Gary teachers and the Gary Community School Corp. have reached a tentative contract agreement that’s expected to be ratified by the board on Nov. 13 after a public hearing.
On Thursday, the school board heard the details of the two-year contract that’s already been ratified by the Gary Teachers Union Local 14.
The new contract increases the salary for a first-year teacher’s salary to $51,884. Teachers at the top of the pay scale received an increase to $83,200.
Teachers will receive a $1,000 increase to their base salary and $500 based on evaluation if they’re rated effective/highly effective.
Teachers who obtain a literacy endorsement before Jan. 31, 2026, will receive a base pay increase of $250.
Experienced teachers with 120 days of service in the district will receive two $500 stipends as long as they’re employed by the district at the time of stipend distribution.
Teachers who aren’t absent during the quarter will receive a $300 stipend. They’ll receive $200 if they miss one day.
The contract includes a reopener clause on wages for the 2026-27 school year.
Glen Eva Dunham, president of the teachers union, said Senate Enrolled Act 1 sent a chill through bargaining talks.
“And everybody is real squeamish about SEA 1,” she said, referring to the new property tax law that’s expected to cost the Gary district $12.5 million in tax revenue over the next three years.
“My teachers were not pleased. The state has a lot to do with the predicament we’re in,” said Dunham.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
