Washington Twp. Schools Approved Pay Increases for Teachers and Non-Teaching Staff – Indianapolis News | Indiana weather | Indiana Traffic

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Washington County School Board on Wednesday approved a “significant” salary increase in hopes of recognizing the hard work of teachers and the “critical role they play” in the future of their students.

The resolution approved by the board would enact a $4,000 base salary increase and offer a one-time $1,300 stipend to all eligible teachers.

School officials say this is an average increase of 8.5% in total compensation for the 2024-25 school year.

Washington County Superintendent Nikki Woodson said in a news release that the increase is a reflection of the district’s “gratitude for (teachers’) dedication and our commitment to providing the resources and support they need to continue their important work in the classroom.”

“Our teachers are the heart of our schools, and we recognize the vital role they play in promoting student growth and achievement,” Woodson added.

The salary increase does not only apply to teachers. School officials say the board also approved “significant compensation increases” for non-teaching staff, including “teaching assistants, cafeteria staff, school resource officers, custodians, transportation staff and many other critical positions.”

Salary increases have been ongoing for several years, with teachers seeing the “highest salary increases” in district history, according to the school.