The Rossville Consolidated School District Board of Education ratified the master contract with the Rossville Classroom Teachers Association last night, Nov. 12, which marks a step toward providing locally competitive salaries and benefits for the district’s educators.
The new agreement includes a revised healthcare contribution from the Board, providing a maximum annual support of $7,400 for single plans and $14,200 for family plans, effective Jan. 1. This adjustment acknowledges the increased healthcare premiums voted on by the MASE Insurance Trust in late September.
The ratified contract also includes updates to compensation and leave provisions. In addition to base salary adjustments, qualifying teachers will see a $500 salary increase tied to performance evaluations rated “effective” or “highly effective” during the previous school year and a one-time $250 stipend for those with a full year of service in 2023-2024. New teachers hired before bargaining will align with a salary base of no less than $44,500, ensuring equitable pay for all educators.
An adjustment to bereavement leave was also included in the contract, now allowing leave within 20 consecutive days of a family member’s passing, with the Superintendent authorized to extend this timeframe under extenuating circumstances. These modifications demonstrate the Board’s support for its teaching staff’s personal and professional lives.
In addition to the contract ratification, the Board addressed several other agenda items:
- Teacher Appreciation Grant Stipend: Anticipating state-funded stipends for teachers with “effective” or “highly effective” evaluations, the Board approved the distribution plan. These funds will be disbursed within 20 days of receipt to qualifying teachers employed by December 1, 2024.
- Financial Matters: The Board reviewed and approved minutes from the October 1 and November 7 sessions, payroll, and claims dockets. A public hearing was also held on a proposed $150,000 additional appropriation to the Education Fund for the 2024 budget.
- Policy Updates: In collaboration with the Indiana School Boards Association (ISBA), comprehensive revisions to the district’s policy manual were approved to ensure alignment with best practices.
- Donations and Field Trips: The Board accepted several donations, including $3,000 for the Augmentative and Alternative Communication Lending Library, and approved out-of-state field trips for the senior class and the Class Act & Rossville Singers.
