Copyright M Live Michigan
KALAMAZOO, MI -- Kalamazoo Public Schools teachers are receiving a 4% pay increase. The KPS Board of Trustees approved a new contract with the Kalamazoo Education Association at a Wednesday, Oct. 29 board meeting. “We got what we wanted,” said Heather Reid, KEA president. A 2.29% pay increase will apply directly to base salaries. An additional 1.71% increase results from other changes to the collective bargaining agreement, resulting in a net 4% increase, according to the meeting agenda. Teachers will also receive a $650 stipend for planning time, the agenda said. The newly agreed pay rate will retroactively apply from the start of the school year, Reid said. Ideally, the contract would have been negotiated before the year began, Reid said. Base pay for a teacher with a bachelor’s degree for the 2024-25 school year started at $45,768.30, according to the 2024-25 union contract. Prior to the contract’s approval, Reid pointed to district improvements like higher test scores, improved attendance and more students enrolling in AP classes to support why teachers deserve a pay increase. “We have really worked hard with our students,” Reid said. “We always have, but we’ve definitely been working hard to improve scores and we’re seeing that.” Kalamazoo teachers received a 2.5% pay increase ahead of the 2024-25 school year and a 6.5% pay increase ahead of the 2023-24 school year.
