ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - St. Louis Public Schools' (SLPS) teachers and staff represented by the American Federation of Teachers Local 420 have agreed to a contract that gives teachers a 17% raise over the span of three years.
The St. Louis City Board of Education approved the three-year deal Tuesday night. The agreement comes after Superintendent Dr. Keisha Scarlett stepped in and embraced collaboration with Local 420 leadership to make sure salaries for teachers and staff keep up with competition.
In a statement sent to KMOX, Dr. Scarlett said these are necessary improvements.
"Our focus is on ensuring competitive salaries and fostering an environment where everyone can succeed. [Tuesday's] achievements mark a significant milestone for our teachers, and consequently, a wonderful advancement for every child in St. Louis," Dr. Scarlett said.
Members of the Local 420 teachers' union overwhelmingly approved the wage change by 78%. Union President Ray Cummings said this agreement demonstrates a real effort to recruit educators.
"We are better together in the often very challenging but rewarding work of putting children and families of the City of St. Louis at the center of our endeavors," Cummings said. "We really are better working together."
The increase will start with a 7% jump in 2025 and an additional 5% raise the following two years. Special education teachers will get even more money, with a 10% raise for 2025 and a total of 22% over the three-year period.
Everyone else in the Local 420 will receive at least a 10% increase over that time. Trade workers represented by the union are also included in this, for the first time ever. Saint Louis Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Keisha Scarlett will hold a press conference on Tuesday to discuss the deal.
The raises take effect on July 1st.