Indianapolis, Indiana – Indianapolis Public Schools has taken a significant step toward stability for both staff and students as the Board of School Commissioners voted to officially ratify the new collective bargaining agreement with the Indianapolis Education Association. The approval, finalized during a special meeting on Nov. 13, marks the end of months of negotiation and sets the financial and structural framework for educators across the district for the next two school years.
The agreement, which covers the 2025–26 and 2026–27 academic years, had already secured support from IEA members, who ratified it on Oct. 28. Their vote confirmed a tentative deal shaped through a long, detailed bargaining process between union leaders and district representatives. With the Board’s formal approval now complete, IPS educators have clarity on wages, benefits, and role expectations moving forward.
While the new contract keeps many existing structures in place, several adjustments stand out. The agreement features upgrades to wages and leave benefits, along with clearer guidelines for ad hoc pay eligibility. There is also a restructuring of ancillary positions and teacher-leader roles—changes aimed at making expectations more consistent across schools. District-wide 403(b) plan revisions have also been formally captured in the agreement, giving employees a clearer understanding of available retirement options.
The compensation package lays out a two-year pay plan that modestly raises the base salary for teachers. In the first year, educators will receive a 2.5% increase to base pay. The second year provides a 1.5% increase. These adjustments signal the district’s continued effort to keep salaries competitive while balancing long-term financial planning.
The agreement also establishes new minimum starting salaries: $54,800 for 2025–26 and $55,600 for 2026–27. An added literacy endorsement has been incorporated into the compensation structure as well, recognizing the growing emphasis on literacy instruction statewide. Meanwhile, the minimum pay levels for ancillary duties and teacher-leader positions will remain unchanged, though IPS will maintain the flexibility to set rates above the required minimums if needed.
District officials emphasized that the ratification provides stability as IPS continues working toward higher student achievement. The finalized agreement ensures that educators have both financial predictability and clarity about their roles, which district leaders say is essential for maintaining focus on instructional quality. Union representatives have also pointed to the contract as a balanced step forward—one that supports teachers while giving the district room to adapt to evolving needs.
With the new collective bargaining agreement now in place, IPS and the IEA move into the next two years with shared expectations and renewed commitment. The approval marks another chapter in ongoing efforts to strengthen the district’s workforce and ultimately benefit the students who rely on its schools every day.
