Little Miami teachers receive first pay increase in four years

Teachers in the Little Miami Schools are receiving their first pay increase in four years this month.

A one-year agreement approved by both the Little Miami Teachers Association and the board of education, gives teachers a 1.5 percent increase on base salaries.

First year teachers with a bachelor’s degree now earn $39,672 annually, said Melinda Briggs, district spokesperson. That increases to $40,267 under the new contract.

“The board is very sensitive to the fact that Little Miami just came out of fiscal emergency three months ago. We are watching every dollar so we can avoid being in the same situation in the future,’’ said Stephanie Black, board president.

“The board appreciates the continued hard work our teachers have done educating our students through these tough times…this agreement was a fair compromise between the teachers and the community.”

The agreement also calls for teachers to receive a one-time, $500 stipend. That will be paid in December, Briggs said.

The agreement affects the 212 members of the association that also represents other certified employees, but not administrators.

Other changes in the contract include increasing the annual stipend for mentor teachers from $500 to $750. It also calls for moving a pre-opening professional development day to inside the school year.

“The teachers came to the negotiating table with the knowledge that Little Miami still owes $2 million in loan payments to the state,’’ said Superintendent Greg Powers.

“Our administration knew that our teachers have weathered a stormy four years while still providing a quality educational experience to our students. This agreement takes both of these into account, and we’re grateful for the hard work both sides have put into it.”