Photo courtesy of brigitsnow
The Philadelphia School District and its largest union just offered Philadelphia teachers a contract deal worth $100 million, according to The Inquirer.
The Inquirer detailed the logistics of the contract, which would include restoration of pay bumps of about 5 to 8 percent for years of experience, also known as “step” increases and would include incentive bonuses over the life of the four-year pact for teachers that work hard to staff schools. The deal would also give 2.5 percent raises in January to the teachers who are currently being paid the most, and then a 1 percent increase to those teachers in September and 0.5 percent increases in 2018 and 2019. Until the deal, teachers will receive no cost of living increase and will not be paid for the years they went without raises or step increases.
The district’s offer was made in early Nov. and would take effect Jan. 1. However, The Inquirer reports that the district is dealing with financial challenges. The district still projects a $500 million deficit by 2021 even before paying the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers. PFT President Jerry Jordan and superintendent William R. Hite Jr. have differing ideas on the proposed work-rule changes, but are currently working with a mediator to come up with a proposal both sides agree with, according to the article.
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
Donate