The Talawanda Board of Education has approved a three-year labor contract with the Talawanda Educator Association and a three-year contract with the Talawanda Classified Staff Association. Under these contracts, approved at the March 21 meeting, staff members and teachers will receive salary increases totaling 9 percent over the next three years.
“The specific amount of the raise for each individual depends on the years of service and, for teachers, the amount of college coursework beyond the bachelor’s they have done,” said board president Rebecca Howard.
In December, classified staff were given a $2 per hour increase on their base pay. Many of these staff members will see a greater overall increase in the contract percentages based on years of service, she said.
“Talawanda teachers are, on average, paid comparably to other districts,” Howard said. Teacher retention is also high. However, she said that is not the case with non-teaching staff.
“Even with the increase to the base, on average a little lower than comparable districts, though the base increase and new contract will help. We do have a higher turnover rate among classified staff than among teachers, and we are hopeful that the increase will help to address that challenge,” said Howard.
Shaunna Tafelski, treasurer and chief financial officer for the district is still forecasting the total cost for the district of the raises.
Bethany Kuhl, a third-grade teacher at Kramer Elementary, received the Teckman Award presented by Betsy Hope, executive director of the Greater Oxford Community Foundation. The award was established in 1997 by Charles and Joan Teckman in honor of their parents who were both educators. The award honors current and retired Talawanda District teachers, administrators and staff.
Athletic director Jake Richardson spoke on a winter sports recap. Talawanda Middle School students Addyson Brechin and Chloe Goodman presented a virtual tour of the school.
The superintendent’s report included discussions on an administration tiered and salary schedule and the start and end times for the 2024-2025 school year.
The next board meeting is April 11.
