ST. LOUIS — Teachers and staff at St. Louis Public Schools will receive their largest pay increase in nearly two decades after a new union contract was agreed on with the district.
The contract that was approved by the St. Louis Board of Education will give teachers a 17% pay increase over the next three years. Special education teachers will see a 22% increase over three years.
All other employees represented by the American Federation of Teachers Local 420 will receive at least a 10% increase over the term of the deal, a press release said.
"Our focus is on ensuring competitive salaries and fostering an environment where everyone can succeed," Superintendent Dr. Keisha Scarlett said in a statement. "Today's achievements mark a significant milestone for our teachers, and consequently, a wonderful advancement for every child in St. Louis."
Nearly 80% of members approved the contract, according to Union President Ray Cummings.
"This agreement demonstrates a real, good faith, effort to recruit and retain our dedicated workforce," Cummings said in a statement. "We look forward to our continued partnership with Superintendent Scarlett and the elected St. Louis Board of Education. We are better together in the often very challenging but rewarding work of putting children and families of the City of St. Louis at the center of our endeavors. We are better working together."
Raises will take effect beginning on July 1, 2024.
During a press conference Wednesday, Dr. Scarlett highlighted the importance of this increase.
"This is indeed a great day for teachers, for educators, for our school teams, and really for our entire city. What makes this a great day for every child in the city of St. Louis is the fact that we're partnering together to just get stronger and get better every single day for our students," she said.
Board President, Toni Cousins, said this is just the start of moving the district forward.
"We have to make sure we're supporting our teachers. When we support our teachers, we definitely know we will see the impact that it will have on our students and families," she said.
It's an impact that boy union and district leaders believe will be a model for others, and one, that's only getting started.
"It's going to take all of us. We have to understand that education is the heart of any community, this is where it starts," Cousins said.
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