The North Judson-San Pierre School Board members opened a public hearing Thursday afternoon to take public comments on the proposed teacher contract in the collective bargaining process.
Superintendent Dr. Annette Zupin said the corporation was able to update the salary range.
“Our salary range will be from $40,500 to $70,500,” explained Dr. Zupin. “The beginning teacher pay used to be $36,800 and so now we are offering beginning teachers $40,500. We feel like the beginning teacher pay is very competitive and that we can attract some teachers and will be able to retain our quality teachers here.”
Dr. Zupin added that the agreement also incorporates a new salary grid/schedule.
“That way when teachers are placed on the grid it is based on their years of experience and their educational level. So now we have a place, a starting point, to put the teachers. Also, the grid helps tighten up the gap between veteran teachers and new teachers. We feel like every experience level is now appropriate and pretty competitive and that was important as well,” said Dr. Zupin.
Other highlights of the agreement include the corporation’s contribution toward employee health insurance, and there were increases in the extra-curricular activity schedule in order to be competitive with neighboring school districts and state averages.
Dr. Zupin stated North Judson-San Pierre School Corporation Teacher Association President Eric Gappa was in attendance and said that the teachers were “happy with the proposal and thankful for what the school corporation was able to offer.”
The North Judson-San Pierre School Board members will meet in special session Tuesday, November 9 at 5:30 p.m. CT in the Administration Building to approve the contract as presented during the public hearing.
