According to the Grand Rapids School District, the two-year contract increases teachers’ starting wages, including increases with each year of employment, and teachers would get their increase retroactively for the start of this school year.
President of the Grand Rapids Education Association, Matt Marlow.
“Make no mistake that these gains were achieved because everybody stood together, showed up and made their voices heard.”
While the GREA, the union representing teachers, and the board of education both still need to ratify the agreement, individual GRPS employees could get $2,000 to more than $10,000 in pay depending on their years of service and education level.
“All members in good standing have an opportunity to vote and ratify this contract. They can either say ‘yea’ or ‘nay.’ So, that would be the next step.”
In a statement, Superintendent Dr. Leadriane Roby said, “We are confident this agreement will help retain our exceptional teachers and staff, while also attracting new educators to our district.”
The tentative agreement was reached with the help of a state-appointed mediator and comes after months of negotiations between the two parties.
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