SWP Approves Collective Bargaining Agreement

By Mark Spelbring

Sentinel Reporter

The Southwest Parke School Board agreed to proposed teacher salary increases of $5,000 for the current year and an additional $2,000 for the 2024-25 school year at their November 8 meeting.  The increases were the result of collective bargaining with the Southwest Parke Education Association.  Superintendent Dr. Phil Harrison noted the board was able to be generous because their finances are in good shape with increased state funding and having more students than initially expected.

The increases were described as $1,000 step increases each year, along with a $4,000 increase to each salary level the first year and $1,000 to each level the second year of the two year contract. In addition, the board agreed to adding additional steps for Bachelors level teachers, and adding a longevity benefit to be paid each year as a stipend with various levels for various years of service. The 75% contribution paid toward insurance will also continue.  It was noted that if student numbers fall below a set level in the fall of 2024, the salary schedule would be frozen at the end of the 2023-24 contract year.

For the full story, see the November 15 edition of the Parke County Sentinel.