The Knoxville Education Association and Knoxville School Board are foregoing initial offers on a new contract this negotiation season. KEA President Matt Heston read a joint opening statement, as the law requires, at the most recent school board meeting.
“The Knoxville CSD and the Knoxville EA will work together to develop a master contract that maintains competitive wages and benefits to retain and attract quality employees. We agree that the Knoxville Community School District is a lighthouse district for central Iowa staff, students and parents. Through collaborative efforts, we will ensure that there is a culture of excellence for every student,” the statement reads. The KEA represents certified teachers. Contract negotiations began before the board knew how much state aid it can expect in the next fiscal year. The House suggested 3 percent, but no final agreement among the House, Senate and Governor has been reached. Discussions are ongoing at the Legislature regarding the Governor’s proposal to increase the minimum teacher’s salary to $50,000 annually. Rep. Bill Gustoff is floor managing HSB 714, the bill addressing these topics.
“Our bill increases the minimum teacher salary from the current amount of $33,500 to $47,500 beginning next year and then bumps it up again to $50,000 for the following year and beyond,” Gustoff wrote. “Based on the information I have, $47,500 would make Iowa’s starting teacher pay at 12th in the nation and $50,000 would make Iowa fifth in the nation. At the same time, Iowa ranks as the fifth lowest cost of living among the 50 states and the District of Columbia, so that should mean Iowa’s starting teachers would have more purchasing power with their pay than those in perhaps any other state.”
