In a speedy virtual public meeting Monday, officials signed a contract cementing the pact between the Gary Community School Corp. and its teachers.
The contract, signed simultaneously by district manager Paige McNulty and GlenEva Dunham, president of the Gary Teachers Union, expires July 1, 2022. It’s retroactive to Aug. 1.
Last month, a state-appointed mediator was appointed to help broker an agreement after talks broke down.
“We worked hard to come to a positive resolution for both teachers and students,” said McNulty.
Dunham said Monday she was looking forward to the next bargaining round involving the district’s paraprofessionals, who assist teachers in the classroom.
Teachers ratified their contract Dec. 17 and the state Distressed Unit Appeal Board approved it Dec. 21.
It provides a 3% raise and up to $7,000 in incentives for reaching certain bench marks. It increases the average beginning salary to about $48,000.
Earlier, McNulty said the contract will encourage teachers to assist the district in improving student achievement.
Teachers can receive incentive money if student performance improves, for good attendance and for remaining with the district.
Teachers were also encouraged to take daily attendance records in their classrooms.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
