans, effective January 1, 2025. This adjustment came after an RCTA request to reopen the contract due to the September 26, 2024, rate increase determined by the MASE Insurance Trust.
- Compensation:
- Performance-Based Increases: Teachers with an effective or highly effective evaluation will receive a $500 increase in their base salary for the 2024-2025 school year. Part-time teachers will receive prorated increases.
- One-Time Stipend: Teachers who completed a full year of service during the 2023-2024 school year are eligible for a one-time stipend of $250, prorated for part-time staff. This stipend is a one-time payment distributed across regular salary payments.
- New Hire Salary Range: The contract sets competitive salary ranges for new hires based on years of experience, from $44,500 to $62,000, ensuring all full-time teachers start at a minimum salary of $44,500.
- Defined Salary Ranges and Compensation Plan:
- Appendix C – Compensation Model: This section details the salary range and stipends to ensure teachers are compensated for experience and effective performance evaluations.
- New Salary Range: Under the contract, teachers’ salaries will range from $44,500 to $76,855, depending on experience and performance.
The district and RCTA have worked to establish a structure that rewards effective teaching while remaining within budget limits. To ensure only effective or highly effective teachers receive increases, eligibility criteria include a satisfactory evaluation and meeting the minimum days of contracted service in the prior school year.
The board held a public meeting on Oct. 7, 2024, to solicit feedback on the tentative agreement. The final consideration will be on Nov. 12, 2024, at the Board of Education’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
For more information on the tentative agreement and upcoming board meeting, visit RCSD’s website at www.rcsd.k12.in.us.
