The School Committee’s proposed salary structure recognizes teachers for their time teaching, their education, and professional licensure. The proposal invests $8.7 million more in teachers salaries over three years, while dramatically reducing their work hours.
“We value our teachers, their professional expertise, and their personal connections to our students,” said HPS School Committee Vice Chair Devin Sheehan. “We want to keep our teachers in Holyoke.”
The School Committee’s proposal for teachers is highly competitive, offering a starting salary of $55,000 for a new teacher in Holyoke with a bachelor’s degree this year—rising to $56,650 next year. This salary would lead the pack of nine nearby districts: Agawam, Chicopee, Easthampton, Ludlow, Northampton, South Hadley, Springfield, West Springfield, and Westfield. Holyoke’s proposed salaries for early-to-mid-career and more experienced educators and teachers also ranks third among the comparison districts. See comparison charts, below.
The School Committee’s most recent proposal includes more than a 20% aggregate increase on average over three years, representing an average increase of $12,500 per teacher and an $8.7 million investment in teachers’ salaries. This is an addition to the 19.6% increase received in the previous teachers contract over three years.
Related news stories:
Proposed teacher contract recognizes value of professional licensure
Proposed contract provides salary increases for new and veteran teachers
