Teachers union presents step-and-lane pay chart, district counters with 2-year offer; both sides open to talks

The Ithaca Teachers Association (ITA) opened formal bargaining with a package of salary proposals that includes a three‑year step‑and‑lane salary schedule, a minimum annual cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA), and technical language clean‑ups to embed the new chart in the collective bargaining agreement.

The district said it is receptive to discussion but proposed a shorter, two‑year agreement and requested data and clarifications before finalizing chart placement and cost estimates. District finance staff framed the trade‑offs in dollars and budget timing during the meeting.

Why it matters: Both sides tied the compensation proposals to the district’s fiscal calendar and to state aid and tax‑levy projections. The district emphasized that average percentage increases implied by the ITA chart would have material budget implications and may require either larger tax levies or program cuts if not matched by state aid increases.

Key details - ITA proposal: Create a step‑and‑lane system to restructure teacher salaries over a three‑year period, with an illustrative year‑one boost built into the chart and a contemplated ongoing COLA thereafter. ITA representatives described the chart as producing an average 8% increase…