District adjusts teacher pay schedule for extended-year schools amid calendar changes

Teachers in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) will soon see changes to their pay schedules as the board moves to streamline the academic calendar. During the CMSD Board of Education meeting on April 15, 2025, officials discussed the implications of aligning pay dates for teachers at extended year and traditional schools. The proposed changes aim to address a pay gap that occurs when teachers at extended year schools receive their first paycheck on August 5, while those at traditional schools receive theirs on August 20.

To mitigate this gap, the district plans to maintain the August 5 pay date for teachers on non-traditional calendars, allowing them to plan their finances more effectively. This approach is designed to provide continuity and support for teachers as they transition to the new schedule. However, officials acknowledged that a pay gap would still exist regardless of when the changes are implemented.

Communication was highlighted as a key focus, with plans to inform teachers and families about the new calendar and its impacts. The district will provide updates through various channels, including FAQs and notes on report cards indicating the first day of school for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Additionally, the board discussed the potential reduction of instructional time due to the new schedule, which could result in a decrease of approximately 6000 minutes of classroom instruction over the school year. The curriculum and instruction team is currently revising scope and sequence documents to align with the traditional school day, ensuring that teachers are equipped to adapt to the changes.

The board is set to present a list of new start and end times for the upcoming school year at the next meeting on April 29. This transition is part of a broader effort to streamline operations within the district while maintaining educational quality for students. As the district moves forward, it remains committed to supporting teachers and families through this adjustment.