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KMOV-TV SLPS Teacher Raise Is Largest In Almost Two Decades March 6, 2024

SLPS teachers to get largest pay increase in almost two decades, district says

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - The St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) have reached an agreement on a new contract that gives the teachers their largest pay increase in almost 20 years.

The new agreement includes a 17 percent pay increase over the next three years, including a seven percent increase in 2025. The deal also includes a 22 percent increase for special education teachers over three years, and “trade” workers will also be represented by the AFT Local 420.

According to SLPS Superintendent Dr. Keisha Scarlett, the salary increases will cost the district about $24 million dollars, with $10 million in related costs the first year of the contract, followed by around $7 million in costs during the second and third years.

“We don’t have all the money for it, but what we do have are reserves to support this,” she said. “We want to put those reserves to a good cause, they’re intended for that purpose, and at the same time, there will be some ways we need to tighten our belts.”

Dr. Scarlett pointed to the recent passage of Prop S by voters, allowing the district to pay for construction and capital projects, rather than drawing from its general operating budget. In turn, she said, those dollars can be repurposed into going toward investments in staff and teachers.

“All of these kids, they’re amazing, and they deserve every opportunity that could be handed to them and that’s why we’re here,” said Jami Edwards, a second-grade teacher at Patrick Henry Elementary. “I think it shows the promise of the district and how they’re willing to invest in their teachers. A lot of districts would be willing to just stay stagnant and not continue to evolve, change and grow.”

The new contract will also provide compensation for staff previously not receiving pay for inclement weather days, up to two full days. AFT Local 420 said its voting members improved the district’s offer by 78 percent, with everyone represented by the union receiving at least a 10 percent raise over the three-year contract.

Please click HERE to view the story on KMOV.COM.